Lead Field Service Engineer – Automation

GE Vernova, Inc.; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) plan

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Job summary

GE Vernova is seeking a senior Marine Automation Engineer to lead the installation, testing, and commissioning of DP and marine automation systems aboard offshore vessels.

You will diagnose complex hardware/software issues, mentor junior engineers, manage on-site execution, and coordinate with shipyards and clients while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

This remote role requires travel and offers comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field and 5+ years in automation commissioning.
• Willingness to travel up to 85% and offshore readiness (BOSIET).
• Experience with DP systems, PMS integrations, and on-site leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end installation, testing, and commissioning of Marine Automation and DP systems.
• Diagnose and resolve critical hardware/software failures on-site.
• Provide technical leadership to junior engineers and contractors.
• Integrate Power Management Systems with automation platforms.
• Coordinate with vessel crews, shipyards, and superintendents.
• Document field activities and generate service reports.
• Ensure safety, naval regulations and EHS compliance on ships.

Skills

PLC/DCS programming

DP system integration

Troubleshooting

Technical leadership

Offshore/remote operations

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Associate’s Degree in Electrical/related field

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Diagnostic software

Oscilloscopes

BOSIET

Job description

Job Description Summary

GE Vernova is a purpose-built energy company on a mission to electrify and decarbonize the world. Our Power Conversion & Storage business sits at the heart of the clean energy transition — delivering advanced power electronics, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and solar solutions that help utilities, developers, and industrial customers generate, convert, and store energy more efficiently.
When you join us, you’re not just providing field service – you’re ensuring the operational excellence of high-performance systems that power the most demanding industrial and marine applications.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

• System Commissioning: Lead the end-to-end installation, loop testing, and commissioning of integrated Marine Automation and Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems, ensuring full compliance with project specifications and safety protocols.
• Complex Troubleshooting: Serve as the primary on-site technical authority to diagnose, isolate, and resolve critical hardware/software failures in high-pressure environments.
• Project Leadership: Act as the technical lead for on-site execution, providing direction to junior engineers and contractors while maintaining strict adherence to quality control and project timelines.
• Operational Integration: Execute complex integrations between Power Management Systems (PMS) and automation platforms, ensuring seamless synchronization and load‑sharing performance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the professional bridge between GE Vernova and the client, providing clear technical briefings to vessel crews, shipyards, and superintendents.
• Technical Reporting: Document field activities, capture "lessons learned," and provide high-quality service reports to support internal engineering teams and future service improvements.
• Safety & Compliance: Adhere strictly to maritime safety protocols, naval security regulations, and environmental health and safety (EHS) standards while working in confined shipboard environments.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline) from an accredited university with a minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in commissioning environments involving automation and DP systems
  • OR Associate’s Degree with a minimum of 7 years of relevant commissioning experience
  • OR High School Diploma / GED with a minimum of 10 years of relevant commissioning experience
• Operational Readiness: Ability and willingness to travel up to 85% of the time, often on short notice.
• Physical Requirements: Must be physically fit to board vessels offshore. Must be able to pass Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET).

Desired Characteristics:

• Technical Toolset: To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate deep expertise in the following areas:
  • Automation Platforms: Advanced configuration, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC/DCS systems.
  • Dynamic Positioning (DP) Expertise: Hands‑on experience with DP system integration, sensor interfacing (MRU, DGPS, Gyros), and thruster control logic.
  • Network & Communication: Proficiency in industrial networking protocols (PROFINET, Modbus TCP/RTU, OPC UA, EtherNet/IP) and troubleshooting marine fieldbus systems.
  • Marine Power Systems: Understanding of Power Management Systems (PMS) and their integration with automation, including generator control, synchronization, and load‑sharing logic.
  • Programming & Diagnostics: Skilled in ladder logic, function block diagramming, and structured text; capable of using diagnostic software/oscilloscopes to trace signal integrity and communication errors,
• Standards & Compliance: Solid working knowledge of IMO regulations, ABS/DNV class rules, and cyber‑security standards for maritime control systems.
• Crisis Management: Proven ability to remain calm and decisive during vessel downtime or critical path delays in shipyard environments.
• Mentorship: A passion for developing junior talent; ability to teach complex automation logic and safe field practices to others.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical issues to non‑technical stakeholders or clients under pressure.
• Independent Operator: Demonstrated capability to work autonomously in remote or offshore locations with minimal direct supervision.
• Work Environment: Whilst performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, risk of trips, slips and falls. The noise level on‑site or on‑board ships can be excessive, personal protective equipment (PPE) will be required.

Additional Information

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. 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.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

#LI-Remote - This is a remote position Application Deadline: October 08, 2026

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $78,800.00 and $131,200.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set. Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus. This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on September 24, 2026.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• prescription drug coverage
• access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
• access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
• GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan
• tax‑advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions
• access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
• tuition assistance
• adoption assistance
• paid parental leave
• disability benefits
• life insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• permissive time off

GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.