RCA Leader
GE Vernova · Schenectady · $113,200–$188,800 (stated in the posting)
Job Description Summary
The RCA Leader owns the end-to-end execution of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) investigations assigned by the Quality Leader following a "Mandatory RCA" determination through the screening matrix. As a senior individual contributor (SPB3), the RCA Leader is expected not only to lead individual investigations to a high technical standard, but also to strengthen overall RCA capability by identifying systemic process gaps, mentoring less experienced practitioners, and driving consistency in RCA methodology and execution across regions.RCA Leaders are formally assigned within Quality Suite upon completion of the required RCA Leader training. The role carries accountability for RCA process execution and compliance and is subject to regional governance, oversight, and audit requirements.
Job Description
Roles and Responsibilities
- Accept RCA/Issue assignments from the Quality Leader once initiated in Quality Suite, with the RCA/Issue number linked back to the case in ServiceMax.
- Lead the full RCA lifecycle per the Global RCA RASCI and RCA Process Map, including:
- Kick-off meeting within 24 hours of RCA initiation.
- 24-hour containment action.
- D1–D4 (Problem definition, team, containment) completed within 30 days.
- D5–D6 (Root cause, corrective action, validation) completed within 60 days.
- D7–D8 (Prevention, closure, recognition) completed within 90 days.
- Facilitate Weekly Governance Reviews to track progress and escalate blockers.
- Ensure organizational learning is captured, documented, and shared.
Process & Quality Governance
- Verify screening matrix outputs when needed and support the Quality Leader in confirming an RCA is correctly scoped as Mandatory vs. NCA/Issue.
- Maintain complete, audit-ready documentation in Quality Suite / Documentum (EDMS), ensuring evidence supports each escalation levels.
- Partner with RCA Approvers to ensure findings and corrective actions meet sign-off criteria before closure.
- Identify recurring failure patterns across cases and feed insights back into site/regional RCA criteria and training content.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Quality Leaders, L2 Teams, Field Service, Product Engineering, Controls Engineering, and R&D to gather evidence, validate hypotheses, and implement corrective actions.
- Act as a technical resource and mentor for new or less experienced RCA practitioners within the region.
- Support training delivery/communication of the Global RCA RASCI and RCA Process Map to site/regional personnel, as directed by the Regional Quality Leader.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Completion of GE Vernova RCA Leader training (mandatory prior to formal assignment in Quality Suite).
- 8 years of total experience leading structured problem-solving and root cause investigations (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, or equivalent methodologies), managing multiple concurrent investigations against firm 30/60/90-day deadlines, and utilizing quality management systems such as Quality Suite, Documentum/EDMS, and ServiceMax, with the ability to quickly learn new tools and systems.
- Strong facilitation and stakeholder-management skills across engineering, quality, and field teams.
- Clear, structured written and verbal communication for technical and leadership audiences.
Desired Characteristics
- Prior experience as an RCA practitioner or Quality Engineer in power conversion, renewable energy, or industrial equipment.
- Familiarity with ISO quality standards and ‘Impact’ criteria determination (direct cause classification).
- Experience mentoring or training junior investigators.
- Track record of driving process improvement beyond individual case closure (e.g., updating regional RCA criteria).
- Working knowledge of reliability concepts (failure modes, population impact, containment strategy).
Key Measures of Success
- Timeliness: % of RCAs meeting the 24-hour initiation rule and D1–D8 milestone deadlines (30/60/90 days).
- Quality of Investigation: Audit pass rate on RCA documentation completeness and evidence traceability.
- Recurrence Reduction: Measurable decrease in repeat/re-opened RCAs for similar failure modes.
- Organizational Learning: Evidence of findings applied beyond the immediate case (e.g., updated criteria, shared lessons).
- Process Contribution: Demonstrated contribution to improving regional RCA practices, training, or mentoring beyond individually assigned cases (reflecting SPB3 scope).
Additional Information
GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: No