Lead Mechanical Engineer - Mechanical Engineering

Job Description Summary

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)

Job Description

Role Purpose

• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

HVDC Valves

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’s Core HVDC Valve Technologies

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.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

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.

Required Skills & Experience:

• 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.

Desired Characteristics:

• 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.

About Us:

GE Vernova is a world leader in the energy solutions market with a portfolio of energy businesses across the globe. Grid Solutions provides equipment, systems, and services to bring power reliably and efficiently from the point of generation to end power consumers. We electrify the world with advanced grid technologies and accelerate the energy transition – and we want you to be part of that change and enjoy imagination at work.

If you are ready to make a difference and usher in a new era of clean, reliable energy, come join us.

About GEV Grid Solutions:

At GEV Grid Solutions we are electrifying the world with advanced grid technologies. As leaders in the energy space our goal is to accelerate the transition for a more energy efficient grid to full fill the needs of tomorrow. With a focus on growth and sustainability GE Grid Solutions plays a pivotable role in integrating Renewables onto the grid to drive to carbon neutral. In Grid Solutions we help enable the transition for a greener more reliable Grid. GE Grid Solutions has the most advanced and comprehensive product and solutions portfolio within the energy sector.

Why we come to work: 

At GEV, our engineers are always up for the challenge - and we’re always driven to find the best solution. Our projects are unique and interesting, and you’ll need to bring a solution-focused, positive approach to each one to do your best. Surrounded by committed, loyal colleagues, if you can dare to bring your ingenuity and desire to make an impact, you’ll be exposed to game-changing, diverse projects that truly allow you to play your part in the energy transition.

What we offer:

A key role in a dynamic, international working environment with a large degree of flexibility of work agreements

Competitive benefits, and great development opportunities - including private health insurance.

Additional Information