Technical Lead DC Circuit-Breaker Engineer

As Technical Lead DC Circuit-Breaker Engineer, you will report to the Valve Engineering Electrical Team Lead within the HVDC Solution Line (Team who deliver development project and customer projects for the HVDC Converter Valve). As Lead engineer DC Circuit-Breaker, your mission will be to coordinate and prepare the technical options and decisions in the development of the product. Your role is to ensure that the technical choices, from concept design to detailed design stages, are relevant to ensure the specified performance of the DCCB product and ensure DCCB product reliability and quality. Your role is also to establish the technical capabilities that are specific to the DCCB technology and application. Being integrated in the Valve Converter Engineering & Technology Function, you could also be involved in the design and improvement of existing converter valve products.

The successful candidate will be part of a highly motivated, dynamic team of engineers working on the delivery, application engineering of existing and new power electronics applications for power systems, particularly for HVDC converters and the forthcoming "HVDC Grid" and "MTDC Grid". This is a very exciting and dynamic field of power engineering in which GE Vernova has a leading contribution and worldwide recognition. HVDC Converter Valves are large and complex structures, with typical dimensions of several metres in each direction and weighing many tens of tonnes. The design and the development of such converters is technically challenging and involves a variety of engineering disciplines, contribution through teamwork and an innovative approach.

In addition to that, the Valve Engineering function is developing the next product for their MTDC portfolio, with a DC Circuit Breaker. The role gives an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to innovate, expand their design skill and personal development within an internationally recognised expert in this exciting field. There will be international travel opportunities to collaborate with other GE Vernova units, test laboratories and customer sites.

• Generate project documentation (such as type test specification, type test reports, design reports…)
• Validation of key component ratings (Size of the components, Calculation of losses, RAM study…)
• Detailed design of DCCB submodule
• Transverse optimization of DCCB design and performance through DCCB controls engineering
• Working against customer specification at project stage (Clause by Clause, Risk analysis).
• Integration with other engineering departments for product definition (System design, Main Scheme, Layout, Control and Protection, Commercial).
• Circuit simulation for design and future testing as part of project awarded.
• Product design and validation for high voltage power electronic including IGBT and thyristor and passive component used in valve converter.
• Design or application experience on IGBT, thyristor driver circuit, vacuum interrupter.
• Design experience on the protection and control circuit for IGBT, thyristor, vacuum interrupter, spark gap.
• Performing routine and type test specifications and pre-commissioning testing.
• Product support during complete life cycle from development to tender and commissioning of project
• Support site activities during testing, installation, pre-commissioning and training for customer.
• Expectation to travel 10% of the time across the world.

Specific Abilities:

• Able to work to deadlines with high quality
• Good technical communication
• Independent and team worker (Pro-Active)
• Precise documentation
• Attention to details

The candidate will probably be educated to degree level in electrical or electronic engineering. However, this is not as important as a proven track record and evidence that you have the experience and abilities to perform the role. Candidates should have proven experience of the design and/or development of power electronic converters (preferably at high power >1MVA). A good understanding of power semiconductors, their control, protection and application would be advantageous. It is key that the candidate has the ability to work quickly and efficiently within an engineering team. An enquiring mind and desire to learn new skills, an ability to apply different engineering disciplines and a willingness to share the knowledge are essential qualities. Ideally, the candidate will have a good track record of leading a team of engineers in delivering a technical project on time and according to the scope.

Educated to degree level in electrical or electronic engineering, Power electronic converters (motor drives, such as HVDC and FACTS applications) High power electronic components (IGBTs, thyristors, passive components, vacuum interrupter) High voltage testing for validation of high power device Thermal Design (loss calculations, heatsink specification) Specification & report writing Simulation tools such as Matlab-Simulink, PSCAD-EMTDC Design & type testing programmes Requirements capture Risk analysis EHS compliance knowledge Good communication skills.

Prior experience of electrical transmission industry Prior experience in test laboratory Thermal and hydraulic design (e.g. loss temperature calculations, thermal modelling, thermal characteristics of material, pressure drop calculations) Intellectual property and the patent process experience Power Electronic control & protection Understanding of multi-modular converters Understanding of DC Circuit breakers High Voltage and Medium Voltage engineering Ability to coordinate and lead a small group of engineers Good at sharing knowledge and experience.