High-Impact Careers in Transmission and Distribution Engineering

From the poles and wires outside your house to the high-voltage lines connecting solar farms to the grid, transmission and distribution engineers play a critical role in keeping the lights on.

Why This Work Is So Important

Transmission and distribution networks are under pressure like never before. With new generation projects, more rooftop solar, and emerging battery technology, engineers must design systems that are both robust and flexible.

Manoj Sivasane, (Western Power – Senior Operations Engineer) ensures real-time performance across Western Australia’s network, maintaining reliability in increasingly complex conditions.

Prakruti Prayaga (Energy Queensland – Senior Lines Design Engineer) works to plan and connect large-scale renewable projects to the high-voltage transmission system.

The Career Opportunities

These careers span:

• Design and planning engineers, who create and simulate network configurations.

• Operations engineers, who manage system security and voltage control.

• Connections specialists, who work with project developers to integrate renewables.

There’s also an increasing need for project engineers like David Gardner, who oversee construction and ensure smooth delivery of new grid infrastructure.

How to Get Started

• Study electrical engineering with a focus on power systems.

• Develop technical software skills (e.g., PowerFactory, PSCAD).

• Explore internships at utilities, transmission operators, or renewable developers.