Lead Professional – APS Validation Engineer (Protection & Automation)

The Lead Professional APS Validation Engineer leads verification and validation of embedded software for GE Protection and Automation systems. This role demands strong expertise in protection IEDs and substation automation, focusing on high-quality, secure solutions. Responsibilities include designing and executing test strategies, ensuring requirements traceability, and validating communication and cybersecurity using protocols like IEC 61850 and DNP3. The engineer uses Python for test automation, analyzes defects, and mentors junior engineers, collaborating globally for timely product releases.

Must Have

• Lead verification and validation of embedded software for GE Protection & Automation systems.
• Act as a technical authority on validation strategy for Protection IEDs (MiCOM/UR series).
• Design, own, and execute end-to-end test strategies aligned with Agile development cycles.
• Ensure complete requirements traceability across system, software, cybersecurity, and communication requirements.
• Develop and maintain Python-based automation frameworks for test execution, reporting, and regression testing.
• Validate substation communication protocols, including IEC 61850 (GOOSE, MMS, SV), DNP3, TCP/IP, and SNMP.
• Perform cybersecurity validation in alignment with secure communication, authentication, access control, and vulnerability mitigation requirements.
• Execute functional and system-level testing using OMICRON CMC350, IED Scout, and related protection test tools.
• Apply protection engineering fundamentals (distance, differential, overcurrent, etc.) to validate correct IED behavior.
• Identify, analyze, and report defects with clear technical root-cause insights.
• Drive defect prioritization, collaborate closely with software and firmware development teams, and ensure timely resolution.
• Verify defect fixes and perform impact and regression analysis prior to closure.
• Produce high-quality test plans, test reports, and validation evidence for internal and customer-facing deliverables.

Perks & Benefits

• Relocation assistance provided

Job Description Summary

The Lead Professional APS Validation Engineer is responsible for leading verification and validation of embedded software applications for GE Protection and Automation systems. This role requires strong technical expertise in protection IEDs (MiCOM/UR) and substation automation, with a focus on delivering high-quality, secure, and reliable solutions. The engineer designs, owns, and executes comprehensive test strategies aligned with Agile development cycles, ensuring full requirements traceability and validation coverage.

The role involves validating communication and cybersecurity aspects of protection systems using protocols such as IEC 61850 (GOOSE, MMS, SV), DNP3, TCP/IP, and SNMP. Python is used extensively to develop test automation, analyze logs, and support regression testing. The engineer applies fundamental protection knowledge to validate IED behavior under normal, boundary, and fault conditions using tools such as OMICRON CMC350 and IED Scout.

As a technical lead, the engineer identifies and analyzes defects, collaborates with development teams to prioritize and resolve issues, and verifies corrective actions. The role also includes mentoring junior engineers, contributing to standardization and continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborating with global GE Renewable Energy teams to ensure timely and high-quality product releases.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead verification and validation of embedded software applications for GE Protection & Automation systems.
• Act as a technical authority on validation strategy for Protection IEDs (MiCOM/UR series), ensuring functional, performance, and cybersecurity compliance.
• Design, own, and execute end-to-end test strategies aligned with Agile development cycles.
• Ensure complete requirements traceability across system, software, cybersecurity, and communication requirements.
• Develop and maintain Python-based automation frameworks for test execution, reporting, and regression testing.
• Validate substation communication protocols, including IEC 61850 (GOOSE, MMS, SV), DNP3, TCP/IP, and SNMP.
• Perform cybersecurity validation in alignment with secure communication, authentication, access control, and vulnerability mitigation requirements.
• Execute functional and system-level testing using OMICRON CMC350, IED Scout, and related protection test tools.
• Apply protection engineering fundamentals (distance, differential, overcurrent, etc.) to validate correct IED behavior under normal and abnormal conditions.
• Identify, analyze, and report defects with clear technical root-cause insights.
• Drive defect prioritization, collaborate closely with software and firmware development teams, and ensure timely resolution.
• Verify defect fixes and perform impact and regression analysis prior to closure.
• Produce high-quality test plans, test reports, and validation evidence for internal and customer-facing deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on tools, protocols, and best practices.
• Collaborate with global teams across GE Renewable Energy businesses, contributing to continuous improvement and standardization initiatives.

Required Technical Skills

• Programming / Automation: Python (test automation, scripting, log analysis)
• Communication Protocols: IEC 61850, DNP3, TCP/IP, SNMP
• Cybersecurity: Secure communication, access control, protocol-level security validation
• Protection Engineering: Fundamental knowledge of protection schemes and relay logic
• Test Equipment & Tools: OMICRON CMC356, IED Scout
• Embedded Systems: Software validation, defect lifecycle management
• Methodologies: Agile / Scrum, requirements traceability, V&V best practices

Leadership Expectations

• Acts as a technical lead and reviewer for complex validation topics
• Drives quality ownership across features and releases
• Supports decision-making on risk, coverage, and release readiness