Commissioning Engineer - Communication and Networking

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 65,000 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

Job Description

An 80-year group, COBRA promotes its own efficient business model, the result of the combination of decentralization, geographical diversification and technical specialization of more than 20,000 professionals in more than 43 countries. In this way, it offers a wide range of services throughout the value chain of projects, adapted to each sector and to the scope of the contract required by our clients, both public and private. Cobra is divided into four main sectors of activity, Networks, Specialised installations, integrated projects and concession assets.

ACEREZ, a partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, has been appointed network operator by EnergyCo to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission network. The ACCIONA COBRA Joint Venture (ACJV), the design and construct (D&C) consortium, will design and build the Central-West Orana REZ transmission project.

The Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Transmission Project will build new high-capacity transmission lines, energy hubs and supporting infrastructure to transfer power generated by solar and wind projects to electricity consumers. The new infrastructure is expected to be operational by 2028 and will initially unlock up to 4.5 gigawatts of new network capacity.

The project consists of 90km of 500kV overhead transmission lines and 150 km of 330kV transmission lines for generator connections, stretching from Elong Elong in the west through to Barigan Creek in the east, via an energy hub at Merotherie.

The Central-West Orana project is currently seeking dedicated Commissioning Engineer - Communication and Networking to share their expertise within our growing Energy Hubs and Substations team.

The Commissioning Engineer - Communication & Networking is responsible for the testing, commissioning, integration, and troubleshooting of communication and networking systems associated with 500 kV substations, digital substations, and transmission networks.

The role includes commissioning of IEC 61850-based Station LAN, process bus networks, telecommunication systems, substation automation systems (SAS), protection communication channels, and integration with EMS/SCADA control centres. The engineer will ensure all communication infrastructure, data exchange interfaces, cyber security requirements, and network redundancy schemes are fully validated prior to energisation and commercial operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Commission and troubleshoot substation communication systems for 500 kV transmission substations.
• Verify installation and configuration of fibre optic communication networks.
• Perform end-to-end testing of communication links between substations and control centres.
• Commission telecommunication equipment including: SDH/SONET Multiplexers, MPLS-TP Networks, IP/MPLS Routers, Ethernet Switches, Microwave Systems, Optical Transmission Systems
• Validate communication redundancy schemes and network availability requirements.
• Configure and test IEC 61850 communication networks.
• Verify GOOSE messaging functionality.
• Perform Sampled Value communication testing where applicable.
• Test station bus and process bus architecture.
• Support SAS integration and interoperability testing among multi-vendor IEDs.
• Verify network performance and bandwidth utilisation.
• Conduct cybersecurity validation in accordance with project and utility requirements.
• Verify firewall configurations and network segmentation.
• Support implementation of IEC 62351 and utility cybersecurity standards.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Minimum 5-10 years of commissioning experience in EHV substations.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Digital substation commissioning.
• Proven experience commissioning 220 kV, 330 kV, 400 kV, 500 kV, or higher voltage substations.
• Experience with control centre EMS/SCADA integration and Network Control Centre commissioning.
• Experience in greenfield transmission and renewable integration projects.
• Demonstrated experience with IEC 61850 digital substations.

Commissioning Engineer positions are DIDO 14 days onsite in camp style accommodation and 7 days off site, on a roster-based arrangement at The Central West Orana Transmission Line Project

Please note: This position is being delivered as part of a joint venture between two organisations. As such, your employment may be with either of the parent companies, and this will be confirmed during the recruitment process.

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. If you believe you bring the capabilities to succeed in this role, we’d love to hear from you. We look forward to continuing to build our supportive workplace together..

ACCIONA has been given the Top Employer 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 certification in Australia, which certifies the company's commitment to excellence in human resources management and those who focus on putting their people first through their exceptional HR policies. Since establishing a presence in Australia in 2002, ACCIONA has made significant investments in local opportunities and project development. ACCIONA employs more than 3,000 people in its renewable energy, infrastructure and water projects across Australia & New Zealand.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and promote equality and diversity. Indigenous Australians and candidates from minority groups are encouraged to apply.