Controls System Architect - Plant Controls

GE Vernova • Schenectady, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The System Architect is responsible for the technical oversight of Plant Controls development for customer projects. This is a key technical role that spans development and improvement of Control software work processes, guiding and mentoring software development teams, and leading design reviews to ensure customer requirements and quality standards are met. The successful candidate will oversee project execution from ITO through OTR and commissioning, applying lean principles to solve problems, drive productivity, and improve quality. The Plant Controls System Architect coordinates technical deliverables across multiple plant subsystems — including Steam Turbine, Balance of Plant (BOP), and Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) — within combined cycle and simple cycle power plant configurations.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering — Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 8 years of experience with controls development in the Mark VIe platform.
• Demonstrated experience with Plant Controls across at least two of the following subsystems: Steam Turbine Controls, Balance of Plant (BOP) Controls, or HRSG Controls.

Nice To Haves

• Technical skills and expertise in Plant Controls / Combined Cycle Controls, including steam turbine startup/shutdown sequences, BOP auxiliary system logic, and HRSG control strategies.
• Familiarity with plant-level control strategies including unit master load control, frequency response, emissions compliance (NOx, CO), and grid code requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership skills guiding teams through software development in a multi-discipline plant controls environment.
• Experience working in a global matrixed environment, with strong influence and cross-functional collaboration skills across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to deliver concise messaging and lead customer-facing meetings, including FAT/SAT reviews and commissioning readiness discussions.
• System Integration mindset to understand plant-wide customer requirements and deliver innovative, integrated control solutions across GT, ST, BOP, and HRSG subsystems.
• Ability to drive improvement initiatives and incorporate lessons learned for future projects across the Plant Controls product portfolio.
• Knowledge of power plant thermodynamic principles and the ability to translate plant process behavior into effective control design solutions.
• Experience supporting commissioning of combined cycle or cogeneration power plants, including resolution of real-time control issues in the field.
• Familiarity with industry standards applicable to Plant Controls, such as NFPA 85 (Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code), NERC reliability standards, and applicable IEC/IEEE control system standards.

Responsibilities

• Guide teams in the design, development, execution, and validation of Plant Controls software — encompassing Steam Turbine, BOP, and HRSG controls — to project and product requirements.
• Develop and maintain documentation and work instructions for Plant Controls software requisition processes, ensuring alignment across all plant subsystem disciplines.
• Conduct milestone design reviews to ensure controls features and quality meet the established acceptance criteria, with specific attention to cross-system integration points (e.g., ST/GT/BOP interface logic, unit master coordination, and load dispatch).
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to Plant Controls software engineers working across steam turbine, BOP, and HRSG domains.
• Support field personnel with resolution of commissioning Engineering Report (ER) cases related to plant-wide controls issues, startup sequencing, and interlock verification.
• Maintain relationships within the Gas Power and Power Conversion Engineering communities to communicate requirements and drive project solutions for Plant Controls.
• Define and deliver productivity and process improvements that increase the capacity and efficiency of the Plant Controls team.
• Work with internal engineering teams, internal customers, and external customers to gather requirements and deliver a quality product on time to meet Power Plant startups and commissioning milestones.
• Coordinate with Steam Turbine, BOP, and HRSG engineering leads to define interface control documents (ICDs), signal lists, and functional design specifications for integrated plant solutions.
• Provide oversight of plant-level protection logic, unit sequencing, auxiliary system controls, and emissions-related control strategies.
• Support development and review of Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) for Plant Controls deliverables.
• Collaborate with project management and the broader ITO/OTR team to manage scope, schedule, and quality of Plant Controls software deliverables.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage
• access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource
• access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services
• GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants
• tuition assistance
• adoption assistance
• paid parental leave
• disability benefits
• life insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• permissive time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior