Principal Engineer – Electrical Engineering

AL8238 UK Grid Solutions Limited; Stafford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

AL8238 UK Grid Solutions Limited is seeking a Principal Engineer to join their team in Stafford. This senior-level role involves applying technical leadership in the HVDC Valve projects and requires extensive knowledge and experience in electrical engineering, particularly in HVDC systems.

The successful candidate will not only lead project activities but also mentor junior engineers. Candidates are expected to have a degree in Electrical Engineering and hands-on experience with HVDC Valves.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in electrical engineering and HVDC engineering.
• Extensive experience with Line Commutated Converters (LCC) and Voltage Source Converters (VSC).
• Ability to work in diverse and evolving engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor engineering teams on HVDC projects.
• Design and review electrical specifications and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with international standards in engineering practices.

Skills

Electrical design of HVDC Valves

Project management

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering

Higher education in Power Electronics

Tools

CREO

CAD software

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, go beyond just electrical engineering fundamentals, and encompass project management, mentoring, cross-functional collaboration and innovation. It ensures the highest levels of engineering information are 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 learned 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 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.

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 that 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 probably be educated to degree level in electrical engineering, though a proven track record and evidence that you have the experience and abilities to perform the role are more important. Candidates should have extensive experience of the electrical design and development of HVDC Valves and a detailed understanding of the electrical related elements associated with the design, manufacture and installation of HVDC Valves. The candidate must be able to work quickly and efficiently within an engineering team, work within various cultures and environments, be willing to learn new skills, share knowledge, and ideally 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 a related discipline. Preferably also with higher education and a focus on Power Electronics, HV Engineering or Power Systems.
• HVDC converter valve knowledge is a must. 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, 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.
• Analysis of static (structural) and dynamic behaviour of mechanical systems.
• Competency in CREO / CAD software or similar.
• Ability 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 – strong knowledge of safety and the environment.
• High level communication skills.

Desired Characteristics

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

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No