Principal Engineer - Primary Design (HV Substations)

Company Description

CPP is a leading high-voltage infrastructure provider, connecting renewable energy projects to Australia’s electricity grid.

As a member of Quanta Services, a Fortune 500 company ranked #157 on the NYSX, we specialise in the design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance of substations, transmission lines, wind farms, and battery storage systems.

Established in 1996, we’ve connected more wind farms and renewable batteries than any other company. With over 850 employees and offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, we partner with Australia’s major transmission providers to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions.

Join us in shaping the future of energy.

Job Description

CPP has the largest in-house design and engineering team of any contractor in Australia, with over 170 specialists across Electrical Primary and Secondary, Civil, Structural, and SCADA disciplines. We provide end-to-end engineering solutions for high-voltage infrastructure, including nationally significant transmission projects, HV substations, wind farms and battery storage systems that drive Australia’s renewable energy transition.

Our engineers work closely with construction and operations teams, ensuring designs are practical, constructible, and continually refined through real-world feedback. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, we deliver solutions that support a stable, reliable, and sustainable energy future.

The Opportunity

As a Principal Primary Engineer at CPP, you will play a key role in delivering high-voltage substation projects that support the growth of Australia’s renewable energy and utility sectors. Your expertise will contribute to the successful execution of complex, large-scale infrastructure projects across the country, ensuring high-quality, technically sound primary electrical designs from concept through to construction support.

You will mentor and support upcoming Engineers whilst remaining involved in technical engineering skills and studies for projects. We are looking for engineers with proven experience in producing (not only reviewing) detailed engineering studies in a minimum of one of the following areas:

System Studies, including Load Flow, Short Circuit, Arc Flash and Low Voltage Protection Coordination

Earthing System Designs, EMF and LFI Designs

Insulation Coordination Studies

High Voltage cable sizing

In addition to the above you should also have a solid foundation in a range of primary design engineering skills, including but not limited to:

Conductor and busbar sizing

Short Circuit Forces

Lightning protection

Lighting studies

Understanding of substation equipment layouts

Preparing high voltage equipment specifications

Qualifications

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess

Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering or equivalent

Demonstrated experience performing in a similar role in the HV electrical industry

Expertise in substation design

Hands on experience in either Arc Flash, Insulation Coordination Studies or Earthing

Power system study experience (not reviewing) including lightning, lighting, short circuit, load flow etc

Additional Information

At CPP, we value our people above all else. We’re dedicated to investing in and developing your talent to help you reach your full potential. By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to work on industry-leading projects and access the latest technologies. With a strong history of providing clear career progression, we promote from within, offering pathways from Engineer, to Senior, Principal, leadership positions and beyond.

Benefits include:

Above-market salary package with annual reviews

Annual bonus, discretionary based on individual and business performance

We offer flexible working options, with the ability to work from home

Access to study assistance for continuous development, and a strong focus on internal promotions to help you grow within

16 weeks paid primary parental leave and 6 weeks paid secondary parental leave

Up to 2 weeks of purchased leave

Enjoy a range of salary packaging benefits, including novated leases, airport lounge memberships and exclusive Qantas Club offers.

Choice between an iPhone or Samsung mobile & design specked engineering laptop and software

Generous employee referral program up to $4,000

We actively invest in AI capability, providing access to premium AI subscriptions to help you work smarter, solve complex problems and deliver better outcomes

Access to an extensive benefits and discounts program with savings at over 400 retailers

* Free Employee Assistance Program for you and your family, supporting physical, mental, and financial wellbeing

How to Apply:

To submit an application please upload your resume via the links provided.

For further information, please reach out to [email protected] however applications will not be accepted via email.

CPP is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a culture of achievement, personal development and offers a diverse, safe and supportive work environment.