Lead Control Automation System Engineer

GE Vernova; Stafford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Global Engineering HVDC Centre of Ex**

Stafford-based team

Job summary

GE Grid Solutions is seeking an experienced control and protection systems engineer to lead the full lifecycle of HVDC digital control system development. You will configure IEC 61850 IEDs, generate SCL files, and test complex communications while coordinating interfaces with SCADA and Balance of Plant equipment.

Based in Stafford, you will produce detailed design documents, ensure security practices for industrial networks, and lead a team to improve delivery speed, system stability, and

Qualifications

• Formal degree in electrical or electronics engineering or equivalent.
• Proven experience in control and protection system design for power or substation environments.
• Experience configuring IEC 61850 IEDs, HMIs and SCADA systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networks and cybersecurity practices for control environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of digital control system development for HVDC systems, including requirements, configuration, testing and FAT witnessing.
• Configure IEC 61850 IEDs, generate SCL files, test and debug IEC 61850 comms.
• Coordinate interfaces with Balance of Plant equipment and SCADA systems; design LAN and communications.
• Produce design documents: electrical schematics, wire/cable schedules, test specs, BOMs.
• Coach and develop the team; drive design standardization and continuous improvement.

Skills

Control system design

Industrial networks

SCADA systems

HMIs

Cybersecurity for ICS

Education

Electrical Engineering

Electronics Engineering

Tools

IEC 61850 tools

Job description

Job Summary

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 toward a more energy‑efficient grid and to meet the needs of tomorrow. Focusing on growth and sustainability, GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotal role in integrating renewables onto the grid to drive us toward a carbon‑neutral future. We help enable the transition for a greener, more reliable energy system, backed by the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio in the sector.

What You’ll Do

• Lead control system design and delivery—own the full lifecycle of digital control system development, including requirements definition, configuration, testing, and commissioning of HVDC Control & Protection systems; oversee network and cybersecurity design, control panel documentation, and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) witnessing.
• Drive IEC 61850 implementation—lead the configuration of IEC 61850 IEDs using vendor‑specific tools; generate Substation Configuration Language (SCL) files; test and debug complex IEC 61850 communication systems with IEDScout and Wireshark.
• Deliver integration and automation—coordinate HVDC control system interfaces with Balance of Plant equipment and SCADA systems; design LAN and communication architecture; configure industrial Ethernet switches, routers, satellite clocks, RTUs, Bay Control Units, and Merging Units.
• Produce and approve technical documentation—define I/O lists, analyse signal interfaces, and produce detailed design documents, including electrical schematics, wire and cable schedules, test specifications, assembly drawings, and Bills of Materials.
• Lead people and process—coach and develop the team, enforce consistent design practices and global process standards, review and approve deliverables, and drive continuous improvement in delivery speed, system stability, and reliability.

Qualifications

We’re looking for an experienced control and protection systems engineer with a strong track record in digital substation automation and an ability to lead technical teams.

Required

• Formal education in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline; total experience and professional achievements are paramount.
• Significant, proven experience in control and protection system design within power or substation environments.
• Expertise configuring Substation Bay Control Units, Merging Units, IEC 61850 IEDs, Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial communication networks—including IEC 61850, Ethernet‑based protocols, IPv4, OSPF, LACP, DMZ, VPN, DNP3, and Modbus.
• Knowledge of communication‑network security, hardening techniques, and cybersecurity best practices for industrial control environments.
• Experience developing electrical designs and control and protection relay logic for industrial control systems.

Preferred

• Proven technical leadership in a complex systems engineering environment, with a track record of making independent technical decisions and engaging subject‑matter experts.
• Track record of designing systems that meet or exceed design requirements, cost targets, and reliability expectations.
• Knowledge of Distribution Management System (DMS) / Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) integration within HVDC or substation control environments.

Benefits

• Working in an international team that is part of the global Engineering HVDC Centre of Excellence based in Stafford.
• A key role in a dynamic, international environment with flexible work agreements.
• Competitive benefits and great development opportunities.

Relocation Assistance Provided: No