Principal Engineer - Control Automation… at GE Vernova · Stafford

Principal Engineer - Control Automation System Location: Stafford Job Description Summary The Control Automation System Principal Engineer serves as the technical authority for automation systems, industrial controls, and operational technologies across the organization. This role leads the architecture, design, implementation, and governance of advanced control systems that enable safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing or operational performance. The Principal Engineer mentors engineering teams, drives innovation, establishes automation standards, and leads strategic initiatives aligned with business objectives. Job Description Roles and Responsibilities Oversee the overall technical solution to ensure it meets customer requirements based on reference solutions. Identify and drive improvements in engineering methods, operational tools, processes, systems, and technical solutions to enhance customer value and business efficiency. Uphold the principles ofSafety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC)within the team. Work closely with Team Managers to plan execution strategies, provide engineering estimates, identify risks, and develop mitigation plans for new opportunities. Own all aspects ofHVDC IEC 61850 implementation, including system deployment, configuration, validation, and associated control & protection system integration challenges. Lead the design and implementation of control and automation systems in compliance withIEC 61850,IEC 60870-5, and related power system communication protocols. Develop system architectures, substation communication network designs, and data models usingSubstation Configuration Language (SCL). Define control philosophies, protection logic, interlocking logic, and data exchange configurations. IntegrateIntelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), bay controllers, protection relays, and HMIs within digital substations. Participate in thePatent Evaluation Board (PEB)to help protect technologies that provide the business with a competitive advantage and safeguard the company’s intellectual property rights. Represent the business externally at conferences and in professional working groups or industry bodies such asIECandCIGRE, while maintaining active relationships with relevant academic institutions to promote research projects and academic collaboration. Provide ad hoc technical guidance to the Engineering and Technology leadership team, including support in customer negotiations and supplier audits when required. Lead the overall requirements definition, design, implementation, and development of thedigital control systemfor HVDC Control & Protection systems, includingnetwork and cybersecurity design. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers on control, protection, and system integration topics. Collaborate with project teams,NPI, product care teams, utilities, and vendors to support system integration, testing, and commissioning activities. Review and approve technical documentation, including control and protection settings, manuals, and test procedures. Lead root cause analysis and troubleshooting for complexVSC control and protectionissues. Stay current with emerging technologies, standards, and industry best practices related toVSC systemsand power system protection. Lead the architecture, design, programming, and deployment of control systems, includingSCADA, DCS, safety systems, motion control, and HMI. Maintain an active role in product introduction, cost improvement, schedule adherence, and problem resolution to meet business needs. Provide technical consultation to cross-functional teams to resolve or improve manufacturing, supply chain, or field issues. Actively support Consulting Engineers in staff development and succession planning. Participate in interviews for hiring and promotion decisions within Engineering and Technology, up to the level ofSenior Engineer. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree inElectrical Engineering,Control Systems, or a related discipline. Minimum15 years of experiencein power system automation or substation control engineering, including at least5 years of experience with IEC 61850-based systems. In-depth understanding of: IEC 61850protocols and concepts, includingMMS, GOOSE, SCL, and Sampled Values Communication networks, includingEthernet, VLANs, and PRP/HSR redundancy Protection relays, IED configuration, and HMI systems Experience with engineering tools such asIEC 61850 System ConfiguratorsandIED Connectivity Packages Working knowledge of industrial and utility electrical control and protection systems,Digital Control Systems,Substation Automation, andSCADA Hands-on experience integrating systems withSCADAandDCSplatforms Strong background in configuringSubstation Bay Controllers,Merging Units, andIEC 61850 IEDs Excellent knowledge of commonly usedLayer 2 and Layer 3 communication protocols, such as:IPv4,OSPF,LACP,DMZ,VPN,DMS / ADMS,DNP3,IEC protocols and Modbus Additional Information Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes