Specialist - Welding

GE Vernova; Elgin Township (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Tuition assistance

Paid parental leave

12 paid holidays

Job summary

GE Vernova's Advanced Research Center seeks a Specialist in Mechanical Systems Design, Manufacturing and Inspection to support development and prototyping of advanced manufacturing processes. You will assist with fabrication, machine setup, data collection, and lab operations for metal additive manufacturing, welding, cladding, and laser processing.

The role involves collaborating with engineers, machinists, facilities, and EHS teams to ensure safe, accurate execution across multiple projects

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/related field with 3+ years lab/research experience.
• 3+ years of experience with fabrication, assembly, operation, maintenance, or troubleshooting of mechanical/manufacturing equipment.
• 3+ years of experience using common inspection and measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support for advanced manufacturing R&D programs.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot lab and manufacturing equipment for metal additive manufacturing, welding, cladding, laser processing, machining.
• Fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair prototype hardware, fixtures, tooling, and test articles.
• Prepare and handle raw materials, powders, wire, feedstock, coupons, and consumables for development builds.
• Machine setup, calibration, routine maintenance, and safe operation of equipment.
• Assist engineers in executing experimental plans, process development trials, and prototype builds
• Install and support sensors, instrumentation, and process monitoring equipment.
• Collect, organize, and document process data, build parameters, equipment settings, and observations.

Skills

Fabrication & assembly

Inspection tools

Laboratory experience

Reading engineering drawings

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in mechanical/related field

Bachelor degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Height gauges

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Specialist in the Mechanical Systems Design, Manufacturing and Inspection Laboratory will support the development, prototyping, build, operation, and characterization of advanced manufacturing processes and hardware for a broad range of current and future GE Vernova products. These are applied in the GE Vernova businesses including steam, gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, Grid Solutions, and Power Conversion. GE Vernova Advanced Research Center works on technologies including carbon capture, 100% H2 combustion, advanced manufacturing, next generation nuclear, super critical CO2, electric machines, onshore and offshore wind turbines, gas and steam power generation systems, hybrid energy storage.

As a Specialist in the Mechanical Systems Design, Manufacturing and Inspection Laboratory, you will support research and development programs focused on advanced manufacturing methods such as metal additive manufacturing, welding, cladding, laser-based processes, materials processing, and multi-material systems. You will assist with fabrication, machine and rig setup, instrumentation, process execution, materials characterization support, data collection, and laboratory operations, and you will be responsible for specific lab equipment and processes.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on support for advanced manufacturing research and development programs.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory and manufacturing equipment used for metal additive manufacturing, welding, cladding, laser processing, machining, and related processes.
• Fabricate, assemble, modify, and repair prototype hardware, fixtures, tooling, and test articles.
• Prepare and handle raw materials, powders, wire, feedstock, coupons, and consumables for development builds and experiments.
• Be responsible for machine setup, calibration, routine maintenance, and safe operation of manufacturing and laboratory equipment.
• Assist engineers in executing experimental plans, process development trials, and prototype builds
• Install and support sensors, instrumentation, and process monitoring equipment used during manufacturing trials.
• Collect, organize, and document process data, build parameters, equipment settings, and experimental observations.
• Perform basic dimensional inspection and support sample preparation, sectioning, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and other post-process activities.
• Maintain laboratory readiness, including equipment organization, material inventory, consumables, and work areas.
• Procure parts, tools, materials, and supplies needed to support project execution.
• Work closely with engineers, machinists, facilities, and EHS teams to ensure procedures are followed and work is executed safely.
• Support multiple projects and shifting priorities while maintaining quality and urgency.
• Assist with technical documentation, data organization, and communication of results.
• Protect intellectual property and support patent‑related activities where appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Technology, Welding Technology, Electrical Engineering or closely related field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in laboratory or research work or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering or closely related field.

• 3+ years of experience with fabrication, assembly, operation, maintenance, or troubleshooting of mechanical or manufacturing equipment.

• 3+ years of experience using common inspection and measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and similar instruments.

Eligibility Requirement

• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals, now or in the future, for this job opening. Because of the specific categories of data handled by GE Vernova Advanced Research and the structure of our work environment, we are unable to accommodate employment of persons while they are considered nationals of embargoed countries subject to restriction under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR Section 746 et seq. (currently North Korea, Syria, Iran, Cuba, and Sudan). Please note that citizens of embargoed countries who have either “U.S. person” status under U.S. export control laws or subsequent citizenship from a non‑embargoed country can be considered
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.
• Must be willing to take a drug test and submit to a background investigation as part of the selection process.
• Ability to work during first shift, with the possible requirement to work 2nd or 3rd shift under some situations.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Desired Characteristics

• Experience supporting metal additive manufacturing processes such as powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, or wire‑arc additive manufacturing.
• Experience with welding, cladding, laser‑based processing, machining, or related advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, process sheets, and equipment documentation.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition used in manufacturing or laboratory environments.
• Experience preparing samples for metallography or supporting materials characterization activities.
• Experience with dimensional inspection, quality documentation, or manufacturing process records.
• Experience with data reduction and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to and develop new processes.
• Ability to work with periodic guidance on tasks and innovate.
• Certified Six Sigma Green Belt will be strongly preferred.
• Strong debugging and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent time management skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to build or modify hardware with a high level of quality and attention to detail.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and disciplined execution.
• Ability to work effectively in a team‑based, fast‑paced R&D or manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with machine shop equipment such as mills, grinders, and lathes.
• Ability to understand and use service documentation.

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 $72,000.00 and $108,000.00. 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 November 10, 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.