Principal Engineer (Projects)

The Principal Engineer, Projects is a senior technical leader supporting the development, construction and delivery of large-scale renewable energy projects across Australia, including solar, wind and battery storage. This role provides expert technical guidance across the full project lifecycle, ensuring high-quality, compliant and fit‑for‑purpose engineering outcomes. Acting as a trusted advisor to project teams, you will contribute to complex technical decision‑making, manage engineering risks and support the continuous improvement of technical capability across the business. Key Responsibilities: Technical Review & Assurance Lead and undertake independent technical reviews of project designs, layouts, specifications and engineering deliverables across development and construction phases. Provide technical assurance that designs meet VEA standards, contractual requirements, regulatory approvals and industry best practice. Review and challenge assumptions, performance modelling, layouts, equipment selection and design decisions to optimise outcomes and minimise risk. Support technical sign‑off processes and recommendations to senior management as required. Project Engineering (Development & Construction) Provide senior technical input across project development and delivery, including preliminary design, detailed design review, construction and commissioning support. Contribute to and review technical and contract specifications (RFQs, EPC, equipment supply, O&M, grid connection). Support project teams with complex engineering issues, trade‑off assessments and problem resolution. Undertake site inspections, audits and technical reviews during construction and commissioning as required. Provide technical input to acquisition due diligence and new site identification activities. Technical Risk Management Identify, assess and advise on key technical risks throughout the project lifecycle. Support Safety in Design processes and review technical risk registers. Ensure appropriate allocation of technical risk within contracts and specifications. Provide clear advice on engineering trade‑offs (cost, performance, schedule, environment, safety, long‑term O&M). Permitting, Compliance & Standards Provide technical input to development applications, approval modifications and regulatory submissions. Monitor compliance of engineering designs and delivery against approvals, standards and contractual obligations. Keep abreast of relevant legislative, grid, construction and technical standard changes impacting projects. Mentoring & Technical Capability Development (Non‑People Leadership) Provide coaching, mentoring and technical guidance to project engineers and junior engineers. Act as a technical reference point across the team, sharing knowledge, lessons learned and best practice. Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, templates and standards. Support development of technical capability without formal line management or performance accountability. Stakeholder & Consultant Engagement Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders including development, construction, operations, grid and commercial teams. Provide technical interface with EPC contractors, OEMs, consultants and network service providers as required. Review and manage outputs from external consultants from a technical quality and scope perspective (without contractual management accountability). Prerequisites: Bachelor of Science or Engineering, preferably with a major in Electrical Engineering Minimum 10 years’ experience in project engineering within renewable energy or large infrastructure projects. Demonstrated experience providing senior technical review and assurance across project lifecycles. Advanced project engineering and design review capability Electrical design, SLDs, protection, SCADA and communications Renewable power plant design and performance assessment Construction and commissioning technical support Technical risk analysis and mitigation Strong analytical and problem solving skills Clear written and verbal technical communication Ability to mentor and guide others without formal authority Stakeholder engagement and influence at senior technical levels Are you ready to engineer a greener future? At Vena Energy, we believe in a world with no compromises, where the strength of our business lies in the diversity of our people. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Vena Energy is dedicated to our mission of accelerating the transition to sustainable and affordable renewable energy that delivers lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits to our host communities and stakeholders. Together, we are actively working to combat climate change, and we invite you to join us in engineering a greener and more sustainable future. Are you ready to engineer a greener future? Submit your contact details and resume to become part of our talent community. If a position that aligns with your skills and experience becomes available, our recruiters will reach out to you directly.