Senior Engineer - Robotics and Autonomous Systems - Vernova Research

Job Description Summary

The Senior Engineer - Robotics & Autonomous Systems is a senior technical contributor within the Robotics & Computer Vision team at GE Vernova Advanced Research. This role develops advanced robotics, autonomy, and intelligent system technologies that support GE Vernova's mission in decarbonization, electrification, and the growth of renewable energy.

Working across Advanced Research, GE Vernova businesses, U.S. government agencies, and external collaborators, this position helps shape and execute strategic research and development programs in robotics and autonomous systems. The role spans concept development through prototyping, validation, technical leadership, and transition of technology into real-world applications.
This is a hands-on, interdisciplinary role for a senior engineer who combines deep technical capability with strong collaboration, innovation, and influence. The Senior Engineer serves as a technical pillar for the team - contributing to system design, autonomy, perception, manipulation, integration, and human-robot interaction while also helping shape technical vision, intellectual property strategy, and external research opportunities.

The Robotics & Computer Vision team values curiosity, technical rigor, collaboration, and mentorship. We work across scientific and engineering disciplines to convert advanced research into impactful technologies for GE Vernova and the broader energy sector.

As a GE Vernova accelerator, Advanced Research drives strategy and leads research and development efforts in partnership with GE Vernova businesses, government agencies, and external collaborators to deliver near-term impact and long-term breakthrough innovation.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership in Robotics & Autonomy

• Serve as a senior technical contributor in a multidisciplinary team developing advanced robotics and autonomous systems.
• Mentor early career team members
• Invent, design, and develop functional systems and tools spanning robot system design, motion planning, perception, manipulation, system integration, and human-robot interaction.
• Contribute deep technical expertise to the development of novel robotics capabilities aligned with GE Vernova business and research priorities.

• Build and demonstrate prototype systems that address real-world industrial and energy-related challenges.
• Rapidly evaluate concepts through hands-on prototyping, experimentation, and technical validation.
• Translate emerging robotics technologies into practical applications through rigorous system development and testing.

• Collaborate with product managers, chief engineers, researchers, and business teams across GE Vernova to define needs, requirements, and development priorities.
• Work with external collaborators, including government agencies, industry, national laboratories, and academic partners, to shape and execute advanced technology programs.
• Support alignment between technical development efforts and longer-term product or process roadmaps.

• Work with Advanced Research senior leadership and technology managers to help shape technical vision and strategic direction for robotics and autonomous systems.
• Identify opportunities where robotics and intelligent systems can create differentiated impact for GE Vernova businesses.
• Contribute to the growth of the Robotics & Computer Vision organization through technical leadership and strategic engagement.

• Drive intellectual property development through prior art analysis, invention generation, disclosure writing, and support for patent applications.
• Develop rigorous experimental evidence to support intellectual property and technical claims.
• Maintain external technical visibility through reports, presentations, publications, and participation in professional communities where appropriate.

• Build strong working relationships across Advanced Research and GE Vernova businesses.
• Coach and support developing technologists, contributing to a culture of technical excellence, learning, and collaboration.
• Foster productive internal and external partnerships that expand technical capability and program impact.

• Help identify, shape, and pursue external research and commercial opportunities in robotics and autonomy.
• Lead or contribute to proposals for government-funded and strategic R&D programs, including serving as principal investigator where appropriate.
• Articulate compelling technical approaches to challenging problems and align them with sponsor or customer priorities.

• Deliver clear and effective presentations, technical reports, and other communications to Advanced Research leadership, GE Vernova businesses, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and professional society engagement where aligned with business and research objectives.

• PhD in Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years' relevant professional experience, OR Master's Degree in same with 8+ years' relevant professional experience.
• Significant experience in robotics, autonomous systems, or related interdisciplinary engineering fields.
• Demonstrated record of technical innovation in robotics, including publications, patents, prototypes, or deployed systems.
• Experience developing robotic systems in one or more of the following areas: robot design, motion planning, perception, manipulation, controls, system integration, or human-robot interaction.
• Demonstrated ability to execute complex technical projects and work effectively across functions, teams, and organizational levels.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in technical programs, project execution, or research initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Must be willing to work on-site at GE Vernova Advanced Research in Niskayuna, NY.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. This role is not eligible for immigration or visa sponsorship.

• PhD strongly preferred for candidates focused on advanced research leadership or externally sponsored R&D.
• Experience developing patentable intellectual property and supporting patent prosecution activities.
• Experience writing successful R&D proposals, particularly for U.S. government agencies or other externally funded research programs.
• Experience transitioning technologies from research and prototyping into product, manufacturing, or field deployment environments.
• Familiarity with experimental design, validation methods, and rigorous test practices.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in multidisciplinary environments and across organizational boundaries.
• Strong creative problem-solving skills with a hands-on, execution-oriented approach.
• Ability to influence technical direction through expertise, collaboration, and credibility rather than formal authority alone.
• Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and a clear interest in long-term impact through industrial research.
• Adaptability, resilience, and comfort working in evolving technical and programmatic environments.