The Role – Design Engineer

As part of the Design Engineering team you will report to the Valve Converter Design Engineering Team Leader within the HVDC Valve Converter Engineering function. The successful candidate will be part of a highly motivated, and dynamic team of engineers working on the delivery and application engineering of existing and new power electronics applications for power systems, particularly for HVDC converters and the forthcoming “HVDC Grid”.  This is a very exciting and dynamic field of power engineering in which GE’s leading contribution has worldwide recognition. HVDC Valves Converter are large and complex structures, with typical dimensions of several metres in each direction and weighing many tens of tonnes. The design and the development of such converters is technically challenging and involves a variety of engineering disciplines, contribution through teamwork and an innovative approach.

The role gives an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to innovate, expand their design skill and personal development within an internationally recognized company in this exciting field.  Whilst based at the HVDC Centre of Excellence in Stafford there will be some international travel to collaborate with other GE teams, test laboratories, strategic suppliers and contract customers.

Responsibilities:

• Mechanical development of power electronic converter valves converter for HVDC & FACTs.
• Awareness of mechanical science (e.g. material properties, including composites).
• Application of specifications into key components such as structural steel and composites, busbars, cooling systems, corona shields & insulators to capture and translate design intent to stakeholders.
• Support industrialization, site, pre-commissioning.
• Issue, review and approve drawings.
• Issue, review and approve design documentation.
• Carry out validation and contribute to reporting of tests.
• Innovation of new technical ideas for patent applications.
• Integration with other engineering departments for product development and project teams.
• Industrialization of the validated design by interacting with stakeholders.
• Actively broadening and deepening HVDC knowledge and sharing specialized expertise to other engineers of any level.
• Strict adherence to standards and legislation.
• Promotion and adherence to EHS policies within the team.
• Occasional global travel for product validations and supply chain integration + site support.

The Person

The position requires general engineering expertise, a good level of technical understanding of mechanical design in general and a high level of technical competence in the areas identified below.

The candidate will typically be educated to HND, or above, in a discipline such as engineering or design. Additionally, it is also expected that applicants should have strong experience in validation and design for industrialization.

In addition to relevant experience, candidates must be proficient with 3D CAD tools, preferably Creo 4.0 or over and Windchill PDMlink, familiarity with Creo Simulate is beneficial. Additionally, they should demonstrate an ability to think innovatively and apply engineering knowledge across different disciplines.

An enquiring mind and desire to learn new skills, an ability to apply different engineering disciplines and a willingness to share the knowledge are essential qualities. Ideally, the candidate will have a good track record of leading technical work packages to deliver products on time and according to the scope.  

Skills and Experience:

• Mechanical design to external standards (e.g. BSI, ISO, IEC, EN…).
• Industrialisation of the validated design by interacting with S&P, global supply chain and manufacturing.
• Detail manufacturing drawings and drawings templates.
• Requirements capture.
• Specification & report writing such as technical note.
• Design for manufacturing.
• EHS compliance ability.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Advantageous:

• Incorporated Engineer or working towards professional registration.
• Prior experience of the design of electrical transmission equipment or power electronics equipment.
• Prior experience of design for manufacture.
• Understanding of intellectual property and the patent process experience.
• Site experience on installation, pre-commissioning and maintenance.
• PLM experience is desired.
• Ability to coordinate and lead a small group of engineers.
• Evidence of sharing knowledge and experience.
• Electrical experience or understanding of electrical principals.
• Understanding of DFMEA & PFMEA.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.

Specific Abilities

• Able to work to deadlines with high quality.
• Good technical communication.
• Independent and team worker (Pro-Active).
• Precise documentation.
• Attention to details.

Additional Information