At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of software for megawatt-scale electric drives across various industries.
- Company: Join GE Vernova, a leader in electrification systems and energy efficiency.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, private health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and relocation assistance available.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on energy systems while advancing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in software engineering for industrial drive control systems is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
GE’s Power Conversion business, part of GE Vernova, provides electrification systems that are critical to customers’ power and energy needs for their high-performance applications. We work with some of the world’s major energy, maritime and industrial organizations, helping to enable a transition to energy efficiency and decarbonization, including through our specialist motors, power electronics systems, electrical drives and control technologies that evolve today’s industrial processes for a cleaner, more productive future. We serve specialized sectors such as energy, marine, industry and all related services.
The Opportunity
Software that controls megawatt-scale electric drives doesn't just run in the background — it determines whether a naval vessel manoeuvres safely, whether an industrial process runs efficiently, and whether an energy system performs when it matters most. As Lead Drives Control Application Software Engineer at GE Vernova's Rugby site, you will take ownership of the full development lifecycle for control application software across a portfolio of electric drive systems serving Marine, Naval, Energy, and Industrial customers worldwide. This is a senior individual contributor role with real technical scope — from specification and design through to commissioning support on site.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the software development lifecycle — specify, design, code, validate, and maintain control application software for MW (megawatt)-scale power electronic drive systems, ensuring all designs meet performance, reliability, and international standards requirements.
- Lead validation and integration activity — validate application software using HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) rigs and laboratory test drives; integrate control software into larger systems and verify end-to-end functionality.
- Interface and collaborate across disciplines — write application software that interfaces with peripheral equipment, and work closely with cross-functional teams including hardware, systems, and commissioning engineers.
- Support commissioning in the field — travel to customer sites to support equipment commissioning and validation, typically a few times per year for durations of a few days up to two weeks.
- Advance engineering practice — apply and develop best engineering standards and design practices, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety regulations and international standards throughout your work.
About You
You are an experienced software engineer with a strong background in industrial drive control systems and a track record of delivering robust, well-documented control application software for complex power electronic systems. Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Software Engineering, or a closely related discipline — a formal qualification is advantageous, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements in an industrial software engineering environment.
Solid understanding of electrical machines, electrical drives, and converter system topologies, including AC/DC (Alternating Current/Direct Current), DC/AC, and DC-to-DC converter systems. Proven experience writing control application software for VSD (Variable Speed Drive) systems — including current source drives and voltage source drives — and machine control for induction, synchronous, and permanent magnet machines. Ability to translate high-level design requirements into efficient, robust software and produce clear technical documentation. Eligibility to obtain UK SC (Security Check) clearance. Unrestricted right to travel domestically and internationally.
Preferred
- Experience writing PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) application software.
- Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent modelling and simulation tools.
- Hands-on experience using HIL rigs for software testing and validation.
Why GE Vernova
GE Vernova employees rise to the challenge of building a world that works. At our Rugby site, you will work on technically demanding drive system projects with real-world impact — supported by a team that values rigour, continuous learning, and doing the work properly. We provide varied, competitive benefits designed to reward high performers and support your personal and family needs. Our offering includes:
- Employer pension contribution (not subject to individual contribution)
- Private health insurance, income protection, and life assurance
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible benefits so you can build a package that fits your personal needs
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements — we're happy to discuss what works for you
- Ongoing investment in professional development and career progression within a global organisation
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
Lead Drives Control Application Software Engineer in Rugby employer: GE Vernova
GE Vernova is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its graduates through a comprehensive 24-month Graduate Engineering Training Programme. With a strong focus on mentorship, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and excellence in the fields of software and automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Drives Control Application Software Engineer in Rugby
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at GE Vernova or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to GE Vernova.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like GE Vernova.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like GE Vernova that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Drives Control Application Software Engineer in Rugby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at GE Vernova.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at GE Vernova and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at GE Vernova
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If GE Vernova uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
