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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 engineers and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of power systems and influence how energy reaches millions.
- Qualifications: Experience in power system automation and deep knowledge of IEC 61850 protocols.
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.
- 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.
Additional Information
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
Principal Engineer – Control & Automation Systems in Stafford 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 Stafford
✨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 just apply; engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to current employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at GE Vernova and express your enthusiasm for the Principal Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss IEC 61850 protocols and your hands-on experience with IEDs and SCADA systems. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a future leader in the field!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining GE Vernova and contributing to our mission of electrifying the world.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engineer – Control & Automation Systems in Stafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Expertise: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with HVDC and substation automation. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical authority!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention relevant projects or experiences that relate directly to control systems and IEC 61850 standards. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the job. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
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 where you've implemented these standards, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨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 your experience in cross-functional collaboration and how it led to successful project outcomes.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions about control and automation systems. Brush up on your knowledge of communication networks and protocols like DNP3 and Modbus. Practise explaining complex concepts in a way that's easy to understand.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for the Industry
GE Vernova is looking for someone who is genuinely excited about electrification and decarbonisation. Share your thoughts on industry trends and innovations, and how you see your role contributing to the future of power systems.