Principal Engineer - Electrical Engineering

-; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global engineering company is seeking a Principal Engineer in Birmingham to oversee HVDC valve design and project execution. This senior role involves ensuring the safety and compliance of engineering standards while mentoring junior engineers. The candidate must have a degree in Electrical engineering, extensive experience with HVDC Valves, and strong leadership skills. The position offers opportunities for international travel and the chance to innovate in a leading-edge field of engineering.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in Electrical engineering with extensive experience in HVDC Valves.
• Ability to work efficiently within an engineering team and across various cultures.
• Willingness to travel globally at short notice.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the most robust and reliable Valve design.
• Mentor junior engineers and develop the team's competencies.
• Support the testing process and ensure compliance with international standards.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Team leadership

Communication skills

CAD software

Education

Degree in Electrical engineering or related discipline

Higher education focused on Power Electronics, HV Engineering, or Power Systems

Tools

CREO

Job description

Job Description Summary

As a Principal Engineer, you will report to the HVDC Valve Engineering Global Leader within the Product Delivery Group (PDG) of Grid Systems Integration (GSI) in GE Vernova. The purpose of this senior-level engineering role is to apply significant technical leadership, and go beyond just electrical engineering fundamentals. It is to encompass project management, mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation. Ensuring the highest levels of engineering information is available, applied and implemented across the global locations where HVDC activities take place. From the development of standards, support of processes and testing, through to the implementation of lessons learnt this role covers the lifespan of all electrical elements within the HVDC Valve.

The successful candidate will be part of a highly motivated, dynamic and rapidly growing team of engineers working on the project activities related to HVDC applications. This is a very exciting and dynamic field of power engineering in which GE's leading contribution has worldwide recognition. The role gives an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to innovate, expand their skills and personal development within an internationally recognised expert in this exciting field. Whilst ideally based at the HVDC Centre of Excellence in Stafford there will be international travel opportunities to collaborate with other GE units, possibly suppliers and customer sites.

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Work with various teams in the business to ensure we have the most robust, reliable, efficient, safe and cost-effective Valve design available to the market. Support the Valve Engineering team to achieve this.
• Ensure the highest levels of safety can be achieved during any testing or installation works and the application of this is within our documentation.
• Take an approver role for design reviews, risk assessments, Design Failure Mode Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and act as a technical authority for critical decisions.
• Write and review technical documentation, specifications and reports.
• Communicate complex technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders, leadership and customers.
• Support the testing process in reviewing Inspection & Test Plans (ITP), test circuit design and set up and physical presence during testing.
• Reflect the relevant international standards within our documentation ensuring at all times GE remains compliant to the requirements. Be pro‑active in industry forums to develop the standards of the future.
• Mentor junior and mid‑level engineers. Proactively develop the competency of the team.

Candidate profile:

The candidate will be educated to at least degree level in electrical engineering and have a proven track record and evidence that you have the experience and abilities to perform the role. Candidates should have extensive experience of the electrical design and development of HVDC Valves. A detailed understanding of the electrical related elements associated with the design, manufacture and installation of HVDC Valves. It is key that the candidate has the ability to work quickly and efficiently within an engineering team.

An ability to work within various cultures and environments coupled with a desire to learn new skills and a willingness to share knowledge are essential qualities. Ideally, the candidate will have a good track record of leading a team of engineers on a global basis. The candidate must be willing and able to travel globally, often at short notice.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Educated to degree level in Electrical engineering or related discipline. Preferably also with higher education and a focus on Power Electronics, HV Engineering or Power Systems.
• Deep understanding of Line Commutated Converters (LCC) and Voltage Source Converters (VSC). Awareness of converter topologies, switching schemes, and control strategies.
• Knowledge in the design of thyristor and IGBT-based valve modules, including electrical and thermal design of valve stacks. Also design for insulation coordination, creepage/clearance distances, and partial discharge mitigation.
• Knowledge of high‑voltage testing techniques, surge protection, and overvoltage phenomena.
• Advanced knowledge of semiconductor devices (IGBTs, IGCTs, thyristors) switching behaviour, loss modelling and device protection.

Required Characteristics

• Conceptual or theoretical activities related to the principles of engineering, physics, and materials science for the design, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Includes the analysis of static (structural) and dynamic behaviour of mechanical systems.
• Competent in CREO / CAD software or similar. Able to read and interpret technical drawings and documentation.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of relevant IEC, IEEE, or CIGRÉ standards for HVDC systems.
• Knowledge of document control methodologies and systems.
• EHS compliance ability – good strong knowledge of safety and the environment.
• High level communication skills.

Desired Characteristics

• Able to work to deadlines with high quality.
• High attention to detail.
• Has been involved in continuous improvement / LEAN activities.
• Ability to coordinate and lead a small group of engineers.

PRINCIPAL ENGINEERS are:

• The domain experts leading the technical rigour and compliance throughout the business cycles.
• Instrumental in nurturing an innovative culture and developing future technical talents, together with the Consulting Engineers.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No