Principal Engineer - HVDC Systems Engineering

Job Description SummaryWe are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer specializing in HVDC System Design and Studies, responsible to interpret the customer’s technical enquiry and to design the most cost-effective overall solution for an HVDC installation utilizing the power electronics solutions, aiming to minimizing the total cost, and to specify the main (high-value) items of bought-out equipment for HVDC Projects. The successful candidate will also be involved in the development of tools and processes for HVDC System Engineering.
As part of the role, the candidate will be required to represent GE in front of external stakeholders such as clients, third party suppliers, professional bodies (IEC, Cigré, etc). You will also interact with GE stakeholders within the HVDC business and the wider GE renewables Organisation.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing the overall technical solution that meets customer Requirement based on reference Solution.
• Identify and drive improvements in engineering, operational tools, processes, systems & technical solutions to improve our 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
• Developing and maintaining technical specifications, guidance notes, and standards for HVDC systems. 
• 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.
• Represent the business externally at conferences or in professional working bodies (IEC, CIGRE etc) and maintain active relationship 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.
• Develop an integrated scheme design that meets the Customer’s needs, by developing requirements on the ratings and functionalities of the different HVDC system’s subsystems, in an optimized and cost-effective manner.
• Manage the lifecycle of high economic value High Voltage equipment such as power transformers, instrument transformers, reactors, capacitors, and surge arresters, covering the development of its requirements, specification, supplier management and the validation and verification (testing) of design, manufacturing and commissioning.
• Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Studies and Management
• Create, verify, and validate the electrical power losses models for HVDC systems and subsystems, providing insight to customers and leaders and managing the risks, issues and opportunities that affect the systems throughout their lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers on control, protection, and integration issues.
• Providing subject matter expert input to design reviews and verifying project proposals. 
• Stay updated with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in HVDC systems.
• 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 interviews for promotions or hirings within Engineering/Technology up to the level of Senior Engineer.

Desired Candidate Profile

Qualifications and Experience:

Preferably educated with a bachelor or master’s degree in Power Systems Engineering from an accredited institution (or equivalent knowledge) and proven professional experience (15+ years) and technical expertise in the field of Power Systems Engineering and preferably in HVDC System Design and Studies.

Technical Domain Competencies

• Power System Design
• Circuit analysis
• Power control
• Reactive power design
• HVAC domain knowledge
• HVDC domain knowledge
• High voltage equipment specification, design, and testing (E.g., power transformers, reactors, capacitors, switchgear, instrumentation transformers and transducers, surge arresters, bushings and insulators)
• Reliability, availability, and maintainability (RAM) assessment and management
• Electrical power systems modelling and analysis.
• Insulation co-ordination
• Audible noise assessment and mitigation

• Aware of Network Studies
• Harmonic Analysis and Power Quality
• RFI and EMC assessment and mitigation
• HVDC valves and their control systems

Technical Domain Tools

AWARE of:

• Power Network Analysis (PSS/E, DigSilent)
• EMT Software (PSCAD, EMTP-RV, ATP)
• Reliability assessment (Reliasoft, Isograph)
• Audible Noise (SoundPLAN)
• Visual Basic for Applications (VBA)
• Python
• MATLAB & Simulink
• Requirements Management (DOORS)

Professional Competencies

• Communications: Strong oral and written communication skills in English.
• Critical Thinking: Capable of structuring defendable arguments, evidence, assumptions, and decisions.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Personal commitment to professional standards, recognizing obligations to society, the profession, and the environment.
• Technical Leadership: understanding of customer need, problem solving, creativity and innovation, relationship management, operational oversight and accountability, engineering instinct.
• Negotiation: capable of resolving points of difference, to gain advantage for an individual or collective, or crafting outcomes to satisfy various interests.
• Team Dynamics and Facilitation: Ability to be a team player and to facilitate groups interactions.

Engineering Management Competencies

• Planning: Ability to plan and manage own work.
• Risk and Opportunity Management: Proactively identifies and manages risks, issues, and opportunities.
• Acquisition and Supply: Generation of work products associated with acquiring or providing products or services.

About GE Grid Solutions: 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 Excellence within Grid Integration based in Stafford.
• A key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexibility of work agreements.
• Competitive benefits, and great development opportunities

Additional Information