Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer

GE Vernova; Stafford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Flexible work agreements

International team environment

Job summary

GE Vernova is actively seeking a Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer to design and deliver robust, standards‑compliant substation control and protection panels. You will select CTs/VTs, IEDs, power supplies, and related hardware, applying IEC 61850/HSR/PRP concepts within a high‑voltage setting.

Collaboration with Lab, manufacturing, and site teams is essential for testing, FAT, and commissioning. The role requires deep knowledge of HVDC systems, digital substations, and hardware

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering or related field.
• Advanced background in Substation Control & Protection engineering.
• Good knowledge of hardware components used in control and protection systems.
• Experience in panel design and component selection.
• Understanding of IEC 61850, HVDC, and substation automation systems.
• Knowledge of CT/VT selection, protection IEDs, networks, and digital substations.
• Familiarity with PRP, HSR, SV, and redundancy concepts.
• Experience with EMC, mechanical panel design, and electrical schematics.
• Ability to work independently and support project delivery in a complex engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Design substation control and protection panels for HVDC and high‑voltage applications.
• Perform selection of CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies, Switches, GPS clocks, and related hardware.
• Apply knowledge of IEC 61850, including SV, PRP, and HSR concepts in substation communication architecture.
• Design and integration of Transient Fault Recorders (TFRs) and other monitoring devices.
• Prepare and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, BOMs, and panel layout drawings.
• Work on mechanical design aspects of panels, including enclosure arrangement, mounting, spacing, ventilation, and maintainability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant IEC and IEEE standards.
• Support design of network communication systems, including managed switches and redundant architectures.
• Consider EMC/EMI requirements, grounding, shielding, and panel segregation during design.
• Support interface design for trip circuits, measurement circuits, interlocking, and signal acquisition.
• Participate in design reviews, FAT, troubleshooting, and commissioning support.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, testing, and site teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of standard designs and engineering practices.
• Experience in panel type testing.
• Experience in producing and maintaining standard cabinet designs.
• Perform root cause analysis and DFMEA.
• Manage change processes with internal and external vendors.
• Manage obsolescence of components and hardware.

Skills

Analytical troubleshooting

Communication skills

Independent work ability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering

Advanced Substation Control & Protection engineering background

Tools

Engineering Base

Creo

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Description Summary

Become part of a winning team and help to deliver the Green Energy transition.

We are looking for a Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer with significant experience in substation panel design, protection hardware selection, and HVDC control systems.

As the successful candidate, you will have experience of IEC/IEEE standards, IEC 61850, digital substation hardware architecture, and selection of key hardware components used in Control, Protection, Measurement, and Communication systems.

As the Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer, you will be responsible for developing robust, standards‑compliant solutions for substation control and protection panels, including component selection, detailed electrical and mechanical design, and support for testing and commissioning.

Key Experience & Role Focus

• Design substation control and protection panels for HVDC and high‑voltage applications.
• Perform selection of CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies, Switches, GPS clocks, and related hardware.
• Apply knowledge of IEC 61850, including Sampled Values (SV), PRP, and HSR concepts in substation communication architecture.

Hybrid Working: GE offers hybrid working (min 3 days on site in Stafford), but due to the demands of the role and working closely with the Lab teams, this positions require 4-5 days onsite

Travel: based onsite

Key Responsibilities

• Design substation control and protection panels for HVDC and high‑voltage applications.
• Perform selection of CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies, Switches, GPS clocks, and related hardware.
• Apply knowledge of IEC 61850, including Sampled Values (SV), PRP, and HSR concepts in substation communication architecture.
• Design and integration of Transient Fault Recorders (TFRs) and other monitoring devices.
• Prepare and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, BOMs, and panel layout drawings.
• Work on mechanical design aspects of panels, including enclosure arrangement, mounting, spacing, ventilation, and maintainability.
• Ensure compliance with relevant IEC and IEEE standards.
• Support design of network communication systems, including managed switches and redundant architectures.
• Consider EMC/EMI requirements, grounding, shielding, and panel segregation during design.
• Support interface design for trip circuits, measurement circuits, interlocking, and signal acquisition.
• Participate in design reviews, FAT, troubleshooting, and commissioning support.
• Work closely with cross‑functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, testing, and site teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of standard designs and engineering practices.
• Experience in panel type testing.
• Experience in producing and maintaining standard cabinet designs.
• Perform root cause analysis and DFMEA.
• Manage change processes with internal and external vendors.
• Manage obsolescence of components and hardware.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering or related field.
• An advanced background in Substation Control & Protection engineering.
• Good knowledge of hardware components used in control and protection systems.
• Experience in panel design and component selection.
• A good understanding of IEC 61850, HVDC, and substation automation systems.
• Knowledge of CT/VT selection, protection IEDs, communication networks, and digital substations.
• Familiarity with PRP, HSR, Sampled Values (SV), and redundancy concepts.
• Experience with EMC, mechanical panel design, and electrical schematics.
• Ability to work independently and support project delivery in a complex engineering environment.

Desired Skills

• Experience with digital substation and HVDC projects.
• Knowledge of Engineering Base, Creo, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar tools.
• Experience with Network switches, GPS synchronization systems, TFRs, power supplies, and MCBs.
• Significant analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to participate in FAT and commissioning activities.
• Knowledge on configuration of IEC61850 IED’s via vendor specific tools and System Configuration Tools for complete system integration.
• Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity standards (e.g., IEC 62443), network hardening, and security protocols tailored for substation control systems.

About Us

GE Vernova is a world leader in the energy solutions market with a portfolio of energy businesses across the globe. Grid Solutions provides equipment, systems, and services to bring power reliably and efficiently from the point of generation to end power consumers. We electrify the world with advanced grid technologies and accelerate the energy transition – and we want you to be part of that change and enjoy imagination at work.

If you are ready to make a difference and usher in a new era of clean, reliable energy, come join us.

At GE Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. As leaders in the energy space our goal is to accelerate the transition for a more energy efficient grid to full fill the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotable role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive to carbon neutral. In Grid Solutions we help enable the transition for a greener more reliable Grid. GE Grid Solutions has the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio within the energy sector.

Why we come to work: At GE Renewable Energy, our engineers are always up for the challenge - and we’re always driven to find the best solution. Our projects are unique and interesting, and you’ll need to bring a solution-focused, positive approach to each one to do your best. Surrounded by committed, loyal colleagues, if you can dare to bring your ingenuity and desire to make an impact, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition.

About GEV Grid Solutions

At GEV Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. As leaders in the energy space our goal is to accelerate the transition for a more energy efficient grid to full fill the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotable role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive to carbon neutral. In Grid Solutions we help enable the transition for a greener more reliable Grid. GE Grid Solutions has the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio within the energy sector.

Why We Come To Work

At GEV, our engineers are always up for the challenge - and we’re always driven to find the best solution. Our projects are unique and interesting, and you’ll need to bring a solution-focused, positive approach to each one to do your best. Surrounded by committed, loyal colleagues, if you can dare to bring your ingenuity and desire to make an impact, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition.

What We Offer

A key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexibility of work agreements

Competitive benefits, and great development opportunities - including private health insurance.

Working in an international team which is part of global Engineering HVDC Centre of Excellence within Grid Integration based in Stafford.

A key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexi-bility of work agreements

Competitive benefits, and great development opportunities

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No