Lead Control Automation System Engineer

GE Vernova · Stafford

Job Description Summary

At GE Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. As leaders in the energy space our goal is to accelerate the transition for a more energy efficient grid to full fill the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotable role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive to carbon neutral. In Grid Solutions we help enable the transition for a greener more reliable Grid. GE Grid Solutions has the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio within the energy sector.

Why we come to work: At GE Renewable Energy, our engineers are always up for the challenge - and we’re always driven to find the best solution. Our projects are unique and interesting, and you’ll need to bring a solution-focused, positive approach to each one to do your best. Surrounded by committed, loyal colleagues, if you can dare to bring your ingenuity and desire to make an impact, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition.
What we offer:
• Working in an international team which is part of global Engineering HVDC Centre of Ex-cellence within Grid Integration based in Stafford.
• A key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexi-bility of work agreements
• Competitive benefits, and great development opportunities

Job Description

Lead the Systems That Keep the World's Power Flowing

The transition to a cleaner, more reliable global energy grid isn't a future ambition — it's happening now, and the digital control and protection systems you design are what make it possible. As a Lead Control & Automation Systems Engineer within GE Vernova's High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Centre of Excellence in Stafford, you'll take end-to-end technical ownership of some of the most complex power control systems in the world.

This is a People Leader role with deep individual contributor responsibilities — a position where your expertise shapes live projects, your decisions carry real weight, and your mentorship actively develops the next generation of power systems engineers. If you want a role that combines technical leadership with genuine impact on the energy transition, this is it.

What You'll Do

Lead control system design and delivery — own the full lifecycle of digital control system development, including requirements definition, configuration, testing, and commissioning of HVDC Control & Protection systems; oversee network and cybersecurity design, control panel documentation, and Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) witnessing.
Drive IEC 61850 implementation — lead the configuration of IEC 61850 Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) using vendor-specific and System Configuration Tools (SCT); generate Substation Configuration description Language (SCL) files; and lead testing and debugging of complex IEC 61850 communication systems using tools such as IEDScout and Wireshark.
Deliver integration and automation — coordinate HVDC control system interfaces with Balance of Plant (BoP) equipment and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems; lead Local Area Network (LAN) and communication architecture design; configure industrial Ethernet switches, routers, and satellite clocks; and lead configuration of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), Bay Control Units (BCUs), and Merging Units in digital substation environments.
Produce and approve technical documentation — define main Input/Output (I/O) lists; analyse signal interfaces; and produce detailed design documentation including electrical schematics, wire and cable schedules, routine test specifications, general assembly drawings, and Bills of Materials (BoMs).
Lead people and process — coach and develop your team, drive consistent design practices and global process standards, review and approve deliverables, and contribute to continuous improvement in delivery speed, system stability, and reliability.

Who We're Looking For

You're an experienced control and protection systems engineer with a strong track record in digital substation automation and a natural ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex projects.

Required

A formal education in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline provides a strong foundation for this role; however, we are most interested in your total experience and professional achievements.
Significant, proven experience in control and protection system design within power or substation environments, with a demonstrated background in digital substation automation.
Demonstrated expertise configuring Substation Bay Control Units, Merging Units, IEC 61850 IEDs, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA systems.
Working knowledge of industrial communication networks including IEC 61850, Ethernet-based protocols, and Layer 2 and Layer 3 protocols — including IPv4, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), Virtual Private Network (VPN), DNP3, and Modbus.
Knowledge of communication network security, hardening techniques, and cybersecurity best practices for industrial control environments.
Experience developing electrical designs and control and protection relay logic for industrial control systems.

Preferred

Proven technical leadership in a complex systems engineering environment, with a track record of making independent technical decisions and engaging subject matter experts when needed.
Track record of designing systems that meet or exceed design requirements, cost targets, and reliability expectations.
Knowledge of Distribution Management System / Advanced Distribution Management System (DMS/ADMS) integration within HVDC or substation control environments.

Why GE Vernova

GE Vernova is a global energy technology company on a mission to electrify and decarbonise the world. Our Grid Solutions business at Stafford is a recognised centre of global excellence in HVDC technology — delivering the transmission systems that make large-scale renewable energy integration possible.

GE Vernova employees rise to the challenge of building a world that works. We offer varied, competitive benefits designed to reward performance and help you manage your personal and family needs. We invest in your development through continued on-the-job learning opportunities, and in a role like this — at the heart of one of the most technically advanced HVDC programmes in the world — you'll grow your career in ways few other environments can offer.

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

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