Project Hydrogen Dune
Title: Senior Grid Connection Engineer
Location: Sydney, AU
Company: Altenso Australia Pty Ltd
Job Type: Full time
Your role - purpose & impact
The Senior Grid Connection Manager leads the technical and regulatory sales and delivery of grid connection and performance compliance for NEM or WEM connected assets (standalone storage and hybrid). The role is responsible for preparing and executing modelling studies, connection applications, validation & verification (R0, R1, R2 as well as HIL) as required under the National Electricity Rules (NER), ensuring the plant meets Generator Performance Standards (GPS), handling hold‐point testing, coordinating with AEMO / NSPs, and using simulation tools (PSCAD, PSSE, PowerFactory, SSAT) to design, test and verify system performance, particularly for grid‐forming inverter based resources.
Your Mission – What You Can Expect
Lead grid connection applications under NER (R0/R1/R2 processes), liaising with AEMO and NSPs with regard to technical, network, protection and performance topics, including ensuring that the documentation packages are complete, accurate and submitted on time, whether undertaken in house or undertaken by a third party
Perform simulations including system stability, fault ride-through, voltage/frequency control, system strength / inertia, small signal stability, and other NER compliance
Conduct parameter sensitivity and scenario studies to ensure robustness of design and that the selected inverter controls, settings and protections demonstrating that both performance and compliance are met under varying grid conditions
Develop, execute and document test plans, test reports (R2 verification), including tests of GPS compliance, protection, ride‐through events, dynamic response
Plan, manage and lead commissioning test preparation including pre-simulations, hold-point testing and R2 validation to confirm compliance with approved models
Represent the company in technical discussions with AEMO, NSPs, customers, and other stakeholders to secure approvals and lead timely resolution of complex technical issues
Provide input into project strategy,



risk positioning, and commercial decisions related to grid compliance
Monitor post-commissioning performance, analyse deviations, implement optimisation measures and derive lessons & improvements
Maintain high-quality and accurate technical documentation, document control standard as well as change management processes
Improve internal processes (modelling, test planning, stakeholder management) to reduce risk, time and cost
Stay current with evolving NER / AEMO / NSP requirements, grid technology trends (especially inverter based, grid forming, new protection/control strategies)
Contribute to mentoring, technical leadership, expert knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of engineering processes
Education & Background
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Power Systems or equivalent (Master's preferred);
Strong foundation in power system dynamics, stability, and control.
Your profile – what you bring:
6+ years in grid-connected generation, storage, or hybrid projects (NEM or similar markets)
Proven experience across the full grid connection lifecycle (R0/R1/R2, commissioning, GPS compliance)
Experience working with AEMO and NSPs, in negotiating GPS and demonstrating compliance
Technical Skills
Deep expertise in PSCAD, PSSE and/or PowerFactory, and ability to interpret model outputs, compare to actual system behaviour and resolve issues
Strong understanding of inverter-based resources and grid-forming technologies in various grid conditions
Strong experience in commissioning, leading R2 test plans, on site testing and troubleshooting
Regulatory & Industry Knowledge
Strong knowledge of NER, GPS requirements, and connection processes




Familiarity with evolving grid codes and inverter-based resource requirements
Soft Skills & Attributes
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly; strong verbal and writing skills;
Team-oriented, proactive, and detail-oriented;
Strong ethical awareness and commitment to safety, quality and compliance.
Desiable Extras
Experience with grid consultants
Programming/data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB)
Exposure to hybrid systems (BESS + generation)
Does this sound interesting to you?
Project St. Eustatius: 100% Caribbean Solar Power
Project Hydrogen Dune
Project BigBattery Lausitz at the Schwarze Pumpe site
We shape alternative energy solutions for future generations.
Join our young, passionate team and become part of our success story.
As part of the SMA Group, you'll enjoy attractive corporate benefits while working in a energetic and innovative environment.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Your contact: Cora Schneider | Altenso Australia Pty Ltd | Phone: **************
At Altenso, we stand for equal opportunity and diversity – regardless of gender, age, origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.
power for energy
SMA Altenso is a young, diverse, and dynamic company with more than 120 employees from over 20 nationalities driving the energy transition by delivering innovative projects worldwide.
Altenso Australia Pty Ltd
a wholly owned subsidiary of SMA Altenso GmbH and part of the SMA Group, now operates in Australia, with a dedicated and growing team with strong local industry knowledge and extensive experience. Based in Sydney, the small local team is bringing SMA Altenso's experience in complex system integration to local projects, contributing directly to Australia's clean energy transition. As an international system integrator, we offer comprehensive solutions designed for the integration of complex energy systems. These include large-scale battery storage systems, hydrogen applications and island and hybrid solutions for both off-grid and grid-connected energy supplies.

📌 Senior Grid Connection Engineer, Sidney Australia (Sydney)
🏢 SMA Altenso
📍 Sydney