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- Tasks: Lead the design and implementation of advanced control systems for HVDC and digital substations.
- Company: Join GE Vernova, a leader in electrifying and decarbonising the world.
- Benefits: Relocation assistance, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborate with top minds in the industry and drive innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of power systems and influence how energy reaches millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in power system automation and substation control engineering required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The Control Automation System Principal Engineer serves as the technical authority for automation systems, industrial controls, and operational technologies across the organization. This role leads the architecture, design, implementation, and governance of advanced control systems that enable safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing or operational performance. The Principal Engineer mentors engineering teams, drives innovation, establishes automation standards, and leads strategic initiatives aligned with business objectives.
The world is electrifying faster than ever, and at GE Vernova, we're building the technologies that make it possible. As a Principal Engineer in Control & Automation Systems, you'll serve as a technical authority shaping the future of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and digital substation technology. This is a role where your expertise directly influences how power reaches millions of people — and where your ideas help define what comes next.
What You'll Do
- Lead the technical design, architecture, and delivery of advanced control and automation systems for HVDC and digital substation environments.
- Own the technical solution for control and automation systems end-to-end — from requirements definition and architecture through to implementation, validation, and governance — ensuring designs meet customer requirements and comply with IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5, and related power system communication standards.
- Lead HVDC control and protection design, including network and cybersecurity architecture, Substation Configuration Language (SCL) data modelling, protection logic, interlocking logic, and integration of Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), bay controllers, merging units, and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) within digital substations.
- Drive engineering excellence by identifying and implementing improvements to methods, tools, processes, and systems that enhance customer value, and by upholding Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) principles across the team.
- Collaborate and influence across project teams, New Product Introduction (NPI), utilities, and vendors to support system integration, testing, and commissioning; provide technical consultation to cross-functional teams on manufacturing, supply chain, and field challenges.
- Shape the profession— represent GE Vernova externally at industry conferences and in professional bodies such as IEC and CIGRE; contribute to the Patent Evaluation Board (PEB); mentor junior engineers; and support hiring, promotion, and succession planning within Engineering & Technology.
Who We're Looking For
You're a seasoned power systems engineer with significant hands-on experience in substation automation and HVDC control systems — someone who combines deep technical authority with the ability to lead, influence, and inspire.
Required
- A formal education in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or a related discipline is valued, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.
- Significant experience in power system automation or substation control engineering, including substantial experience with IEC 61850-based systems.
- In-depth knowledge of IEC 61850 protocols and concepts, including Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS), Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE), SCL, and Sampled Values.
- Strong understanding of communication networks, including Ethernet, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), and Parallel Redundancy Protocol/High-availability Seamless Redundancy (PRP/HSR) redundancy architectures.
- Proven experience configuring and integrating IEDs, protection relays, substation bay controllers, merging units, and HMI systems.
- Hands-on experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Distributed Control System (DCS) platform integration.
- Working knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 communication 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, and Modbus.
- Experience using IEC 61850 System Configurators and IED Connectivity Packages.
Preferred
- Active participation in IEC, CIGRE, or equivalent industry standards working groups.
- Experience leading root cause analysis for complex Voltage Source Converter (VSC) control and protection issues.
- Familiarity with cybersecurity design principles for industrial control systems.
Why GE Vernova
At GE Vernova, we're on a mission to electrify and decarbonize the world. That means building technologies that are reliable, sustainable, and transformative. Joining our team means working alongside some of the brightest minds in power engineering, contributing to projects that have a genuine global impact, and growing your career in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration, and technical leadership.
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
Principal Engineer – Control & Automation Systems in Creswell employer: GE Vernova
Contact Detail:
GE Vernova Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Engineer – Control & Automation Systems in Creswell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups related to control and automation systems. This is your chance to connect with potential employers and showcase your expertise in HVDC and digital substations.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn! Make sure your profile is up-to-date and highlights your experience with IEC 61850 and substation automation. Engage with posts from companies you’re interested in, and don’t be shy about reaching out to recruiters directly.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with IEDs and SCADA systems, and think of examples where you've driven engineering excellence or mentored others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining GE Vernova. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with our mission to electrify and decarbonise the world.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Control & Automation Systems in Creswell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Principal Engineer role. Highlight your hands-on experience with HVDC and substation automation, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about control and automation systems and how your expertise can contribute to GE Vernova's mission. Be sure to connect your past experiences with the job requirements.
Showcase Your Technical Authority: In your application, emphasise your technical authority in power systems engineering. Mention your familiarity with IEC 61850 protocols and your experience with IEDs and SCADA systems. We want to see how you can lead and inspire others in this field!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at GE Vernova!
How to prepare for a job interview at GE Vernova
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IEC 61850 and HVDC systems. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving substation automation and control systems. This is your chance to showcase your technical authority!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Engineer, you'll be expected to lead and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've influenced teams or driven innovation in past roles. Highlight any experience you have with cross-functional collaboration and how you’ve contributed to engineering excellence.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with GE Vernova's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your expertise aligns with their goals of electrifying and decarbonising the world. Showing that you understand their vision will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team dynamics, and future projects at GE Vernova. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture and objectives align with your career aspirations.