At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge substation control and protection panels for high-voltage applications.
- Company: Join a leading engineering firm focused on innovative energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to industry-leading projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector with your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering and strong substation design experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer with strong experience in substation panel design, protection hardware selection, and HVDC control systems. The role requires good knowledge of IEC/IEEE standards, IEC 61850, digital substation hardware architecture, and selection of key hardware components used in Control, Protection, Measurement, and Communication systems.
The Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer will be responsible for developing robust, standards-compliant solutions for substation control and protection panels, including component selection, detailed electrical and mechanical design, and support for testing and commissioning.
Key Responsibilities
- Design substation control and protection panels for HVDC and high-voltage applications
- Perform selection of CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies, Switches, GPS clocks, and related hardware
- Design and integration of Transient Fault Recorders (TFRs) and other monitoring devices
- Prepare and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, BOMs, and panel layout drawings
- Work on mechanical design aspects of panels, including enclosure arrangement, mounting, spacing, ventilation, and maintainability
- Ensure compliance with relevant IEC and IEEE standards
- Apply knowledge of IEC 61850, including Sampled Values (SV), PRP, and HSR concepts in substation communication architecture
- Support design of network communication systems, including managed switches and redundant architectures
- Consider EMC/EMI requirements, grounding, shielding, and panel segregation during design
- Support interface design for trip circuits, measurement circuits, interlocking, and signal acquisition
- Participate in design reviews, FAT, troubleshooting, and commissioning support
- Work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, testing, and site teams
- Contribute to continuous improvement of standard designs and engineering practices
- Experience in panel type testing.
- Experience in producing and maintaining standard cabinet designs.
- Perform root cause analysis and DFMEA.
- Manage change processes with internal and external vendors.
- Manage obsolescence of components and hardware.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering or related field
- Strong background in Substation Control & Protection engineering
- Good knowledge of hardware components used in control and protection systems
- Experience in panel design and component selection
- Good understanding of IEC 61850, HVDC, and substation automation systems
- Knowledge of CT/VT selection, protection IEDs, communication networks, and digital substations
- Familiarity with PRP, HSR, Sampled Values (SV), and redundancy concepts
- Experience with EMC, mechanical panel design, and electrical schematics
- Ability to work independently and support project delivery in a complex engineering environment
Desired Skills
- Experience with digital substation and HVDC projects
- Knowledge of Engineering Base, Creo, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar tools
- Experience with Network switches, GPS synchronization systems, TFRs, power supplies, and MCBs
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to participate in FAT and commissioning activities
- Knowledge on configuration of IEC61850 IED’s via vendor specific tools and System Configuration Tools for complete system integration
- Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity standards (e.g., IEC 62443), network hardening, and security protocols tailored for substation control systems.
Relocation Assistance Provided: No
Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer in Stafford employer: GE Vernova
As a leading employer in the engineering sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our commitment to professional development ensures that as a Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in high-voltage applications. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a supportive environment where your expertise in substation control and protection can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Control Automation Hardware 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 GE Vernova!
✨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 Hardware Engineer position at GE Vernova, 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 GE Vernova 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 Hardware Engineer role at GE Vernova!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Control Automation Hardware 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 GE Vernova 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 GE Vernova
✨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 GE Vernova.
✨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 GE Vernova, 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.
