Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer; Substation Control and Protection

Become part of a winning team and help to deliver the Green Energy transition.

We are looking for aLead Control Automation Hardware Engineer with significant experience in substation panel design, protection hardware selection, and HVDC control systems.

As the successful candidate, you will have experience ofIEC/IEEE standards,IEC 61850, digital substation hardware architecture, and selection of key hardware components used in Control, Protection, Measurement, and Communication systems.

As the Lead Control Automation Hardware Engineer, you will be responsible for developing robust, standards-compliant solutions for substation control and protection panels, including component selection, detailed electrical and mechanical design, and support for testing and commissioning.

Key Experience & Role Focus:

• Design substation control and protection panels for HVDC and high-voltage applications.
• Perform selection of CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies, Switches, GPS clocks, and related hardware.
• Apply knowledge of IEC 61850, including Sampled Values (SV), PRP, and HSR concepts in substation communication architecture.

Hybrid Working: GE offers hybrid working (min 3 days on site in Stafford), but due to the demands of the role and working closely with the Lab teams, this positions require 4-5 days onsite

Travel: based onsite

Key Responsibilities

• Design substation control and protection panelsfor HVDC and high-voltage applications.
• Perform selection of CTs/VTs, IEDs, MCBs, Power supplies, Switches, GPS clocks, and related hardware.
• Apply knowledge ofIEC 61850, including
  
  Sampled Values (SV), PRP, and HSRconcepts in substation communication architecture.
• Design and integration of Transient Fault Recorders (TFRs) and other monitoring devices.
• Prepare and review electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, BOMs, and panel layout drawings.
• Work on mechanical design aspects of panels, including enclosure arrangement, mounting, spacing, ventilation, and maintainability.
• Ensure compliance with relevantIEC and IEEE standards.
• Support design ofnetwork communication systems, including managed switches and redundant architectures.
• ConsiderEMC/EMI requirements, grounding, shielding, and panel segregation during design.
• Support interface design fortrip circuits, measurement circuits, interlocking, and signal acquisition.
• Participate indesign reviews, FAT, troubleshooting, and commissioning support.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, testing, and site teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of standard designs and engineering practices.
• Experience in panel type testing.
• Experience in producing and maintaining standard cabinet designs.
• Perform root cause analysis and DFMEA.
• Manage change processes with internal and external vendors.
• Manage obsolescence of components and hardware.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical / Electronics Engineering or related field.
• An advanced background in Substation Control & Protection engineering.
• Good knowledge of hardware components used in control and protection systems.
• Experience inpanel design and component selection.
• A good understanding ofIEC 61850, HVDC, and substation automation systems.
• Knowledge ofCT/VT selection, protection IEDs, communication networks, and digital substations.
• Familiarity withPRP, HSR, Sampled Values (SV), and redundancy concepts.
• Experience with EMC, mechanical panel design, and electrical schematics.
• Ability to work independently and support project delivery in a complex engineering environment.

Desired Skills

• Experience with digital substation and HVDC projects.
• Knowledge of Engineering Base, Creo, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar tools.
• Experience with Network switches, GPS…