Job Description

Commissioning Engineer – Primary & Secondary Systems

We are seeking a talented and driven Commissioning Engineer to join a leading team in Victoria. This role provides the opportunity to be integral in commissioning critical electrical systems across the region and to contribute to the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure.

Position Details

Location: Various project sites (Victoria)
Employment Type: Full-time / Project-based

About the Role

As the Commissioning Engineer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient commissioning of primary electrical plant and secondary protection, control, and communication systems. You’ll be working on transmission and distribution projects to deliver new assets, undertake upgrades, and carry out maintenance in strict alignment with industry standards and regulations.

This opportunity enables you to work on diverse and challenging projects while enhancing your technical acumen in the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

Primary Commissioning

• Commission high-voltage primary plant, including power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnectors, earthing switches, instrument transformers (CTs, VTs), busbars, and associated HV equipment.
• Conduct pre-commissioning inspections, testing, and acceptance checks.
• Verify installation, wiring, phasing, polarity, and functionality of primary assets.
• Coordinate energisation activities and switching within approved procedures.
• Identify defects, raise punch lists, and support rectification as necessary.
• Ensure commissioned plant aligns with design intent and operations safety.

Secondary Commissioning

• Handle the commissioning of protection, control, metering, and communication systems. Systems may include:
  • Protection relays, control and interlocking systems.
  • SCADA and remote terminal units (RTUs).
  • Metering and disturbance recording systems.
• Perform relay testing, logic verification, and complete end-to-end protection schemes.
• Validate protection settings and coordination.
• Coordinate functional tests with Network Control and Operations teams.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to stringent safety management systems and comply with:
  • Victorian Electricity Safety Rules
  • Electrical Safety Act
  • All other related regulations and standards.
• Conduct risk assessments, toolbox talks, and pre-start meetings.
• Prepare and review Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and commissioning plans.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare and update documentation such as commissioning plans, procedures, and test records.
• Finalize as-built documentation and comprehensive commissioning reports.
• Streamline handover processes for completed assets to the Operations team.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Liaise effectively with internal departments (Project Managers, Construction teams, Engineers, Designers) and external stakeholders (clients, contractors, OEMs, and Network Operations teams).
• Support planning and approval for outages, switching coordination, and energisation schedules.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or Diploma in Electrical Engineering or an Electrical Trade background with substantial commissioning experience.
• 3–5 years of hands-on commissioning experience in substation or HV systems.
• Proven expertise in both primary and secondary system commissioning.
• Comprehensive understanding of transmission and distribution networks.
• Previous experience in Australian electricity networks is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in high-voltage systems, up to transmission voltage levels.
• Hands-on experience with protection relays (e.g., ABB, Siemens, SEL, Schneider).
• Competency in performing secondary injection testing and primary injection testing.
• Knowledge of SCADA and communication systems.
• Strong ability to interpret electrical drawings and protection schemes.
• Familiarity with Australian Standards (AS, IEC) and utility sector regulations.

Personal Attributes

• Strong health, safety, and environmental focus.
• High level of attention to detail, prioritizing accuracy in documentation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with large teams.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside standard hours during outages or emergencies.

Desirable Skills

• HV Switching Authority or the ability to gain certification.
• Current White Card and other relevant electrical licences.
• Expertise in Victorian DNSP standards.
• Familiarity with live substation (brownfield) commissioning.

Why Join the Team?

By joining this organization, you will gain:

• A competitive remuneration package with excellent benefits.
• Exciting career development opportunities and the chance to grow in your role.
• Exposure to diverse and challenging energy-related projects.
• The chance to work with a supportive and skilled team in a safety-first work environment.

Join a team at the forefront of shaping Victoria's energy future while working with one of the most reputable players in the field. If you’re looking to advance your career and take on some of the most impactful energy projects in the region, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready to make your mark? Apply now!