Principal Engineer- Electronic Hardware

GE Vernova · Stafford

Job Description Summary

The energy transition drives an unprecedented growth in demand for and generation of electricity. To accommodate this growth, the capacity of transmission system is projected to grow three-fold. High voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems will play a key role in connecting remote and offshore renewables, interconnecting energy markets and reinforcing AC grids. Converter stations are required to convert AC to DC and vice versa. The brain of such converter stations are the control and protection systems which, among other things, ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation of the power electronic valves and peripheral equipment. GE Vernova’s Grid Systems Integration business line offers control and protection solutions for both voltage sourced converter (VSC) as well as line commutated converter (LCC) HVDC valve technologies to meet the transmission planning needs of utilities, system operators, developers and industrial clients worldwide. The control & protection algorithms are required on dedicated state-of the art digital hardware platforms which ensure signal processing capability, connectivity, cyber security.

GE Vernova’s HVDC NPI team require Principal Engineers who act as technical consultants, ensuring customer confidence, reviewing and enhancing design practices, acting as a gate keeper for technical reviews, applying lessons learned, leading complex, state-of-the-art technology improvements, engaging with quality reviews and cost optimization exercises both within their specialist domain and across other domains.

GE Vernova is currently looking for an experienced technical specialist to join us as Principal Engineer for HVDC Electronic Hardware specialising in PCB Power Electronics.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a recognized technical authority in HVDC Electronic Hardware both internally and externally, and act as technical advisor to senior leadership levels
Actively contribute to and drive both internal and external standardization, coordinate working group activities and proactively represent GE Vernova in IEC/CIGRE and similar professional bodies, task forces and industry committees
Stay abreast of, collect and internally communicate state-of-the-art technology developments in HVDC valves and applications
Support Internal Stakeholders and Consulting Engineer to develop and maintain a strategic HVDC Control & Protection Electronic Hardware technology roadmap.
Suggest areas for technological advancement and recommend approaches/programs to pursue
Participate Patent Evaluation Board (PEB) to protect technology that gives the business a competitive advantage, as well as protecting the intellectual property rights of the company.
Oversee various R&D programmes from conception through to industrialisation, integrating new technology smoothly into production and ensuring successful project delivery
Chair and act as technical authority in technology and product development gate reviews
Collaborate and promote technology synergies across GE Vernova businesses of Power Conversion Systems, Grid Automation and Power Technology, utilizing shared expertise and resources.
Lead/support project teams addressing identified project challenges in focused technical areas
Support project technical tendering and delivery in the introduction of new solutions
Support the quality teams on major quality issues and act as technical authority in root cause analysis processes
Act as technical authority in competence management
Act as a knowledge ambassador, providing technical education to external universities
Consult with and support the Chief Engineer’s Office in executing the office’s technical objectives to implement best practice technologies and methods.
Provide technical consultation on product problems throughout the business including supplier and field support and perform technical rescues when needed.
Actively mentor and coach identified high potential Engineering talents within one’s business lines.
Chair Design reviews for individual components, sub-assemblies and key engineering deliverables at tendering and contract execution stages. Support Consulting Engineers in governance and trainings to reinforce proper execution of design review guidelines.

Qualifications/Requirements:

The position requires a deep technical understanding of HVDC valves technologies, design processes, manufacturing and testing. The successful candidate will deeply understand the potential solutions offered by different types of HVDC valve design choices, and how to translate this into an effective value proposition to GE Vernova’s customers. This requires a strong foundation in both research and development and project engineering, having demonstrated significant technical depth and recognition as a domain expert, applying state-of-the-art technology to resolve complex technical challenges.

Masters degree or higher education equivalent in a topic related to the development of power electronic systems preferably for high voltage applications
Proven experience in power electronics, preferably coupled with strong expertise in converter topologies and firmware, Low Voltage PCB electronics, Control System and technologies relevant to HVDC, and the trade-offs that are made in:
- Topology selection
- Operating strategies
- Device selection
- Protection
- Gate drive circuit, power supply designs
Understanding of system design trade-offs in component selection components
Experience with firmware development
Good overview of the supply chain for all main components and required (test) equipment
Familiar with industrial processes for power electronics manufacturing, type testing, commissioning and maintenance

Future developments in HVDC PCB electronics e.g. new semi-conductor devices, Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Maintenance and Machine Learning.
Overview of standards and regulatory frameworks as applicable.
Experience with the tools for electronics design, mechanical layout, FPGA design and test required.
Familiarity with patent evaluation, application and management
Open to regular business travel

GE Vernova is looking for valve specialists for both VSC and LCC converter technologies. Expertise in both is an advantage.

Desired Characteristics:

Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Leadership to pursue correct engineering process in adverse conditions
Able to interface and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization

Additional Information

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes

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