Lead Control Automation System Engineer in Stafford

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 fill 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. In Grid Solutions, we help enable the transition for a greener, more reliable Grid.

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 in 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.

What We Offer

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.