Development Engineer

Please note that holding existing working rights in Australia is mandatory for this position, and unfortunately, candidates who require visa sponsorship cannot be considered. The Project Development Engineer will be responsible for supporting all technical aspects of the development of Eku Energy's Australian portfolio of battery energy storage projects, including all technical interfaces with adjacent functions of the business such as trading, procurement, and delivery/construction. This role supports our goal to develop 3GWh+ of energy storage projects in Australia by 2030 by ensuring the project pipeline is developed safely, on time, and meets financial performance and quality and reliability expectations.
Reporting to the APAC Technical Lead and with a dotted-line to the Head of Origination and Development in Australia, you will work in a multi-disciplinary team to bring greenfield projects to completion; identify project risks and issues and propose possible solutions and mitigation strategies, ensure Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality project requirements are complied with, ensure technology solutions are fit for our operational and trading strategies, and ensure interfaces with contractors and stakeholders are clearly identified and appropriately managed to drive projects through development and construction.
As a part of the development team, you will be expected to work both independently and with other team members according to the situation, demonstrating flexibility and adapting your responsibilities to the changing needs of a growing business across all project phases. You may be engaged in supporting one or all project phases at any given time.
Responsibilities of the role: Collaborate with Project Development Managers and external development partners to assess the feasibility of new battery energy storage project opportunities and sites via both desktop and on-site assessments.Preparation, assessment, and optimisation of project designs for project-specific applications including site layouts, system sizing, and equipment selection. This will involve a combination of direct engineering contributions as well as managing external engineering consultants.Responsible for design review, quality assurance and acceptance.Collaborate with the APAC Technical Lead, product engineering, and procurement teams to develop and consistently implement project design and equipment standards that support project cost, quality, and performance objectives.Help prepare tender documentation and manage competitive processes to select equipment vendors and construction contractors.Assistance in the environmental planning and approval processes and working with the development team to identify and satisfy planning conditions for the projects.Prepare technical scopes of work for development activities such as geotechnical testing and site surveys.Collaborate with consultants and development partners to prepare grid connection applications and take responsibility to ensure the application documentation is consistent with Eku's intended design and technology choices.Interpret and provide input into grid connection requirements to ensure global leadership are fully aware of costs and risks, and work with Australia network operators and the market operator (AEMO), Eku development partners and technology vendors to achieve connection offers on schedule.Assist in project financing activities including participating in internal investment decision processes through analysis of project performance, costs, and risks.Review project financial and revenue models to ensure technical inputs are accurately represented and co-optimised with design and equipment costs.Work with technical due-diligence providers, legal advisers and other third parties to achieve financial close of projects.Support accurate project reporting and development progression as a shared team responsibility.Facilitate and produce project technical documentation, technical schedules and scopes of work for project execution and operations & maintenance including support in procurement activities.Support product engineering and procurement in negotiating technical requirements and performance guarantees with contractors and vendors.Support handover of the project from development to construction teams, including providing ad-hoc technical support to projects during the construction phase.At all times:
Participate as an active member of a global team. Share with and learn from colleagues with similar responsibilities around the world to incorporate lessons learned and continuously improve technical practices within Eku Australia.Uphold the highest standards of safety practices in the office and on site, and ensuring the same HSEQ standards are practiced by the contractors and partners who work with us.Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in engineering.5+ years work experience in the energy industry in project development, engineering consulting or construction capacities.Excellent project management, stakeholder management, and critical thinking skills.A track record of adapting to new challenges and problem-solving in a rapidly changing environment.Knowledge of power generation equipment and their associated Australian standards such as substations, power converters, SCADA systems, fire detection and suppression systems.Knowledge of Battery Energy Storage System design, control, and performance requirements.A can-do attitude and strong self-motivation.Effective verbal and written communication skills and people skills, including the ability to engage and work with third-party consultants, suppliers, development partners, and construction contractors.Competency in relevant software packages including Microsoft Excel, project management software, and CAD-based tools.Commitment to workplace and project health, safety, and environment management.Competencies required of all our people: Organisational: Entrepreneurial thinking and acting - problem-solving capability - innovation capability – proactive 'can do' attitude.Social: Highly motivated with a versatile personality - excellent interpersonal skills - client orientation, communicative - collaborative - keenness to knowledge share.Implementation: Self-management - result and solution orientated - quality awareness - Welfare, Health, Safety and Environmentally focused.Culture: Helps to build a foundation of trust – creates stability – instils kindness – provides structure – is and fosters accountability – cultivates a spirit of reliability – fosters respect.Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. An inclusive and equitable workplace enables us to embrace that diversity to deliver more innovative and sustainable solutions for our people, clients, shareholders, and communities. At Eku Energy, you will be encouraged to be yourself and supported to perform at your best. We want you on our team. If you need adjustments made to the recruitment process or while you are working with us, please let us know.
As an inclusive employer, we do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief.
Joining Eku Energy means you will be able to work in a way that suits you best. With the right technology, support and resources, our people can work in a range of flexible ways. Talk to us about what working arrangements would help you thrive.
20 Days of annual leave + Bonus 5 additional discretional daysFlexible workingShort Term Incentive bonus based on company and personal targetsGreat working culture globallyAttractive remuneration package #J-18808-Ljbffr