HV Substation Design Engineer (Primary & Secondary)

HV Substation Design Engineer (Primary & Secondary)

Company: CDC Data Centres Location: Melbourne VIC Work Type: Full-time Work Arrangement: Onsite

CDC Data Centres is seeking an experienced HV Substation Design Engineer to lead electrical detail design for HV and MV substations, encompassing both primary and secondary systems. This newly created role supports CDC's critical infrastructure portfolio and joins a high-performing, dynamic team during a period of significant growth. The position is based in Melbourne, VIC, and is a full-time, onsite role.

About CDC Data Centres: Established in 2007, CDC Data Centres is Australia and New Zealand's premier operator of secure, world-class data centre facilities. CDC plays a crucial role in the national infrastructure, operating multiple interconnected campuses across Australia and New Zealand. These facilities provide large-scale, secure data centre campuses supporting co-location, dedicated, and hyperscale compute environments.

CDC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity, believing that unique experiences enhance benefits for employees, clients, and communities. The company's mission is to attract, retain, and grow the world's best data centre team, comprised of committed, tenacious, and meticulous individuals. CDC configures the landscape to meet current and future security, reliability, connectivity, and sustainability needs.

About the Role: This is a new position within CDC Data Centres' engineering design function. The Substation Design Engineer will be responsible for developing and managing substation electrical designs for both primary and secondary systems. Working within a high-performing team of electrical and mechanical data centre design engineers, this role ensures that substation designs are safe, compliant, and fit-for-purpose, thereby enabling reliable power supply for CDC's new developments and upgrades.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver detailed substation electrical designs (primary and secondary systems) aligned with CDC standards and project requirements.
• Develop and review single line diagrams, layouts, protection schematics, cable schedules, and equipment specifications.
• Contribute to concept, detailed design, and construction phases for both brownfield and greenfield projects.
• Coordinate effectively with internal teams, including construction and operations, and commissioning.
• Manage design interfaces with external consultants, utilities, contractors, and equipment vendors.
• Provide technical input for procurement, tender evaluations, and factory acceptance testing.
• Manage external consultant power system studies, short circuit analysis, and protection systems.
• Support technical evaluations, risk assessments, and value engineering initiatives.

About You:

• Demonstrated experience in substation design (HV/MV), ideally supporting data centres, utilities, or large-scale critical infrastructure, covering both primary and secondary systems.
• Strong understanding of primary plant, protection systems, control systems, and earthing design.
• Exposure to delivering robust designs across multiple project phases, from concept through to commissioning.
• Ability to interpret and apply Australian Standards and relevant safety legislation.
• Capacity to work effectively within a highly regulated, fast-paced, and safety-critical environment.
• Deep attention to detail, stakeholder management, and prioritisation skillset.
• Essential: Australian Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain an NV1 Security Clearance.

What’s in it for you: CDC offers excellent employment conditions and benefits, including:

• CDC Academy: Opportunities for professional development through specialised training courses.
• CDC Day: An additional paid day of leave for health and wellbeing.
• Parental Leave: Parental leave entitlements that exceed legislative requirements.
• Volunteer Leave: 2 days of leave for volunteering for any cause or charity.
• Employment Assistance Program: Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families.
• CDC Social Events: Inclusive events such as BBQs, family picnics, and community events designed to foster relationships across the business.

How to Apply: If you seek an opportunity to play a vital role in a fast-growing Australian technology company and join an exceptional team, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking Apply.

CDC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. The company believes that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences drives innovation and success, and actively promotes equality and strives to create a welcoming environment.