Senior Principal Engineer - Materials

Job Description Summary
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.

Representing virtually every major scientific and engineering discipline, our researchers are collaborating with GE Vernova's businesses, the U.S. government, and more than 420 entities at the forefront of technology to execute on 150+ energy focused projects. Collectively, these research programs and initiatives aim to solve near term technical challenges, deliver next generation product advances, and drive long term breakthrough innovation to enable more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy.

As a Senior Principal Scientist in Materials Research, you will collaborate across the Vernova Advanced Research and with GE Vernova business engineering and product teams to define and execute technical strategy, create innovative internal and external technology programs, and be at the forefront of research to drive innovation, improve performance, and contribute to the success of technology and products across GE Vernova.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

You will collaborate with business and technology partners to define and develop GE Vernova's next generation of products including and not limited to many of the following critical strategic elements

• Provide technical leadership in the development of structural materials and coatings that drive innovation and improve performance of materials used in the energy transition
• Drive technical leadership and excellence for the design, processing, and manufacturing of materials related challenges as needed across multiple GE Vernova businesses.
• Shape and grow internal and external program pipeline in partnership with GE Vernova businesses and government agencies such as the US Department of Energy, ARPA-e, and the US Department of Defense.
• Develop partnerships with universities, small businesses and national laboratories to expand the current set of capabilities.
• Drive next generation computational tools and high throughput experimentation to accelerate material discovery and development concurrent with engineering and manufacturing requirements and work with the GE Vernova Advanced Research leadership team to build and manage the required skillsets.
• Provide technical leadership, consultation and mentoring in the areas of project shaping, project management, and program execution.

You will take a leadership role in managing the materials research work at GE Vernova Advanced Research by developing relationships with government agencies and external partners to influence and shape research that is critical to both government needs and GE Vernova product roadmaps, including and not limited to the following areas:

• High temperature material processing to support gas turbine components
• Structure material design and development
• Coatings to enhance material performance in operation
• Energy storage system performance
• Material endurance under environmental exposure, irradiation, etc.

You will help develop the strategy needed to drive buy-in for next generation material research based on business need and lead & guide multidisciplinary teams to implement them within the organization.

• Communicate technology strategies to Senior VP and CEO level executives across GE Vernova as well as to C-suite level stakeholders at external businesses, government agencies, and universities.
• Define & navigate program risks to achieve business outcomes
• Raise the importance & visibility of system-level thinking.
• Build relationships within the highest levels at the US Department of Energy and US Department of Defense to shape future opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Material Science or related field with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree in Material Science or related field with a minimum of 20 years of relevant experience
• Demonstrated deep domain knowledge in the areas of high temperature material processing, coatings, environmental exposure, corrosion, and irradiated materials
• A minimum of 10 years of experience leading large multi-disciplinary research teams across different domains and geographical locations to deliver differentiating technology solutions
• Ability to communicate strategy and technology to Senior VP and CEO leadership levels
• Demonstrated breadth of expertise across multiple technical domains and ability to ideate and strategize at a system level across GE Vernova businesses.
• Demonstrated critical thinking that yields breakthrough ideas and the ability to communicate the ideas and complex technical information clearly and concisely to non-technical audiences
• Experience with writing successful R&D proposals and leading large government research programs
• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to Federal Contract Provisions.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead multimillion-dollar programs
• Demonstrated ability to mentor early-career and mid-career talent
• Ability to make decisions with confidence when problems or solutions are not well defined
• Demonstrated capability to thrive in a matrixed team environment
• Familiarity with multiple GE Vernova businesses and proven ability to leverage cross-business networks to achieve outcomes
• Proven ability to manage risk and uncertainty for self and team within a dynamic priority-setting environment
• Strong technical acumen paired with an ability to understand a wide range of technology domains
• Influence, facilitation, and negotiation skills; boundary-less/solution-focused approach
• Demonstrated ability to take an innovative idea from research to a product
• Strong record of peer-reviewed journal publications and conference presentations

The base pay range for this position is $152,400-$254,000. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set. This position is also eligible for a performance bonus. This position will be posted until at least 8/20/2025.

Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

General Electric Company, Ropcor, Inc., their successors, and in some cases their affiliates, each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information

GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes