Lead IEC Test Engineer - IEC 61850

Job Description Summary

Substations are becoming smarter, faster, and more connected — and the systems that test them need to keep pace. As a Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer, you'll shape how we validate communication and substation automation technology, combining hands-on testing expertise with AI-driven tools to solve problems that haven't been solved before. If you enjoy digging into complex systems and want to help define the next generation of testing practice, this role gives you the scope to do it.

You're likely someone who pays close attention to detail, stays organised under pressure, and enjoys continuously learning new tools, technologies, and standards — while working well with both internal teams and external partners.

Job Description

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and execute test strategies for Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) communications and substation automation systems, covering new feature, regression, manual, and AI-powered automated testing.
• Build and maintain automated test scripts using AI-assisted coding tools (such as GitHub Copilot) to strengthen regression suites and speed up test development.
• Apply AI-driven anomaly detection and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyse test logs, identify defects, and accelerate root-cause analysis.
• Validate software and system behaviour against product specifications and IEC 61850 compliance requirements.
• Partner closely with developers to troubleshoot issues, resolve defects, and improve overall product quality.
• Set up and maintain testing tools and environments, and keep test tracking and reporting accurate and current.
• Liaise with customers, certification bodies, and standards organizations on validation and compliance, with opportunities to represent GE Vernova at industry and standards forums.

Qualifications

We're flexible on exact background — what matters most is solid testing experience, working familiarity with IEC 61850, and genuine interest in communication systems and substation automation. We don't expect deep specialist expertise from day one and will support you in building it further.

Required:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Some exposure to IEC 61850 (International Electrotechnical Commission standard for substation automation) and the fundamentals of power system protection — deep expertise not required, and we'll support your continued development in this area.
• Solid grounding in software or communications testing, with well-developed analytical and debugging skills.
• Familiarity with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and communication protocols, plus a general understanding of networking concepts such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol).
• Experience writing test scripts and applying structured testing approaches within client/server environments.

Preferred:

• Basic familiarity with XML (Extensible Markup Language).
• Experience with test automation tools, or strong interest in developing these skills.
• Exposure to multi-user, stress, or load testing.

Why Join Us?

• Work on advanced, real-world digital substation and communication technologies.
• Take a lead role in shaping testing strategy and quality practices.
• Build deep expertise in a specialist, in-demand technical field.
• Collaborate with experts across engineering, telecoms, and international standards bodies.
• Grow your career in a role offering real influence and technical depth — we don't expect you to know everything on day one.

GE Vernova employees rise to the challenge of building a world that works. We offer a robust, competitive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and family needs, along with ongoing opportunities for on-the-job learning and career development.

Additional Information