Principal Engineer - HVDC Control System, Platform & Tools

GE Vernova; Stafford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy technology company in Stafford is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead initiatives in HVDC Control Systems. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in embedded software and cybersecurity, alongside a Bachelor's in Engineering. Responsibilities include guiding technical projects, mentoring teams, and interfacing with stakeholders. This role is pivotal in advancing energy transmission technologies and impacts sustainability efforts. Competitive benefits include health insurance and relocation assistance.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Car allowance

Bonus

Flexible benefits

Relocation/visa support

Qualifications

• 10 years of hands-on experience in embedded software or related fields.
• Expert knowledge of software development processes.
• Technical lead experience for NPI development programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex engineering initiatives and mentor technical talent.
• Develop engineering solutions and proposals.
• Provide technical consultation on product problems.

Skills

Embedded software

Cybersecurity constructs

Agile development methodology

Industrial protocols (IEC-61850, DNP3)

Real-time operating systems

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science

Tools

Matlab / Simulink

IEC-61850 SCT / ICT

Job description

Job Description Summary

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

As a Principal Engineer - HVDC Control System Platform & Tools

youll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy transmission. This senior position sits at the heart of GE Vernovas innovation engine driving next‑generation R&D and new product introduction (NPI) across embedded systems software platforms and industrial automation technologies.

Youll lead complex high‑impact engineering initiatives, mentor technical talent and represent the business to senior stakeholders, research institutions and industry bodies. This is a unique opportunity for a technical expert within industrial automation and control tools to develop their skills and career in the direction of HVDC control systems to influence the technical direction of HVDC systems and contribute to the global energy transformation.

You will bring technical authority, strategic guidance and cross‑functional collaboration through major and complex assignments with long‑term business impact. This makes you a key figure in delivering cutting‑edge solutions that will power a more sustainable future.

Main Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Support Consulting Engineers in business line technology strategy definition and Multi‑Generational Product Plan (MGPP).
• Chair Design reviews for individual components, subassemblies and key engineering deliverables at tendering and contract execution stages.
• Identify, develop, evaluate and introduce engineering solutions to create market‑winning proposals in anticipation of business product needs.
• Provide key technical direction to large projects during contract execution phase.
• Provide technical consultation on product problems throughout the business including supplier and field support and perform technical rescues when needed.
• Participate in Patent Evaluation Board (PEB) to protect technology that gives the business a competitive advantage as well as protecting the intellectual property rights of the company.
• Represent the business externally at conferences or in professional working bodies (IEC CIGRE etc.) and maintain active relationship with relevant academic institutions to promote research projects and other academic cooperation.
• Provide ad‑hoc technical guidance to the Engineering / Technology leadership team as required e.g. joining customer negotiations or supplier audits.
• Technical authority to the NPI development teams of Embedded software IEC-61850 PC based applications, Full stack web applications and Network & Cyber architecture team.
• Provide key technical inputs / guidance to the NPI development teams to generate the specification design architecture test and user guide documentation.
• Developing Design practices and Design guides for the NPI product development activities.
• Generating Design FMEAs and actively taking part in RCA / 5‑Why / 8‑D activities as part of NPI development.
• Guide and mentor the teams on relevant technical topics.
• Technical stake holder management with ITO OTR and Technology departments.
• Lead / Chair the design reviews on NPI development topics.
• Preparation of Training material and impart training to HVDC organisation.
• Participation in Inter‑discipline design reviews within HVDC.

Engineering / Technology Practices

Support Consulting Engineers to safeguard design qualities. Organise lessons‑learnt in one’s own domain and make sure they are well documented and communicated throughout the organisation to prevent repeated mistakes.

Maintain an active role in product introduction cost improvements, schedule adherence and problem resolution to meet business needs.

Provide technical consultation to cross‑functional teams within the business to improve or resolve manufacturing supply or field issues.

Competency Governance

Develop technical competencies by establishing and delivering structured technical training schemes within one’s own business lines.

Support Consulting Engineers in reviewing Engineering competency frameworks specific to one’s own business line.

People Development

Actively support Consulting Engineers with staff development & succession planning.

Participate in interviews for promotions or hirings within Engineering / Technology up to the level of Senior Engineer.

Actively mentor and coach identified high‑potential Engineering talents within one’s business lines.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Computer Science
• At least 10 years of hands‑on experience of embedded software, desktop applications, full stack web applications, communication system or cybersecurity constructs
• Expert knowledge of software development processes including Agile development methodology
• Technical lead for multiple small or a medium to large NPI development program
• Strong understanding of Operating system concepts either Real‑time operating system (e.g. VxWorks, RT Linux, QNX) or desktop operating systems (e.g. Linux, Unix, Windows)
• Working knowledge of industrial protocols for example IEC‑61850 (GOOSE, SV & MMS), IEC‑104, DNP3, Modbus
• Very good appreciation of ISO OSI model and its layers
• Expert knowledge on operation of General‑purpose processors, Digital signal processors (DSP), FPGAs, SOCs
• Sound knowledge of the Computing technologies and backplanes (e.g. PCIe, VPX, SOSA)
• Good understanding of Network & Cyber architectures of any Industrial Automation Control System

Desired Characteristics & Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills
• Problem analysis and resolution skills
• Able to pursue Engineering integrity in adverse conditions
• Able to interface effectively with most levels of the organisation
• Lean experience preferred
• Knowledge of HVDC converter operation theory and associated Power electronics operations
• Knowledge of HVDC power systems operations and Control & Protection operation theory will be useful
• Development experience on Matlab / Simulink environment
• Hands‑on experience in using / developing IEC‑61850 SCT / ICT to configure substation automation system
• Design and development of IEC‑61850 data models
• Appreciation of IEC‑62443 standard for cybersecurity aspects in any Industrial Automation Control System

About GE Grid Solutions

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 fulfil the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotal role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive a carbon‑free 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 youll 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 youll 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, car allowance, bonus, flexible benefits and relocation / visa support if appropriate to help you on your journey to joining us in Stafford.