Principal Engineer - Structures and Durability

GE Vernova • Town of Niskayuna, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

As a Principal Engineer in the Mechanical Structures and Durability Laboratory, you will serve as a primary technical leader for the design, structural integrity, and durability of advanced mechanical components. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams to develop next-generation mechanical platforms, ensuring they meet the highest standards of reliability and performance in the harshest operating environments.

Requirements

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Applied Mechanics with a focus on structural mechanics/durability and a minimum of 15 years of industrial/research experience OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of 20 years of experience.
• Proven expertise in the design, advanced finite element analysis (FEA), and experimental validation of large-scale structural components.
• Extensive experience in fatigue life prediction, durability testing, and the transition of component-level research into full-scale industrial hardware.
• Experience in conceiving, developing, and carrying out experiments in component hardware and transferring component level tests into full scale hardware solutions.
• Proficiency using 3D solid modeling software (e.g., NX, SOLIDWORKS, Creo), finite element analysis using different tools (ANSYS/ABAQUS, etc), numerical computation tools (MATLAB, Python, etc).
• Experience with product design constraints, manufacturing techniques and material processing selections in machines.
• Experience in conceptual design, build up and validation of full-scale rotating machinery incorporating new or experimental technology.
• Experience in conceiving, developing and carrying out experiments in rotating component hardware and transferring component level tests into full scale hardware solutions.
• Interpersonal, leadership and communication skills in a global team environment.
• Execution mindset and sense of urgency.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals at the Masters level for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• You must submit your application for employment on the careers page at www.gecareers.com to be considered.
• Because of the specific categories of data handled by GE Vernova Advanced Research and the structure of our work environment, we are unable to accommodate employment of persons while they are considered nationals of embargoed countries subject to restriction under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR Section 746 et seq. (currently North Korea, Syria, Iran, Cuba, and Sudan). Please note that citizens of embargoed countries who have either “U.S. person” status under U.S. export control laws or subsequent citizenship from a non-embargoed country can be considered.
• This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Nice To Haves

• System modeling - Coupling of thermal & structural analyses.
• Deep expertise in rotor dynamics, support structures, and the multidisciplinary coupling of thermal and structural analyses.
• Extensive experience in rotating machinery design and testing within the power generation (Gas/Steam turbines), propulsion, offshore wind, or oil and gas sectors.
• Advanced knowledge of material processing for rotating components, including alloys, coatings, and hardening methods (grinding/finishing).
• Proven ability to lead applied research in conventional and advanced manufacturing, specifically Additive Manufacturing (DMLM, Binder Jet), CNC machining, and Design-for-Manufacturing (DFM).
• Expertise in the design, analysis, and testing of rolling element bearings, including familiarity with relevant computational tools and industry design standards.
• High level of skill in advanced FEA tools (ANSYS, ABAQUS) and numerical computation (MATLAB, Python) for high-fidelity life-cycle and durability simulations.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale projects and multidisciplinary teams to deliver on business-critical priorities while managing conflicting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional ability to distill complex technical solutions into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to influence and work across all organizational functions and levels.
• Department of Defense (DoD) Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the design, analysis, and testing of machinery components and systems including conceptual design, detailed design, testing, validation, and product implementation.
• Work with other support functions and/or external suppliers to meet project deliverables.
• Foster a multidisciplinary and inclusive team environment.
• Drive the design, analysis, and validation of complex mechanical structures and machinery components, ensuring structural durability and life-cycle reliability.
• Lead the development of advanced mechanical concepts, integrating structural health monitoring and durability modeling into next-generation GE Vernova products.
• Partner with multi-disciplinary teams across GE Vernova’s businesses (Wind, Power, Electrification) to drive technology roadmaps and competitive assessments for mechanical systems.
• Provide high-level expertise to resolve the organization’s most complex technical challenges regarding fatigue, fracture mechanics, and structural dynamics.
• Innovate in the mechanical structures space, leading Intellectual Property development/reviews and staying connected with global industry and university trends.
• Contribute to and lead technical proposals for GE businesses and government agencies (e.g., DOE, DOD) to fund advanced R&D initiatives.
• Act as a technical mentor and coach across the organization, fostering an inclusive environment and growing the overall technical capability of the mechanical engineering team.

Benefits

• GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.
• Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services.
• Retirement benefits include the 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.
• Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
• GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs
• GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree