Principal Engineer (m/f/d) - Control & Protection System Application
Berlin, GERMANY
Job description
Job Description
Job Description Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Engineer (m/f/d) specializing in Voltage Source Converter (VSC) control and protection. The ideal candidate will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced VSC control strategies and protection schemes for HVDC-VSC, LCC and renewable energy systems.
The role requires a deep understanding of power electronics, control theory, and power system protection.
As a Principal Engineer, you will be working across multi-discipline in all aspects of HVDC Control & Protection system and support the development of department talent.
Job Description
Roles and Responsibilities
1. Technical Leadership & Oversight
· Oversee the overall technical solution, ensuring customer requirements are met based on reference solutions.
· Lead requirements gathering, system design, implementation, and development of HVDC Control & Protection systems.
· Be the owner of all aspects of Control & Protection system deployment, system Configuration, and validation, as well as all usual integration challenges of the control & protection system
· Participate Patent Evaluation Board (PEB) to protect technology that gives the business a competitive advantage, as well as protecting the intellectual property rights of the company.
· Represent the business externally at conferences or in professional working bodies (IEC, CIGRE etc) and maintain active relationship with relevant academic institutions to promote research projects and other academic cooperations.
· Stay updated with emerging technologies, standards, and best practices in VSC systems and power system protection
2. Control System & Protection Design
· Define control philosophies , protection and interlocking logics, and data exchange configurations .
· Lead and participate in engineering design processes , including design reviews and approval cycles.
· Ensure that all design outputs comply with industry standards , system requirements, and quality procedures.
3. Advanced Modelling & Simulation
· Conduct Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) studies using PSCAD, EMTP-RV, and model control/protection functions in MATLAB/Simulink.
· Perform network conversion, modelling, tuning, and verification using PSSE, PSCAD, and RSCAD.
· Develop full plant/system models and lead end-to-end validation across multiple simulation platforms.
· Lead Control System Studies & Testing, including: Software-in-the-Loop,(SIL)Dynamic performance studies, Protection coordination, Overall system integration.
4. Team Development & Mentorship
· Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and knowledge transfer to junior engineers.
· Support managers in building high-performing, resilient teams.
· Recruit, develop, and mentor engineering talent to enhance organizational capability.
· Actively support Consulting Engineers with staff development & succession planning. Participate interviews for promotions or hirings within Engineering/Technology up to the level of Senior Engineer.
Required Qualifications
· Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field or equivalent knowledge
· Signifikant experience in power electronics, HVDC- LCC or VSC-based system design.
· Strong expertise in VSC control theory, modulation strategies, and power system protection.
· Experience with PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, Dig SILENT, or similar simulation tools.
· Knowledge of IEC 61850, IEEE standards, and grid codes for VSC and HVDC applications.
· Proven track record in leading complex engineering projects and teams.
Skills & Competencies:
· Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
· Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
· Effective communication and technical documentation skills.
· Ability to work independently and make strategic engineering decisions.
Preferred:
· Experience with offshore wind HVDC projects.
· Familiarity with real-time digital simulation (RTDS/HIL testing).
· Knowledge of cybersecurity considerations in power electronic systems.
What we offer:
· A key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexibility in work agreements.
· Competitive benefits and great development opportunities, including private health insurance.
ELECTRIFICATION SYSTEMS - GRID SOLUTIONS
GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business electrifies the world with advanced grid technologies and systems, enabling power transmission and distribution across the power grid and supporting a decarbonized and secured energy transition.
Additional Information
Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes