Control Systems Lead

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

WSP Australia is seeking a Control Systems Lead in Brisbane to steer a team delivering control and instrumentation for thermal and renewable generation projects, including energy storage, across generation, protection, and communications. You’ll lead, mentor and develop staff, drive business development, and deliver AS 61511 safety and IEC 61850 based systems using Modbus, DNP3, Ethernet/IP and OPC networks, while maintaining strong client relationships. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in thermal or renewables, chartered status or RPEQ/RPEV, and proven multi‑project leadership in an engineering consultancy. To apply, tailor your CV to show leadership outcomes, quantify project impact, highlight safety, QA, and energy transition experience, and submit via the WSP careers page.

Shape the future of energy with cutting-edge control systems design.

Are you an experienced engineer who has proven business, project, team management and technical leadership ability? Are you looking to take a step up into a role where you can be a part of the energy transition and support the strong demand for control systems services?

Join Our Generation & New Energy Team

Based in Brisbane, you’ll play a key role in the design and delivery of industrial control and communication systems for electrical protection in our Generation and New Energy projects. As the Control Systems Lead, you’ll lead a team working across thermal and renewable energy projects, applying your technical expertise to future-focused solutions.

WSP’s Energy team partners with clients to solve complex technical challenges in the clean energy transition. Our work spans renewables, battery energy storage systems (BESS), modern thermal generation, and transmission and distribution—delivering efficient, reliable, and resilient outcomes across Australia and beyond.

The Opportunity

Lead a team of Control Systems Engineers in WSP’s Power & Energy team that specialises in power and energy projects (steam cycle, gas, diesel, waste to energy, geothermal, and waste heat recovery), hydropower, new energy (such as hydrogen), and energy storage (such as compressed air). 

What You’ll Do

• Lead a team of control systems engineers to undertake a broad range of power generation engineering projects.
• Undertake business development activities including development of the team’s strategy.
• Grow the company’s capability to deliver projects in innovative generation technologies.
• Identify and pursue opportunities, leading and directing proposal strategy and development.
• Develop and maintain client relationships. 
• Develop and mentor staff, ensuring success of our people and business.
• Exhibit and promote a positive health, safety, environment and quality culture.
• Leading and delivering technical outcomes for generation projects new and currently under development.
• Provision of technical advisory for refurbishment / operation / asset management / maintenance projects for generation facilities.
• Ensuring engineering outcomes meet client needs, regulatory requirements, quality and purpose.
• Monitor and manage multi-disciplinary projects, applying business systems.
• Administration of project and team commercial metrics.
• Design and deliver control and instrumentation systems (PLC, DCS), functional safety systems (AS 61511), and EEHA-compliant designs.
• Develop control and protection system communications using industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3, Ethernet/IP, OPC) and IEC 61850 networks.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on secondary systems such as protection and excitation systems.
• Review and verify engineering drawings, reports, and technical documentation.

About You

• Bachelor’s level degree in Engineering.
• Chartered engineering status and/or state-based registration qualification (RPEQ, RPEV).
• Proven experience in thermal and renewable power generation projects, ideally in an engineering consulting environment (circa 10+ years' project experience)
• Experience in a lead position. Experience as a team lead beneficial.
• Experience in managing multiple engineering projects of varying complexity and size.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work virtually and face-to-face within a team environment.
• Ability to motivate and develop others.
• Ability to develop and maintain client relationships.
• Exhibits high degree of accountability and ownership.
• Ability to manage self and undertake / manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Established networks within the power generation industry.
• Experience and motivation to grow teams / businesses.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience delivering business objectives.
• Ability to lead and develop strategic outcomes
• Skilled in technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring.
• Strong understanding of safety in design, risk management, and QA/OH&S systems.

Why Choose WSP?

We’re committed to a workplace where you’re supported, heard, and empowered to grow your career. We offer:

• Competitive pay that recognizes your talent
• Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives
• Clear career pathways with mentoring and development
• Flexible work options to balance life and work
• Purpose-driven projects that make a real impact
• Comprehensive benefits and support for returners
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Option to buy up to 8 extra weeks of leave to support additional annual leave or school holiday leave
• Opportunities to work across Australia and globally

How You’ll Work

Flexibility is at the heart of how we operate. You’ll be based in our Brisbane office, with hybrid working options and site visits when required—all supported by a friendly, high-performing team.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 73,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

An employee Share Purchase Plan is available to all our permanent employees who wish to become owners and vested partners in WSP’s collective success. To find out more about our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people, and the programs we’ve designed to help you thrive, go to our Employee Benefits page.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re passionate about making infrastructure better for people and the planet, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and make your mark.