About Grid Dynamics
Deep industry experience and a commitment to practical, standards-based engineering — delivered directly by a senior engineer.
Who We Are
Grid Dynamics Pty Ltd is a specialist electrical engineering consultancy established in 2025, based in Queensland, Australia. The business was founded by Brent McDowall — a Chartered Professional Engineer, Fellow of Engineers Australia, and Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland with over 18 years of experience in electrical systems for Australia's mining and heavy industrial sectors.
Brent's background covers high voltage power systems, mine power distribution, protection engineering, and the full project delivery lifecycle — from initial feasibility through to commissioning and handover. Before starting Grid Dynamics, he spent his career at Ampcontrol, one of Australia's leading mining electrical equipment manufacturers and service providers, working across engineering, project delivery, and senior management roles.
Grid Dynamics was established to give clients direct access to that level of experience — without the overhead that comes with engaging a larger firm. When you work with Grid Dynamics, you're working directly with Brent. On larger or more complex projects, Grid Dynamics draws on a network of trusted specialist engineers and delivery partners.
Professional Standing
Credentials & Registration
Our engineering credentials reflect a commitment to professional standards and ongoing development.
Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland
Registration No. 33880. Registered under the Professional Engineers Act 2002 (Qld). Mandatory for professional engineering services in Queensland.
Chartered Professional Engineer
Chartered status with Engineers Australia, recognising a high standard of engineering competence and professional practice.
Engineering Executive
Engineers Australia's credential for engineers operating at a senior management and executive level.
Fellow of Engineers Australia
Fellowship recognises pre-eminent contributions to the engineering profession and significant professional achievement.
Background
Career History
Nearly two decades of hands-on engineering experience, progressing from graduate engineer through to senior leadership — and back to specialist engineering.
2025 — Present
Principal Engineer & Managing Director — Grid Dynamics
Founded Grid Dynamics to deliver specialist electrical engineering to the mining and industrial sectors. Providing project engineering, power system studies, protection engineering, and compliance assessments directly to clients.
2023 — 2025
Business Manager, DC Power Systems — Ampcontrol
Led engineering and operations for Ampcontrol's national DC power systems division. Directed design and delivery of critical power capacity upgrade projects across utility and telecommunications infrastructure, including technical oversight of major national programmes.
2018 — 2023
General Manager — Ampcontrol (WA)
Transformed a field service operation into an engineering design and manufacturing facility for power systems, leading a team of 120 staff across multiple locations. Partnered with Horizon Power to establish a joint venture delivering standalone power systems from concept through commissioning. Built design standards, quality systems, and a graduate engineering programme from the ground up.
2014 — 2018
Engineering Manager & Operations Manager — Ampcontrol (QLD)
Led engineering design and project delivery for mine electrical systems across Queensland coal mines — substations, HV distribution, and mine power equipment. Managed field service and engineering teams supporting major mining customers, ensuring compliance with Coal Mine Safety & Health regulations and Australian Standards.
2006 — 2014
Electrical Engineer & Senior Electrical Engineer — Ampcontrol
Delivered detailed designs for coal mine substations, switchboards, and power distribution systems. Developed hands-on expertise in protection engineering, relay programming, load analysis, short circuit studies, and commissioning — building the technical foundation that underpins everything Grid Dynamics delivers today.
Education
2016
Master of Business Administration
Griffith University, Brisbane
2006
Bachelor of Engineering
Microelectronic Engineering — Griffith University, Brisbane
How We Work
Our Approach
Standards-Based Engineering
Every piece of work we deliver is grounded in the relevant Australian and international standards. We don't cut corners and we don't guess — our designs are backed by proper calculations, appropriate safety margins, and clear documentation.
Practical, Buildable Solutions
Good engineering isn't just about getting the calculations right. It's about producing designs that can actually be built, commissioned, and maintained in the real world. We design with constructability, operability, and maintainability in mind — because a design that looks good on paper but can't be built is no good to anyone.
Conservative Design Philosophy
We take a conservative approach to design that accounts for real-world operating conditions, environmental factors, and the things that don't always show up in the model. We'd rather explain why we added margin than explain why something failed.
Clear Communication
Straightforward communication throughout. You'll know where the project stands, what we've found, and what we're recommending. No jargon for the sake of it, no surprises, and no buried assumptions.
Want to know more?
Download our capability statement or get in touch to discuss how we can support your next project.