Job Description Summary

As a Sr. Principal Engineer, Field Automation, you will define and drive the technical direction, architecture, and strategy for automation systems operating in the field — spanning applications across GE Vernova’s business units. Your work will shape how advanced robotics, sensing, and AI are deployed to accelerate decarbonization, electrification, and grid modernization.
You will evaluate emerging technologies, define reference architectures and interoperability standards, and partner with engineering and program leaders to ensure that field automation solutions are scalable, secure, and reliable. Working at the intersection of robotics, mechatronics, industrial automation, and digital infrastructure, you will help architect the next generation of intelligent field systems for GE Vernova’s customers and partners.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities:

 Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Set the technical vision and system architecture for GE Vernova’s field automation portfolio, defining scalable reference designs, data architectures, and integration standards.
• Evaluate emerging technologies in robotics, sensors, controls, and edge computing; recommend adoption pathways that align with GE Vernova’s enterprise automation strategy.
• Serve as a key technical authority and advisor to engineering and product leaders across GE Vernova businesses.

Innovation & Development

• Lead cross-disciplinary teams in inventing, prototyping, and validating field automation solutions for energy infrastructure—e.g., robotic systems for field inspection, maintenance, installation and repair. 
• Drive development of high-reliability hardware/software architectures integrating robotics, AI perception, control systems, and human-machine interfaces.
• Partner with internal and external collaborators to transition field automation technologies from R&D to field deployment.

Collaboration & Influence

• Collaborate with chief and consulting engineers, program leaders, and product managers across the GE Vernova ecosystem to align technical direction with business priorities.
• Engage with U.S. Government agencies and industry partners to shape advanced technology programs and pursue funded research opportunities.
• Represent GE Vernova at technical forums, standards bodies, and conferences to help define the industry’s direction in field automation.

Thought Leadership & Mentorship

• Drive intellectual property strategy, including patent disclosures and prior art analysis.
• Publish and present technical results to leadership, customers, and the broader scientific community.
• Coach and mentor developing technologists and engineers within GE Vernova’s global R&D organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Proven record of innovation, including peer-reviewed publications, in areas related to the specified scientific domain of robotics/mechatronics/computer vision/sensing
• Demonstrated project execution experience, teamwork experience & ability to work across all functions/levels as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.
• Must have unrestricted work authorization in the US. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• You must submit your application for employment on the careers site at www.careers.gevernova.com to be considered.

Desired Characteristics:

• Experience developing patentable intellectual property
• Experience writing successful R&D proposals, including to government agencies
• Ability and experience transitioning products from R&D to manufacturing.
• Well versed in Six Sigma methodology –specifically DoE's and Gage R&R. Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities
• Comfort interacting and reporting horizontally and vertically both within and across organizational boundaries
• Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills using innovative and hands-on solutions
• Demonstrated capability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
• Strong interpersonal skills initiative, high self-confidence and have goals for a career in industrial research.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Ability to adapt to change and willingness to be flexible in a global team