At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of digital control systems for a cleaner global grid.
- Company: Join GE Vernova, a leader in energy transition and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic international team at the forefront of energy technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy while working on innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in control systems engineering and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
At GE Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. 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 towards carbon neutrality.
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 you’ll 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, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition.
Working in an international team which is part of the global Engineering HVDC Centre of Excellence within Grid Integration based in Stafford offers a key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexibility of work agreements, competitive benefits, and great development opportunities.
As a Lead Control & Automation Systems Engineer within our High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Centre of Excellence in Stafford, you’ll be at the heart of that mission — leading the design, configuration, and delivery of the digital control and protection systems that keep power flowing safely and efficiently across the world. This is a technically hands-on leadership role where your expertise shapes real projects, your decisions carry weight, and your mentorship builds the next generation of power systems engineers.
What You’ll Do
- You’ll take end-to-end technical ownership of HVDC Control & Protection system design and delivery, working across engineering disciplines including New Product Introduction (NPI), Issue-to-Order (ITO), Order-to-Receipt (OTR), and Product Care teams.
- Lead control system design and delivery — own the full lifecycle of digital control system development, including requirements definition, configuration, testing, and commissioning of HVDC Control & Protection systems, covering network and cybersecurity design, control panel documentation, and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) witnessing.
- Drive IEC 61850 implementation — lead the configuration of IEC 61850 Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) using vendor-specific and System Configuration Tools; generate Substation Configuration description Language (SCL) files; and lead testing and debugging of complex IEC 61850 communication systems using tools such as IEDScout and Wireshark.
- Deliver integration and automation — coordinate HVDC Control System interfaces with Balance of Plant equipment and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; lead Local Area Network (LAN) and communication architecture design; configure industrial Ethernet switches, routers, and satellite clocks; and lead configuration of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Bay Controllers (BCUs), and Merging Units in digital substation environments.
- Produce and approve technical documentation — define main Input/Output (I/O) lists, analyse signal interfaces, and produce detailed design documentation including electrical schematics (using Engineering Base), wire/cable schedules, routine test specifications, general assembly drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Lead people and process — coach and develop team talent, drive consistent design practices and global process standards, review and approve deliverables, and contribute to continuous improvement in delivery speed, system stability, and reliability.
Who We’re Looking For
You’re an experienced control and protection systems engineer with a strong track record in digital substation automation and a natural ability to lead technical teams and complex projects.
Required
- A formal education in Electronics/Electrical Engineering or a related discipline is valued, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.
- Strong, proven experience in control and protection system design within power or substation environments.
- Demonstrated expertise configuring Substation Bay Controllers, Merging Units, IEC 61850 IEDs, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems.
- Working knowledge of industrial communication networks including IEC 61850, Ethernet-based protocols, and Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols including IPv4, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), Virtual Private Network (VPN), Distribution Management System/Advanced Distribution Management System (DMS/ADMS), DNP3, IEC protocols, and Modbus.
- Knowledge of communication network security, hardening techniques, and cybersecurity best practices for industrial control environments.
- Experience developing electrical designs and control/protection relay logic for industrial control systems.
Preferred
- Proven technical leadership in a complex systems engineering environment, with experience making independent technical decisions and engaging subject matter experts when needed.
- Track record of designing systems that meet or exceed design requirements, cost targets, and reliability expectations.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly to both internal and external audiences.
A key role within an international, collaborative engineering team at GE Vernova’s global HVDC Centre of Excellence. A dynamic working environment with flexibility in work arrangements. Competitive benefits and genuine development opportunities within a business shaping the future of energy.
Lead Control Automation System Engineer in Stafford employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
At GE Grid Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment at our HVDC Centre of Excellence in Stafford. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our competitive benefits and the opportunity to work on innovative projects that contribute to a sustainable energy future. Join us to be part of a team that values ingenuity and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where your contributions truly make an impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Control Automation System Engineer in Stafford
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Dormont Manufacturing Co!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Lead Control Automation System Engineer position at Dormont Manufacturing Co, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Dormont Manufacturing Co is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Lead Control Automation System Engineer role at Dormont Manufacturing Co!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Control Automation System Engineer in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Dormont Manufacturing Co and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Dormont Manufacturing Co, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
