Lead Controls Engineer – Operability (m/f/d)
GE Vernova · Barcelona
Job Description Summary
SThe Controls & Operability team is seeking a controls engineer with demonstrated wind turbine controls expertise. The controls engineer role is a global engineering role where the scope includes design, implementation, and validation of turbine control features that meet product safety, performance and grid compliance. The broad scope of responsibility provides an opportunity to grow control system skills and be part of the team to drive energy transition.Job Description
The Opportunity
A wind turbine is not a passive structure — it is a continuously optimised dynamic system, and the control algorithms running inside it determine whether it performs, protects itself, and stays connected to the grid at the same time. As a Lead Controls Engineer at GE Vernova, you will develop, implement, and validate the control algorithms that sit at the heart of the wind turbine product: balancing performance, mechanical load reduction, grid compliance, and availability across an installed fleet operating globally at scale.
You will work at the boundary between controls theory and real-world turbine behaviour — modelling in simulation, validating on the GE MarkVIe PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and investigating complex fleet issues that require both technical depth and systematic analysis to resolve.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and enhance turbine control algorithms — contribute to the design of control algorithms that improve turbine performance, reduce mechanical loading, satisfy grid compliance requirements, and maintain high availability across the fleet; implement and validate algorithms in the loads simulation environment and on the GE MarkVIe PLC in line with product requirements.
- Investigate and resolve fleet controls issues — analyse complex controls issues occurring across the installed turbine fleet; develop and implement corrective actions, working with the Loads and Validation teams to assess the impact of control strategy changes on mechanical loading in both simulation and measured field data.
- Contribute across the full product lifecycle — provide wind turbine controls expertise from requirements definition through design, development, validation, and lifecycle support; support the continuous improvement of controller development and loads simulation infrastructure.
- Communicate technical findings clearly — prepare and present technical analyses, reports, and recommendations for internal and external stakeholders; translate complex controls data into clear, actionable guidance for a range of audiences.
About You
You are an experienced controls engineer with a background in wind turbine systems or closely related dynamic systems. You are comfortable working independently on complex algorithm development while collaborating effectively across loads, validation, and product teams in a global environment.
Required
- A degree in Engineering or Science — a formal qualification is advantageous, but we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.
- Significant experience in wind turbine controls engineering.
- Fluent written and spoken English.
Preferred
- Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) with a focus on controls, wind energy, or system dynamics.
- Solid understanding of classical control theory (transfer functions, frequency domain design) and modern control methods (state-space, optimal control).
- Experience with Model-Based Design of control systems.
- Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent modelling and simulation tools.
- Experience with state estimation techniques such as EKF (Extended Kalman Filter).
- Experience with real-time control systems including the GE MarkVIe platform.
- Ability to code in at least one programming language such as C.
- Knowledge of wind turbine product architecture and loads behaviour.
- Familiarity with grid market dynamics including renewable integration and ancillary services requirements.
- Track record of contributing to Invention Disclosure Letters (IDLs) or patent applications.
Why GE Vernova
GE Vernova employees rise to the challenge of building a world that works. In this role, you will develop the control systems that determine how wind turbines perform, protect themselves, and contribute to the grid — work with direct, measurable impact on the energy transition at scale. We provide varied, competitive benefits designed to reward high performers and support your personal and family needs. GE Vernova invests in your continued on-the-job learning and development and provides a clear path for career growth within a global organisation.
Additional Information
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes
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