Lead Control & Protection System Engineer

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

Job summary

GE Vernova seeks a Lead Control & Protection System Engineer to design substation control panels for HVDC and high-voltage systems, selecting CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, power supplies, and switches. You will apply IEC 61850 concepts (SV, PRP, HSR) within a robust, standards-based architecture.

Responsibilities include schematic preparation, BOMs, mechanical integration, EMC considerations, and FAT/commissioning support, collaborating across engineering and lab teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering.
• Advanced background in Substation Control & Protection engineering.
• Knowledge of IEC 61850, HVDC, and substation automation.
• Familiarity with PRP, HSR, SV and redundancy concepts.
• Experience with EMC, mechanical panel design, and electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Design substation control and protection panels for HVDC and high-voltage applications.
• Select CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies and switches.
• Apply IEC 61850 SV/PRP/HSR in substation architecture.
• Prepare electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, BOMs, and panel layouts.
• Support design reviews, FAT, commissioning and site testing.

Skills

Substation engineering

Panel design

IEC 61850

HVDC knowledge

Protection hardware

Electrical engineering

Diagnostics & testing

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical/Electronics

Tools

Creo

AutoCAD Electrical

Engineering Base

System Configuration Tools

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 & Protection System 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

Job Description

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 Ex-cellence 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

GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.