Gearbox Senior Principal Engineer (M/F/D)

Job Description Summary

The Gearbox Senior Principal Engineer (SPE) is responsible for the overall technical underwriting and acceptance of design, development, and implementation associated with gearboxes, gearbox components and cooling systems in wind turbines. You will define rigor for acceptance of the design decisions for gearbox components including gears, bearings, structures, lubrication and cooling systems. You will work together with the Chief Consulting Engineers (CCE) to set and execute a strategy associated with design processes, field issue resolution, and design tools and technology.
You will collaborate with design teams, cross-functional teams and other designated experts across mechanical and related disciplines to achieve desired outcomes. You will mentor and develop engineering talent, creating technical depth within the gearbox domain.

This leadership position requires technical proficiency and adept problem-solving skills while developing fundamental capabilities for organizational advancement

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and guidance to the design teams associated with gearbox within the Wind engineering team throughout the project lifecycle - from concept design thru design development into product launch and installed fleet operations. Accountable for technical underwriting of the components / subsystems, and consequently, accountable for the design itself.
• Ensure technical rigor in design reviews, root cause analysis, design methods and tools.
• Identify and deliver improvements in engineering design practices gearbox + gearbox systems and cooling systems to enable engineering design execution that results in safe, high quality products and services.
• Assist the design team in the optimization of the design ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and customer requirements.
• Identify and bring forward continuous improvement in engineering design processes with a focus on safety and quality by working with design teams, CTHs, and cross functional teams.
• Provide technical support and expertise to internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
• Engage in relevant industry regulations and standards committees to influence the outcome of regulations and standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and assist teams in developing mitigation strategies to address technical challenges and ensure safe, high-quality products and services.
• Partner with Machine Head CCE and Machine Head Subsystem Leader to identify technology needs and support technology development to address those needs.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth through coaching & mentoring for controlled title holders and broader engineering team in your discipline.
• Working with people leaders, mentor and develop technical talent.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college in mechanical engineering OR equivalent knowledge and experience
• Major experience in the application of mechanical engineering to electro-mechanical products.
• Prior relevant technical leadership experience guiding teams through the design process to deliver safe, high-quality products.

• Strong technical expertise in wind turbine mechanical subsystems and/or components with demonstrated ability to design and own engineering outcomes regarding safety, quality, and fulfillment of customer needs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, including remote teams, through rigorous requirements flow down, design assessments, accident scenario reviews, root cause assessments.
• Proven track record of complex issue resolution by coordinating cross-functional teams and demonstrating analytical problem-solving skills bringing to bear tools such as failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), reliability engineering, RCA 8D process, etc.
• Knowledge of wind turbine industry standards and regulations as it pertains to fabricated structures.
• Experience in project management by creating a clear, executable path from high level objectives, and demonstrating operational execution rigor by ensuring the objectives are realized.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely to individuals at all levels of the organization while ensuring transparency and gaining alignment with internal/external stakeholders.
• Track record of curiosity and a strong passion for identifying and turning new ideas, technologies, and methodologies into product differentiated outcomes.
• Experience with coaching, mentoring and developing technical engineering talent to guide their professional growth and career advancement.