Job Description Summary As a Lead Engineer you will report to the Power Electronics Development Team Manager within the Valves Development & Engineering Department. The successful candidate will be part of a highly motivated, dynamic and rapidly growing team of engineers working on the development and delivery of new power electronics applications for power systems, particularly for HVDC converters and the forthcoming "HVDC Grid".

Job Description Lead Engineer Power Electronics Engineer

As a Lead Engineer you will report to the Power Electronics Development Team Manager within the Valves Development & Engineering Department. The successful candidate will be part of a highly motivated, dynamic and rapidly growing team of engineers working on the development and delivery of new power electronics applications for power systems, particularly for HVDC converters and the forthcoming "HVDC Grid".  This is a very exciting and dynamic field of power engineering in which GE's leading contribution has worldwide recognition. HVDC Valves are large and complex structures, with typical dimensions of several metres in each direction and weighing many tens of tonnes. The development of such converters is technically challenging and involves a variety of engineering disciplines, contribution through teamwork and an innovative approach.

The role gives an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to innovate, expand their design skill and personal development within an internationally recognised expert in this exciting field.  Whilst based at the HVDC Centre of Excellence in Stafford there will be some international travel opportunities to collaborate with other GE R&D Centres, test laboratories and strategic suppliers.

Responsibilities:

• Lead on design, validation and industrialisation of power electronic converter modules for HVDC & FACTs
• Circuit simulation for design and testing
• Specification of key power electronics components
• Electronics and thermal design integration
• Compile DFMEA and design document and know how to apply PFMEA
• Decisive in addressing technical hurdles and maintaining performance
• Review and approve design documentation when required
• Ability to undertake deep technical reviews of technology with engineering experts
• Implement and perform validation tests and design-proving tests
• Innovation on new technical ideas for patent applications
• Work closely with supply chain for power electronics components
• Integration with other departments (engineering, manufacturing, S&P, SQA) for product development and support tendering and project delivery
• Actively broadening and deepening HVDC knowledge and share specialised expertise to other engineers
• Technically lead a group of engineers for a development project if required
• Familiarity with REACH compliance and environmental impact of their work
• Strick adherence to EHS policies and promote EHS within the team
• Travel across the EU and other countries for supply chain integration

The Person

The candidate will probably be educated to degree level in a related science such as electronics and electrical engineering. However, this is not as important as a proven track record and evidence that you have the experience and abilities to perform the role.

Candidates should have proven experience of the design and development of power electronic converters (preferably at high power >1MVA). A good understanding of power semiconductors, their control, protection and application is critical. It is also expected that applicants will have an experience in developing passive components as part of a power electronics converter, such as inductors, capacitors, etc. 

In addition to relevant experience, an enquiring mind and desire to learn new skills together with an ability to motivate and engage the power electronics engineering team are essential qualities. Ideally, the candidate will have a good track record of leading a team of engineers in delivering on time and to budget critical development projects.

Skills and Experience:

• In-depth Power Electronics and High Voltage knowledge (such as HVDC and FACTs applications, Variable-speed drives)
• Power electronic components (IGBTs, thyristors, passive components)
• Proven ability in product design, validation and industrialisation
• Thermal Design (loss calculations, heatsink specification)
• Power Electronic control & protection
• Design for excellence (DFX) (e.g. manufacturing, cost, size, weight, efficiency, performance, test, maintenance)
• Simulation tools such as Matlab-Simulink, PLECS, PSCAD-EMTDC
• Specification & report writing and reviewing
• Design & type testing programmes
• Ability to interact with other engineering disciplines and good at sharing knowledge
• EHS compliance ability

Advantageous:

• Knowledge/understanding of high-power and high-voltage design and control issues
• Understanding of multi-modular converters
• High Voltage engineering
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment
• Prior experience of supplier chain integration (e.g. technical communication, clause-by-clause review, production line audit)
• Matlab coding
• Intellectual property and the patent process experience
• Ability to coordinate and lead a small group of engineers
• Chartered Engineer or ready to apply for the status

Specific Abilities:

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-motivating, proactive and results driven approach
• Strong problem-solving and root cause identification skills
• Able to work to deadlines with high quality
• Ability to synthetize complex issues and come up with solutions
• Proficient in the English language, written and verbal. Other languages are bonus

Required Qualifications:

• For roles outside of the USA- This role requires advanced experience in the Engineering/Technology & Electrical Engineering. Knowledge level is comparable to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college ( or a high school diploma with relevant experience).
• For roles in USA - Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college (or a high school diploma / GED with at least 6 years of experience in Job Family Group(s)/Function(s)).

Additional Information Relocation Assistance Provided: No