Principal Engineer - Control & Protection System Application

GE Vernova

Berlin or Stafford

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer (m/f/d) specializing in Voltage Source Converter (VSC) control and protection. The ideal candidate will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced VSC control strategies and protection schemes for HVDC-VSC, LCC and renewable energy systems.

The role requires a deep understanding of power electronics, control theory, and power system protection.

As a Principal Engineer, you will be working across multi-discipline in all aspects of HVDC Control & Protection system and support the development of department talent.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Oversight

Oversee the overall technical solution, ensuring customer requirements are met based on reference solutions;
Lead requirements gathering, system design, implementation, and development of HVDC Control & Protection systems;
Be the owner of all aspects of Control & Protection system deployment, system Configuration, and validation, as well as all usual integration challenges of the control & protection system;
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;
Stay updated with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in VSC systems and power system protection.

Control System & Protection Design

Define control philosophies, protection and interlocking logics, and data exchange configurations;
Lead and participate in engineering design processes, including design reviews and approval cycles;
Ensure that all design outputs comply with industry standards, system requirements, and quality procedures.

Advanced Modelling & Simulation

Conduct Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) studies using PSCAD, EMTP-RV, and model control/protection functions in MATLAB/Simulink;
Perform network conversion, modelling, tuning, and verification using PSSE, PSCAD, and RSCAD;
Develop full plant/system models and lead end-to-end validation across multiple simulation platforms;
Lead Control System Studies & Testing, including: Software-in-the-Loop,(SIL)Dynamic performance studies, Protection coordination, Overall system integration.

Team Development & Mentorship

Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to junior engineers;
Support managers in building high-performing, resilient teams;
Recruit, develop, and mentor engineering talent to enhance organizational capability;
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.

Required Qualifications

Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field or equivalent knowledge;
Signifikant experience in power electronics, HVDC- LCC or VSC-based system design;
Strong expertise in VSC control theory, modulation strategies, and power system protection;
Experience with PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, Dig SILENT, or similar simulation tools;
Knowledge of IEC 61850, IEEE standards, and grid codes for VSC and HVDC applications;
Proven track record in leading complex engineering projects and teams.