Principal Engineer - High Voltage Insulation Materials: GE Vernova Advanced Research

Job Description Summary

GE Vernova Advanced Research-Energy Research is looking for a Research Engineer -High voltage insulation and dielectric materials. You will contribute to and lead the development of projects and technologies related to high voltage dielectric insulation material and process development for energy device and system applications. This role will have exciting opportunities to help define and develop sustainable solutions to the biggest challenges in the ongoing Energy Transition and sustainability fuels, which is the core of GE Vernova business.

As a GE Vernova accelerator, GE Vernova Advanced Research is driving strategy and leading research & development efforts to execute on the business's mission to help power the energy transition. We forge the collaborations and help invent the technologies required to electrify and decarbonize for a zero-carbon future.

• Conduct and lead projects in research and development of materials for high voltage dielectric and or thermal insulation for electrical generators and motors, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, substation and other electrical equipment applications
• Conduct and lead basic & applied research including materials chemistry formulation and applicating process development, new materials with improved insulating properties, such as polymers, ceramics, composites
• Testing and Evaluation: design and conducting lab scale experiments to assess the performance of insulation materials in various environments and under different stress conditions, high voltage electrical breakdown, partial discharge...
• Characterization: Analyzing the chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of materials under high voltage conditions.
• Failure Analysis: Investigating the causes of electrical breakdown in insulation materials and developing solutions to prevent it. postmortem analysis, performance & stability data analysis and modelling
• Collaboration: Work independently and guide development of new technologies and capabilities to integrate insulation materials into electrical systems and equipment.
• Design & execute experiments, and independently lead tasks to benefit GE Vernova businesses and customers.
• Shape proposals with GE Vernova businesses, government agencies, universities, and national laboratories. Contribute and lead proposal teams as Principal Investigator or as a team member.
• Prepare written reports and presentations for stakeholders that describe the value, strategy & approach and results of work.
• Coordinate analytical work to define, meet or exceed customer entitlements.
• Develop and identify new technology, products and service opportunities in the area of energy materials, device and system
• Connect the organization to the latest technology developments and trends.
• Be aware of competing and disruptive technologies and leverage that knowledge to develop robust technology for the business

• Doctorate Degree in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience in developing/testing high voltage insulation materials for energy system applications: generators, switchgears, transformers, circuit breakers and devices or equipment
• Proven record of innovation, including peer-reviewed publications, in areas related to high voltage dielectric insulation materials and system design, synthesis, testing, and or modelling,
• Familiar with electrical type fabrications, epoxy resins synthesis and curing process, insulation gas synthesis
• Materials Science Fundamentals: A strong understanding of organic and or inorganic material chemistry organic and orgonic formulation and properties, including electrical, mechanical, thermal, and chemical characteristics.
• Electrical Engineering Principles: Knowledge of high voltage engineering, including electric fields, breakdown phenomena, and insulation coordination.
• Materials Characterization Techniques: Experience with techniques like dielectric spectroscopy, microscopy (optical and electron), and thermal analysis.
• Testing and Evaluation: Familiarity with relevant standards and testing procedures for high voltage insulation materials.
• Problem-solving and Analytical Skills: Ability to identify and solve complex technical problems related to insulation performance.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication skills to share research findings and collaborate with other professionals.
• Practical knowledge of safety practices as it relates to experimental design and lab practices.
• Demonstrated project execution experience, teamwork experience & ability to work across all functions/levels as part of a team.
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.
• We will not sponsor individuals at the Masters level 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 at www.careers.gevernova.com to be considered.

• Expertise in high voltage Insulation materials (including but not limited to solid, polymer, liquid, and gas) synthesis, fabrication and application process, from lab scale to manufacturing factory, materials include but not limited to solid, polymer, liquid, and gas, format can be coating, film, liquid, tapes, gases.
• Experience with the design and synthesis of new materials (electrical composite types, epoxy resins, silicone, insulation gases, engineering thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, or nano-structured polymers), surface functionalization, surface coating, slurry formulation, thermal and radiation-based curing, blending and their associated manufacturing processes.
• Experience at relevant standards and testing procedures for high voltage insulation materials, experience at design and assembly customized lab scale test rigs, high voltage cages
• Experience at Materials Characterization Techniques: Experience with techniques like dielectric spectroscopy, microscopy (optical and electron), and thermal analysis.
• Familiar with system design for generators, switchgears, transformers, and other device or equipment

• Demonstrated history of project leadership, publications and IP generation
• Strong data analytical skills, demonstrated creative problem-solving skills using innovative and hands-on solutions.
• Self-motivated and ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong interpersonal skills, highly motivated, self-confidence and have goals for a career in industrial research.
• Ability to adapt to change and willingness to be flexible in a global team environment.