Principal Scientist - Robotics/Mechatronics

GE Vernova; Elgin Township (IL); On-site; USD 132,000 - 219,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Health Coach

401(k) with company match

Tuition assistance

Parental leave

Disability benefits

Life insurance

Holidays

Permissive time off

Job summary

GE Vernova’s Advanced Research team seeks a Principal Scientist to lead robotics and autonomy research across AI, computer vision, and software domains. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams and government agencies to shape technology roadmaps and develop advanced programs advancing decarbonization and electrification.

The role emphasizes leadership in IP development, prototyping, and transitioning R&D to manufacturing, with a focus on impact and collaboration across GE Vernova

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline with 7+ years of relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Be a technical pillar in a multidisciplinary team inventing and developing functional systems for robotics and autonomy.
• Prototype and validate Robotics solutions through quick prototyping.
• Collaborate with engineers, product managers, and external partners to determine needs and requirements.
• Shape technical vision and lead organizational strategy for Robotics with senior leadership.
• Drive IP strategy, write disclosures and collect experimental data for patent processes.

Skills

Robotics

Computer vision

AI/ML research

IP strategy

Government proposals

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Doctorate in Engineering or Computer Science

Job description

Job Description Summary

As a Principal Scientist in the AI – Computer Vision - Robotics – Software lab in GE Vernova Advanced Research, you will have the opportunity to develop state-of-the-art technology for GE Vernova’s missions of Decarbonization, Electrification and Growth of Renewable Energy. You will collaborate with cross-functional technology and business teams driving advanced tech roadmaps in digital research, across the scientific domains of artificial intelligence – computer vision – robotics and software. You will work closely to U.S. Government Agencies to shape, develop & execute on advanced technology programs that will shape the future GE Vernova business products.

GE Vernova’s Advanced Research business is the central innovation engine for GE’s portfolio of energy businesses, which will be unified under one banner called GE Vernova. The research organization is made up of 250+ researchers representing virtually every major scientific and engineering discipline. Collectively, they are driving major research programs and initiatives to decarbonize power, accelerate renewables, and promote electrification and the creation of a 21st century grid fit to power a zero-carbon energy future.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Be a technical pillar in a multidisciplinary team inventing and developing functional systems and tools advancing robotics and autonomy, including robot system design, motion planning, perception, manipulation, system integration, and human-robot interaction.

• Grow expertise by inventing and implementing prototypes, solutions and demonstrate Robotics applications to real world problems by quick prototyping and validation.

• Collaborate with chief and consulting engineers and product managers in GE Vernova businesses and at external partners to determine and hone needs, product and process requirements.

• Work directly with GE Vernova Advanced Research senior leadership and technology managers to shape technical vision and lead organizational strategy for Robotics

• Be a thought leader and drive IP strategy development and prior art analysis, write disclosures and patent applications and collect rigorous experimental data for IP patent processes.

• Foster and grow relationships with colleagues at GE Vernova Advanced Research with a wide variety of technical expertise and business responsibilities, being a coach for developing technologists.

• Identify, shape and drive collaborative relationships with academic, national laboratory, industry, government agencies and GE experts to leverage internal capability, increasing impact.

• Deliver effective presentations, reports, and publications to GE Vernova Advanced Research leadership, the GE Vernova businesses, government agencies, professional societies, and peer-reviewed journals.

• Lead and grow external and commercial opportunities, proposing solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges and leading proposals as principal investigator for grant consideration.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline with 7+ years of relevant work experience.

Eligibility:

• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY

Desired Characteristics:

• Proven record of innovation, including peer-reviewed publications, in areas related to the specified scientific domain of Robotics

• Demonstrated project execution experience, teamwork experience & ability to work across all functions/levels as part of a team.

• Demonstrated leadership experience.

• Experience developing patentable intellectual property

• Experience writing successful R&D proposals, including to government agencies

• Ability and experience transitioning products from R&D to manufacturing.

• Well versed in Six Sigma methodology –specifically DoE’s and Gage R&R.

• Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities

• Comfort interacting and reporting horizontally and vertically both within and across organizational boundaries

• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills using innovative and hands-on solutions

• Demonstrated capability to work in a multidisciplinary environment

• Strong interpersonal skills initiative, high self-confidence and have goals for a career in industrial research.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

• Ability to adapt to change and willingness to be flexible in a global team environment.

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: Yes

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $131,700.00 and $219,300.00. 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 August 19, 2026.

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