Principal Engineer - Electrical Engineering

GE Vernova; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy solutions provider in the UK is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the design and development of HVDC Valve systems. You will collaborate with various teams to ensure high levels of safety and efficiency while mentoring junior engineers. An electrical engineering degree and extensive experience in HVDC is preferred. The role offers international travel opportunities and a working environment that promotes innovation and growth.

Benefits

Competitive benefits

Private health insurance

Flexible work agreements

Qualifications

• Proven track record of electrical design in HVDC applications.
• Willingness to travel globally at short notice.
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure robust and reliable Valve design in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Review and approve design changes and technical documentation.
• Communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Skills

Extensive electrical design and development experience

Ability to work collaboratively in diverse cultures

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of high-voltage testing techniques

Education

Degree level in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Higher education in Power Electronics, HV Engineering or Power Systems

Tools

CREO / CAD software

Job description

Job Description Summary

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

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.

As the successful candidate, you 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 you an excellent opportunity 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 Faliure 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 probably be educated to degree level in electrical engineering. However, this is not as important as 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.
• Excellent 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.

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.

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.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided : No