Lead Automation, Sensing and Control Engineer

Lead Automation & Controls Engineer

GE Vernova's Schenectady Cores & Castings (SCC) facility is a critical node in the Gas Power supply chain — producing precision components that power turbines deployed around the world. We are looking for a Lead Automation & Controls Engineer to serve as the technical authority for factory automation, robotics, and industrial controls across this dynamic manufacturing environment. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of automation systems — from concept and design through programming, commissioning, and continuous improvement.

You will be the go-to expert for PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, robotics integration, and IT/OT convergence, while also serving as the primary interface with OEMs, cross-functional teams, and operations leadership. This is a highly visible, hands-on engineering leadership role with direct impact on safety, quality, throughput, and the digital evolution of the SCC facility. Relocation assistance is available for candidates relocating to the Schenectady, NY area.

• Design, develop, prototype, and deploy innovative factory automation and robotic systems that improve safety, quality, and production throughput
• Integrate hardware, software, and sensors (LiDAR, vision systems, IMUs, barcode scanning) into automation platforms aligned with the facility roadmap
• Program industrial robots for motion control, path planning, and autonomous navigation; integrate all forms of industrial automation devices into PLC logic
• Conduct system simulations and performance testing to validate automation solutions under real-world manufacturing conditions

• Serve as the site's technical expert for industrial controls systems — covering machine tools, robotics, FMS, SCADA, HMIs, and IT/OT infrastructure
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation and robotic system issues across hardware, software, and controls layers
• Act as the lead point of contact with controls equipment OEMs and parts vendors
• Analyze IT/machinery control failures to identify root causes, recommend corrective actions, and drive resolution with maintenance and external suppliers

• Perform routine systems maintenance including server patching, equipment integration into FMS, HMI creation, system tag management, Historian access administration, and firewall rule maintenance
• Integrate automation and AI-driven capabilities into manufacturing systems as opportunities arise
• Document and maintain technical specifications, process maps, electro-mechanical drawings, test plans, and maintenance procedures

• Partner with EHS, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Process Engineering, Materials, Industrialization, and Operations to define project requirements and ensure seamless system integration
• Lead and contribute to Kaizen, Lean, Built-in-Quality, Management of Change, and Safety Risk Assessment initiatives; ensure LOTO compliance on all designed equipment
• Maintain consistent presence on the production floor — conducting Gemba walks at shift start and daily check-ins with operators, maintenance technicians, and operations leaders
• Manage multiple concurrent projects to schedule and budget; provide timely status communication to key stakeholders

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college in:
  Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field
• A minimum of 8 years of proven, hands-on work experience in a technical or engineering support in an electrical or control role may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Must have a minimum of 6 years of industrial experience in designing & deploying factory automation and robotics
• Proficient in control networks including :
  Ethernet/IP, Device Net, OPC-UA, Modbus, Profi Net, Profibus
• Expertise with PLC and sensor/actuator integration, HMIs, SCADA, FMS – Alllen-Bradley experience required

• Proficient in programming languages such as C++, Python.
• Functional knowledge of robotics setup, application, manipulation and maintenance.
• Experie…