Principal Engineer – Electrical, Lightning Protection & Ice Mitigation

GE Vernova

9d•$131,700 - $219,300

About The Position

GE Vernova is seeking a Principal Engineer to provide technical leadership in lightning protection and ice mitigation for wind turbine blades. The role is the global Control Title Holder (CTH), responsible for the technical underwriting of system design concepts, specifications, practices, issue-resolution approaches, and defect-acceptance criteria throughout the product lifecycle. The position focuses on protecting wind turbine blades from environmental events while integrating the blade with the turbine grounding system and related components, including monitoring systems and carbon components. The engineer defines and enforces technical rigor so design decisions produce safe, high-quality products and services that meet customer and regulatory expectations. The role combines technical oversight with hands-on contribution, collaborating with blade design teams and partners across Design, Systems, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing. The engineer supports the Blades Chief Engineer on strategy for design robustness, factory and field issue resolution, and technology development. The position also mentors engineering talent and builds sustainable technical depth within blade structural components. The preferred work location is the GE Vernova Hub in Greenville, South Carolina, with relocation assistance available for eligible U.S. candidates. The role can also be performed from Barcelona, Spain, or Bangalore, India. Access to U.S. export-controlled information is required; applicable final offers are contingent on obtaining U.S. Government authorization. GE Vernova will employ only candidates legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. U.S.-based offers are contingent on successful completion of a drug screen, as applicable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
At least 10 years of professional experience in high-voltage and high-current electrical systems.
Ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information, if applicable.
In-depth knowledge of high-voltage electro-physics.
In-depth knowledge of IEC 61400-24 requirements, testing procedures, and the building-block approach to validation.
Working knowledge of composite manufacturing processes.
Experience in technical leadership, guiding teams through structured design processes to deliver safe, high-quality products.
Direct experience with wind turbine blade composite structural design and material systems for insulating characteristics.
Knowledge of APQP, TRL/MRL, and statistical process control methodologies.
Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, including globally distributed teams, through design reviews, technical assessments, and root-cause investigations.
Experience resolving complex technical issues through cross-functional collaboration and structured problem-solving tools, such as FMEA and RCA/8D.
Knowledge of wind turbine industry standards and regulations applicable to blade lightning and ice mitigation systems.
Experience in project execution, translating high-level objectives into actionable plans and driving disciplined operational execution.
Ability to articulate 1D and 2D designs in 3D models to visualize component interactions with electro-physics.
Track record of curiosity and passion for identifying, developing, and implementing technologies, methods, and ideas that result in differentiated product outcomes.
Experience coaching, mentoring, and developing engineering talent to support long-term professional growth and succession.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD degree.

Responsibilities

Serve as the global Control Title Holder for lightning protection and ice mitigation, owning the technology roadmap, design specifications, and technical underwriting of system concepts, defect-acceptance criteria, and safety practices across the product lifecycle.
Define and oversee the integration of lightning protection and grounding from the blade tip to the foundation.
Manage electro-physics modeling, high-voltage transient analysis, and EMI design to support system reliability and mitigate common-mode current in bearings.
Lead validation campaigns, including HALT and subscale testing, to verify performance under extreme environmental conditions.
Chair critical design reviews and drive FMEA-based risk mitigation to improve design robustness.
Collaborate with Design, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain, providing technical guidance on new product introduction, factory quality issues, field repairs, and integration of advanced heating technologies for ice mitigation.
Support the Blades Chief Engineer in setting and executing strategy for design robustness, factory and field issue resolution, and technology development.
Mentor engineering talent, set technical rigor standards, and build sustainable technical capability.
Represent GE Vernova in international standards bodies, including IEC and UL, to influence regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
Access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource.
Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling, and referral services.
GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, including a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions.
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.
Relocation assistance for eligible U.S. candidates moving to Greenville, South Carolina.
Discretionary annual bonus eligibility.
Professional development and competitive compensation.