Lead Generator Controls Engineer

Job Description SummaryRole Summary: We are seeking a Lead Generator Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership, drive innovation, and guide the successful execution of complex engineering projects that shape the future of our power systems portfolio. In this role, you will serve as a key technical authority, partnering across engineering, product management, commercial, quality, and field services teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with customer and business objectives.
The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in generator controls, excitation systems, and power electronics, along with a strong ability to lead technical problem-solving, mentor engineers, and influence design and execution strategy. This role requires hands-on knowledge of potential source, bus-fed, brushless, DC rotating, and compound units, as well as experience supporting installation, commissioning, field troubleshooting, and customer interactions both remotely and on-site.
You will work with excitation systems ranging from 35A voltage regulators to 8000A static multi-bridge designs, requiring a strong understanding of generator applications, control systems integration, and field performance optimization. Responsible for departmental operations planning/execution or is focused on execution of professional activities within a technical discipline. Functions with some autonomy but guided by established policies or review of end results.
The job allows modification of procedures and practices covering work as long as the end results meet standards of acceptability (quality, volume, timeliness etc.).

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the lead technical expert for generator controls and excitation system applications.
• Establish and uphold engineering standards, best practices, and technical rigor across projects.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineers, supporting capability development and career growth.
• Lead technical reviews, design discussions, and root cause investigations for complex engineering challenges.
• Support the resolution of high-impact technical issues across development, manufacturing, commissioning, and field operations.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex engineering projects in collaboration with commercial, OEM, manufacturing, and field services teams.
• Define project scope, objectives, risks, and technical deliverables with key stakeholders.
• Ensure projects are executed in alignment with scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations.
• Evaluate technical complexity and project risk to support quoting, planning, and successful execution.
• Drive accountability and clear communication across cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Customer & Field Support

• Lead Customer Witness Tests (CWT) and support Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) with professionalism and technical confidence.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for installation, commissioning, and operational issues related to excitation and generator control systems.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret field data to identify issues, recommend corrective actions, and improve product performance.
• Serve as a trusted technical interface for customers, providing remote and on-site support as needed.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve engineering tools, processes, product quality, and execution efficiency.
• Partner with NPI, quality, and cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement across the engineering value stream.
• Promote innovation by evaluating and adopting new technologies, methods, and design approaches.
• Contribute to product strategy by providing technical insight based on field experience, customer needs, and industry trends.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to quality standards, design practices, and engineering processes throughout the development lifecycle.
• Lead design reviews and ensure compliance with applicable technical and quality requirements.
• Support the development and tracking of quality and performance metrics.
• Champion a culture of technical excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.

 Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 6+ years of engineering experience in generator controls, excitation systems, power systems, or related industrial applications.
• Demonstrated experience in a technical leadership, lead engineer, or project leadership capacity.
• Proven success delivering complex engineering projects in cross-functional environments.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Desired Characteristics:

• Deep knowledge of generator controls, excitation systems, and power electronics.
• Experience with potential source, bus-fed, brushless, DC rotating, and compound excitation systems.
• Familiarity with control systems and platforms from GE, Emerson, ABB, Rockwell, Siemens, Brush, Reivax, Alstom, and similar providers.
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills related to installation, commissioning, and field performance.
• Understanding of electrical and mechanical control systems integration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and lead across functions.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Passion for mentoring, knowledge sharing, and developing engineering talent.

Additional Information#LI-Remote - This is a remote position