At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead testing and validation of cutting-edge communication and substation automation solutions.
- Company: Join GE Vernova, a leader in sustainable energy technology.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career growth, and support for continuous learning.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while developing expertise in a high-demand field.
- Qualifications: Strong testing experience; interest in communication systems and substation automation.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
We're looking for a Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer to help drive the testing, validation, and continuous improvement of our communication and substation automation solutions. This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong foundation in IEC 61850, utility communication protocols, or software/systems testing, who is looking to grow into a role with real technical ownership and industry influence.
You'll lead the development and execution of test strategies for IED communications and telecoms systems, integrating AI-driven test automation and predictive analytics to enhance regression efficiency, accelerate defect identification, and ensure the highest standards of reliability in complex IEC 61850 environments. You will work alongside developers, stakeholders, and customers to ensure our solutions are reliable, compliant, and built to the highest standard.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Develop and maintain test plans, test cases, and test reports aligned with product and customer requirements.
- Plan and execute new feature, regression, manual, and AI automated testing for software and communication systems.
- Validate software and system behaviour against specifications and compliance requirements.
- Identify using AI-powered anomaly detection, investigate, and track defects and inconsistencies using standard bug tracking tools.
- Collaborate closely with developers to troubleshoot issues and improve overall product quality.
- Build and maintain automated test scripts using AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub and Copilot.
- Set up and maintain testing tools and environments.
- Review logs and test outputs to spot issues and recommend improvements using Natural Language Processing (NLP) or pattern recognition.
- Help keep test tracking and reporting accurate and current.
- Support testing of telecoms systems.
- Liaise with customers, certification bodies, and standards organizations on validation and compliance activities.
- Represent the business at relevant industry and standards forums.
- Contribute ideas to improve our testing standards and processes.
What We're Looking For:
We're flexible on exact background — what matters most is strong testing experience and a genuine interest in communication systems and substation automation. Ideally you'll bring some combination of the following:
- A degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
- Familiarity with SCADA and communication protocols.
- Some exposure to power system protection and/or IEC 61850.
- A general understanding of networking concepts, such as TCP/IP.
- Basic familiarity with XML.
- Experience in client/server environments.
- Any exposure to multi-user, stress, or load testing is a plus, but not essential.
- A solid grounding in software or communications testing, with good analytical and debugging instincts.
- Comfort writing test scripts and applying structured testing approaches.
- Experience with test automation tools, or a strong interest in developing these skills.
Don't have direct IEC 61850 experience? If you have strong testing fundamentals and communication systems knowledge, we're happy to support your development in this specialist area.
Who You Are:
- Pays close attention to detail and takes pride in quality work.
- Brings a proactive, can-do attitude to problem-solving.
- Manages multiple priorities well and stays organised under pressure.
- Is curious and enjoys continuously learning new tools, technologies, and standards.
- Works well with others, both internally and with external partners.
- Is comfortable balancing hands‑on technical work with a broader view of product quality.
Why Join Us?
- Work on advanced, real-world digital substation and communication technologies.
- Take a lead role in shaping testing strategy and quality practices.
- Build deep expertise in a specialist, in-demand technical field.
- Collaborate with experts across engineering, telecoms, and international standards bodies.
- Grow your career in a role that offers real influence and technical depth.
- Be supported in developing new skills.
Our Culture:
Every action shapes our future. That’s why our north star is a culture of impact, where everyone is empowered to thrive and achieve. Addressing the urgent need to build a more sustainable electric power system while improving the trajectory of climate change emissions are global priorities, and we take our responsibility seriously.
Inclusion & Diversity:
We are passionate about creating an inclusive work environment. By valuing the ideas and contributions of a diverse workforce we help inspire others to grow, succeed, and raise the bar for everyone.
Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer in Stafford employer: GE Vernova, Inc.
At GE Vernova, we pride ourselves on being a purpose-led employer dedicated to electrifying and decarbonising the world. Our work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, offering employees the chance to shape their roles and grow within a diverse portfolio of projects. With competitive compensation, flexible benefits, and a commitment to professional development, we provide an environment where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer in Stafford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer role you’re after at GE Vernova, Inc..
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at GE Vernova, Inc. a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at GE Vernova, Inc..
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer at GE Vernova, Inc., apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at GE Vernova, Inc. a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to GE Vernova, Inc. specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at GE Vernova, Inc.
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with GE Vernova, Inc., make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like GE Vernova, Inc. want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
