Lead Engineer - Mechanical Engineering

Become part of a winning team and help to deliver the Green Energy transition.

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will work within the HVDC Valve Engineering team within the Solution Line (SL) of Grid Systems Integration (GSI) in GE Vernova.

The purpose of the role is to lead the design and analysis of mechanical systems and structures for our HVDC Valve products that must meet stringent requirements. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including electrical engineers, cooling engineers, and external compliance experts to ensure that our products are robust, compliant, and manufacturable.

You will lead the delivery of the relevant aspects of assigned projects through design, investigation, testing and analysis. Collaborate with sourcing and third-party suppliers to ensure GE get best value and drive the delivery.

Lead specification and design reviews for compliance with internal, regional and global standards.

The role gives an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to innovate, expand their skills and personal development within an internationally recognised expert in this exciting field. Whilst ideally based at the HVDC Centre of Excellence in Stafford this role could be located at any of the GE sites.

This role offers hybrid working (3 days required on site in Stafford).

• As a Lead Mechanical Engineer, you will drive the mechanical design, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems and structures for our HVDC Valve products.
• Operating within a collaborative cross-functional environment, you will partner with electrical engineers, cooling specialists, and compliance experts to ensure our products are robust, safety-compliant, and optimised for manufacturing.

• Technical Leadership: Lead the mechanical design, investigation, testing, and analysis of assigned HVDC Valve projects from concept through delivery.
• Design & Compliance: Spearhead technical specifications and design reviews to ensure strict adherence to internal, regional, and global engineering standards.
• Supplier Collaboration: Work closely with Sourcing and third-party suppliers to drive timely delivery, quality, and cost-competitiveness.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate seamlessly with electrical, thermal/cooling, and EHS teams to deliver fully integrated, compliant, and manufacturable designs.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to New Product Introduction (NPI) and R&D programs, advancing state-of-the-art HVDC technology.

In an HVDC system, converter stations sit at both ends of a high-voltage transmission line to convert Alternating Current (AC) to Direct Current (DC) and back again. The valve is the heart of this converter station. It consists of stacks of high-power semiconductors (such as Thyristors for Line Commutated Converters/LCC, or IGBTs for Voltage Source Converters/VSC) that switch at extremely high speeds and voltages to control massive blocks of power.

GE Vernova delivers both major types of HVDC converter technologies, each presenting distinct mechanical engineering challenges:

• VSC (Voltage Sourced Converter) Valves - e.g., GE's MMC (Modular Multilevel Converter) technology:
  • Modern VSC-HVDC uses a series of modular submodules (essentially small, independent inverter cells containing capacitors and IGBTs) stacked together like building blocks.
  • Mechanical Challenges: Hundreds of submodules must be housed in robust structural racks (valve towers). Each module requires precise mechanical integration, internal busbar routing, secure capacitor mounting, and reliable fluid connections for cooling.

• LCC (Line Commutated Converter) / Classic HVDC Valves:
  • Traditional, high-capacity thyristor-based valves used for point-to-point bulk power transmission (often over very long distances or underwater cables).
  • Mechanical Challenges: These involve massive physical structures suspended or supported to handle extreme seismic requirements, high-voltage clearances, and complex direct-water cooling circuits handling high water pressures.

While a degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) is preferred, proven track record and demonstrated hands-on experience in a similar technical domain are our highest priorities.

• Extensive experience in the mechanical design, integration, and testing of complex electrical or mechanical equipment.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (Creo preferred) and FEA simulation tools (ANSYS preferred).
• Exceptional ability to create, read, and interpret complex technical drawings and GD&T.
• An advanced EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) mindset with a track record of applying safety-by-design principles.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Prior industry experience in electrical transmission, HVDC, power electronics, or heavy manufacturing.
• Formal qualifications or demonstrated experience in technical leadership or project management.
• Direct involvement in New Product Introduction (NPI) and R&D lifecycles.
• High attention to detail and a passion for engineering excellence.
• Willingness and ability to travel globally for short periods as needed.