High Voltage 132kV - 500 kV, Design Manager / Project Manager at Aurecon

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: High Voltage 132kV - 500 kV, Design Manager / Project Manager

Company: Aurecon

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Location Agnostic - Anywhere in Australia will be considered)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering Design Management

Date Posted: 2025-06-16T00:00:00

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🎨 Role Summary

Lead and manage the design and delivery of critical high-voltage transmission and substation infrastructure projects across Australia.
Oversee multi-disciplinary engineering design teams, ensuring technical excellence and quality assurance for projects ranging from 132kV to 500kV.
Drive project success by managing scope, schedule, budget, and quality targets while interfacing with key clients and stakeholders.
Contribute to business growth through client relationship development, bid preparation, and strategic proposal writing for significant energy transition initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Design Manager / Project Manager", the description heavily emphasizes project delivery, technical leadership in high-voltage infrastructure, and client management. This suggests the role requires a strong blend of technical engineering design expertise and project management acumen within the energy sector. The "Design Manager" aspect likely focuses on overseeing the technical design process rather than creative or visual design.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Lead multi-disciplinary design teams (primary, secondary, civil) for high voltage substation and transmission projects (132kV - 500kV).
Provide technical governance and quality assurance for all design deliverables and project documentation.
Manage project planning, scheduling, and design coordination to meet critical project timelines and milestones.
Interface directly with clients, utilities, developers, and contractors to ensure project scope, time, cost, and quality objectives are achieved.
Support the preparation of bids and proposals, contributing to the growth of Aurecon's energy project pipeline.
Mentor junior engineers, fostering technical development and contributing to a culture of excellence and innovation within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly define a leadership role focused on the technical and project management aspects of large-scale high-voltage infrastructure. The emphasis on technical governance and multi-disciplinary team leadership indicates a need for deep engineering knowledge combined with strong organizational and people management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field is typically required for this level of technical and project leadership. Professional engineering registration (e.g., CPEng) is highly desirable.

Experience: 8+ years of progressive experience in high voltage substation or transmission infrastructure design and/or project delivery. Demonstrated experience managing complex projects and leading technical teams is essential. A strong portfolio of successfully delivered high-voltage energy projects would be highly beneficial, showcasing technical expertise and project management capabilities.

Required Skills:

Extensive experience in High Voltage (132kV - 500kV) substation or transmission design engineering.
Proven track record in project delivery and technical leadership within the energy sector.
Strong background in design management, project engineering, or interdisciplinary coordination.
Expertise in 132kV+ substation design, encompassing primary and secondary systems.
Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., MS Project).
Excellent client-facing skills, commercial acumen, and stakeholder management abilities.

Preferred Skills:

Experience in grid modelling, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), or hydrogen-related projects.
Prior experience in a client-side advisory capacity for high-voltage infrastructure.
Familiarity with CRM platforms for business development and pipeline management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the technical nature of the role and the required experience level, a formal engineering qualification is a standard expectation. The preference for professional registration aligns with the technical governance responsibilities. The mention of specific project management tools indicates a focus on structured project execution.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials: This role is focused on engineering design and project management within the energy sector, rather than traditional creative design. Therefore, a portfolio should showcase:

Detailed case studies of successfully delivered high-voltage infrastructure projects (132kV - 500kV).
Documentation of your role and contributions in managing the design and delivery phases of these projects.
Examples of technical challenges overcome and innovative solutions implemented in project design.
Evidence of managing multi-disciplinary engineering teams and coordinating complex technical inputs.

Process Documentation: Given the engineering and project management focus, process documentation should highlight:

Your approach to managing the engineering design lifecycle from concept to detailed design.
Methodologies used for project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation in large infrastructure projects.
Processes for ensuring technical governance, quality assurance, and compliance with relevant standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Portfolio" section is adapted to reflect the engineering and project management nature of this role, moving away from typical creative design portfolio expectations. The focus is on demonstrating technical expertise, project leadership, and successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AU$140,000 - AU$180,000 per annum, plus superannuation. This estimate is based on industry standards for a Design Manager/Project Manager with 8+ years of experience in high-voltage engineering in Melbourne, Australia, considering the technical complexity and leadership responsibilities of the role. Salary may vary based on exact experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

Comprehensive superannuation contributions (in line with Australian regulations).
Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to project delivery success.
Flexible work arrangements, including the possibility of being location-agnostic within Australia.
Access to technical training and leadership development programs for career advancement.
Health and well-being programs, reflecting the company's emphasis on employee welfare.

Working Hours: Full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required based on project demands and client needs in the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for experienced engineering management roles in the high-voltage sector in Australia, specifically Melbourne. Data sources considered include public salary aggregators and industry reports for engineering professionals at this level. Superannuation is a mandatory benefit in Australia and is included in the estimate.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, specifically focused on designing, engineering, and advising on infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on the Energy sector and the transition to renewable energy.

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees globally, with a significant presence in Australia and New Zealand. This size indicates a well-established, large consulting firm with extensive resources and a wide range of project opportunities.

Founded: 2009.

Team Structure:

The role is within the Energy team, focusing on high-voltage infrastructure.
Teams are likely structured around specific projects, with multi-disciplinary engineering teams reporting to Project Managers or Design Managers.
Strong collaboration is expected with Aurecon Practice and Discipline Leads, indicating a matrixed organizational structure where technical expertise is shared across projects.

Methodology:

Emphasis on embedding sustainability and innovation into project delivery.
Likely follows established engineering design processes and project management methodologies (e.g., aligned with ISO standards, PMBOK).
Focus on technical eminence, suggesting a culture of leveraging deep technical expertise to solve complex challenges.

Company Website: http://www.aurecongroup.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is derived from the provided LinkedIn profile. The interpretation of team structure and methodology is based on the nature of a large engineering consulting firm specializing in complex infrastructure projects and the emphasis on technical eminence and innovation mentioned in the description.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position, combining technical design oversight with significant project management and leadership responsibilities. It is likely equivalent to a Senior Design Manager or Principal Project Manager within a large engineering consultancy.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a more senior Project Director or a Head of High Voltage within the Energy practice, overseeing multiple projects or larger programs of work.

Design Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the successful design and delivery of critical national energy infrastructure, contributing to Australia's energy transition goals.

Growth Opportunities:

Advancement to Project Director or Program Manager roles, overseeing larger and more complex energy portfolios.
Specialization in specific areas like grid modelling, BESS, or hydrogen projects, aligning with preferred skills.
Opportunities to contribute to business development and strategic initiatives within the Energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis is based on the required experience level (8+ years), the combination of design management and project management responsibilities, and the scale and importance of the projects mentioned. Advancement paths are inferred from typical career progression within large engineering consulting firms.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: A large professional services office environment, with potential for hybrid or remote work arrangements given the "Location Agnostic" description.

Office Location(s): Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, with flexibility for candidates located anywhere in Australia.

Design Workspace Context:

Likely a collaborative office setup designed to facilitate interaction among multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Access to necessary engineering design software, project management tools, and communication platforms.
Opportunities for both focused individual work and team-based problem-solving in a professional setting.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with potential for flexibility and remote work as agreed upon. Project deadlines may occasionally require extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on the typical setup of a large engineering consulting firm. The emphasis on collaboration and access to specific tools is inferred from the nature of complex engineering design and project management work. The "Location Agnostic" aspect is a key factor influencing the potential work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Initial screening interview focusing on relevant high-voltage engineering and project management experience.
Technical interview with senior engineers or practice leads to assess expertise in substation/transmission design (132kV - 500kV).
Interview focusing on project management skills, client relationship management, and leadership abilities.
Discussion of past project experience, potentially requiring a presentation of select project case studies from your portfolio.

Portfolio Review Tips: For this engineering-focused role, the "portfolio" is your track record of successful project delivery. When discussing your experience:

Prepare detailed descriptions of 3-5 key high-voltage projects you have managed or significantly contributed to the design of.
For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific responsibilities (design management, project management, technical oversight), challenges faced, and successful outcomes.
Highlight your role in managing multi-disciplinary teams and coordinating technical inputs.
Quantify your impact where possible (e.g., project size, budget managed, timelines achieved).

Challenge Preparation: While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for questions that test your problem-solving skills related to high-voltage engineering design challenges and complex project scenarios. Consider preparing to discuss:

How you would approach a complex design coordination issue involving multiple engineering disciplines.
Strategies for managing project risks and ensuring timely delivery on large infrastructure projects.
Examples of how you have handled difficult stakeholders or client expectations.

ATS Keywords: High Voltage, HV, 132kV, 220kV, 330kV, 500kV, Substation Design, Transmission Lines, Project Management, Design Management, Project Delivery, Engineering Management, Technical Leadership, Multi-disciplinary Engineering, Primary Systems, Secondary Systems, Civil Engineering, Quality Assurance, Stakeholder Management, Client Management, Bid Preparation, Proposal Writing, Energy Infrastructure, Renewable Energy, Grid Modelling, BESS, Hydrogen, MS Project, Primavera P6 (if applicable), Engineering Consulting, Power Systems, Electrical Engineering, Australian Standards, IEEE Standards, brownfield projects, greenfield projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored to an engineering and project management role, emphasizing technical expertise, project delivery track record, and leadership skills rather than creative design portfolios. ATS keywords are specific to the high-voltage energy and engineering management domain.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Specific high-voltage engineering design software (e.g., power system analysis tools like PSS/E, PSCAD, or specific substation design software) would be expected, though not explicitly listed. Proficiency in AutoCAD or MicroStation for technical drawings may also be relevant.
MS Project or similar project management software is required for project planning and scheduling.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams or similar for internal and external communication.
Document management systems for project documentation and design transmittals.

Research & Testing:

Access to technical standards and codes (e.g., Australian Standards, IEEE Standards).
Potential use of simulation and modelling tools for design validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific design tools for high-voltage engineering are not explicitly mentioned in the job description. The tools listed above are inferred based on standard practice in the power systems and infrastructure engineering industry for roles involving design and project management at this level.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

Technical Eminence: A core value, emphasizing deep technical expertise and its application to complex engineering challenges in high-voltage systems.
Innovation: Encouraging new approaches and solutions in high-voltage design and project delivery, particularly in the context of the energy transition.
Sustainability: Embedding sustainable practices and considerations into the design and execution of energy infrastructure projects.
Collaboration: Working effectively across multi-disciplinary teams and with clients and stakeholders to achieve project goals.

Collaboration Style:

Collaborative approach across engineering disciplines (primary, secondary, civil) to ensure integrated high-voltage designs.
Close interaction with clients and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Internal knowledge sharing and mentorship to support team development and technical excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design values and collaboration style are inferred from Aurecon's stated purpose, values (Believe it. Say it. Do it.), and the emphasis on technical eminence, innovation, and sustainability in the job description for this energy sector role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Managing the technical complexity of designing and delivering large-scale high-voltage infrastructure projects (132kV - 500kV).
Navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring compliance with relevant Australian and international standards.
Coordinating diverse engineering disciplines and ensuring seamless integration of design components.
Managing project risks, budgets, and timelines in a dynamic and evolving energy market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities to work on cutting-edge energy transition projects, including BESS and hydrogen infrastructure, expanding technical expertise.
Access to internal and external training programs to enhance technical and project management skills.
Mentorship opportunities from industry-recognized leaders within Aurecon.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are identified based on the inherent complexity of high-voltage infrastructure projects and the project management responsibilities. Growth opportunities are linked to the company's focus on the energy transition and the potential for technical specialization and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to discuss your experience managing the engineering design process for high-voltage substations or transmission lines, from conceptual design through to detailed engineering and construction support. Use specific project examples from your experience.
Articulate your approach to technical governance and quality assurance within the design process.
Explain how you manage interdisciplinary coordination and resolve technical conflicts between different engineering teams (primary, secondary, civil).

Company Culture Questions:

Research Aurecon's values, particularly "Technical Eminence," "Innovation," and "Sustainability," and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these values.
Discuss your experience working collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams and with external stakeholders.
Be ready to talk about your approach to mentoring junior engineers and contributing to a positive team culture.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Select 2-3 impactful high-voltage projects from your experience that best showcase your technical design management and project delivery capabilities for this role.
Structure your presentation as case studies, clearly outlining the project scope, your role, the technical challenges encountered, the design solutions implemented, and the successful project outcomes.
Focus on demonstrating your ability to lead engineering teams, manage complex design processes, and deliver projects on time and within budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation tips are tailored to assess both the technical engineering expertise and the project management and leadership capabilities required for this specific role, leveraging the candidate's project experience as a "portfolio".

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your experience in high-voltage substation/transmission design and project management (132kV - 500kV), technical leadership, and client interaction, using relevant ATS keywords.
Prepare to discuss specific examples of complex high-voltage projects you have managed or contributed to, focusing on your technical and leadership contributions.
Research Aurecon's recent high-voltage energy projects and be prepared to discuss your interest and how your skills align with their current work in Australia's energy transition.
If requested, prepare a presentation of key project case studies to demonstrate your technical expertise and project delivery track record.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

High Voltage 132kV - 500 kV, Design Manager / Project Manager