Principal Engineer

Principal Engineer - Control Automation System GE Vernova 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. Roles and Responsibilities Oversee the overall technical solution that meets customer requirements based on reference solution. Identify and drive improvements in engineering, operational tools, processes, systems & technical solutions to improve customer value and business efficiency. Uphold the principles of Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost (SQDC) within the teams. Work closely with Team Managers to plan execution strategies, provide engineering estimates, identify risks and put mitigation strategies for new opportunities. Be the owner of all aspects of HVDC IEC 61850 Implementation and system deployment, system configuration, and validation, as well as all usual integration challenges of the control & protection system. Lead the design and implementation of control and automation systems in compliance with IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5, and related power system communication protocols. Develop system architectures, substation communication network designs, and data models using SCL (Substation Configuration Language). Define control philosophies, protection and interlocking logics, and data exchange configurations. Integrate IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices), bay controllers, relays, and HMIs within digital substations. Participate in 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. Represent the business externally at conferences or in professional working bodies (IEC, CIGRE etc.) and maintain active relationships with relevant academic institutions to promote research projects and other academic cooperations. Provide ad‑hoc technical guidance to the Engineering/Technology leadership team as required, e.g., joining customer negotiations or supplier audits. Lead overall requirement, design, implementation, and development of digital control system of the HVDC Control & Protection system, including network & cybersecurity design. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers on control, protection, and integration issues. Collaborate with project teams, NPI, Product care utilities, and vendors for system integration, testing, and commissioning. Review and approve technical documentation, including control and protection settings, manuals, and test procedures. Lead root cause analysis and troubleshooting of complex VSC control and protection issues. Stay updated with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in VSC systems and power system protection. Lead architecture, design, programming, and deployment of control systems including SCADA, DCS, safety systems, motion control, and HMI. Maintain an active role in product introduction, cost improvements, schedule adherence and problem resolution to meet business needs. Provide technical consultation to cross‑functional teams within the business to improve or resolve manufacturing, supply, or field issues. Actively support Consulting Engineers with staff development & succession planning. Participate in interviews for promotions or hirings within Engineering/Technology up to the level of Senior Engineer. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Control Systems, or a related discipline. 15+ years of experience in power system automation or substation control engineering, including 5+ years working with IEC 61850‑based systems. In‑depth Understanding Of IEC 61850 (MMS, GOOSE, SCL, Sampled Values) Communication networks (Ethernet, VLANs, PRP/HSR redundancy) Protection relays, IED configuration, and HMI systems Experience with engineering tools such as IEC 61850 System Configurator/IED Connectivity Packages and working knowledge of industrial and utility electrical control and protection systems and Digital Control Systems, Substation Automation and SCADA Hands‑on experience integrating systems with SCADA/DCS platforms. Strong background in configuring Substation Bay Controllers/Merging Units/IEC61850 IED’s Excellent knowledge of commonly used Layer‑2 & 3 protocols such as IPv4, OSPF, LACP, DMZ, VPN/DMS/ADMS/DNP, IEC, Modbus Skills & Competencies Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills. Strong leadership and mentoring abilities. Effective communication and technical documentation skills. Ability to work independently and make strategic engineering decisions. Additional Information Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes #J-18808-Ljbffr