Lead Roboticist (Electrical Engineering)- Robotics & Autonomous Systems Research

Job Description Summary
Role Summary: Join a multi disciplinary robotics team developing and maturing advanced robotic solutions for manufacturing and field services across GE Vernova. You will be designing and building robotic systems. In this role, you will define system architectures, design electrical systems and circuits, integrate sensors and actuators, and develop controls and capabilities to deliver robust automation for inspection, field services automation, material handling, and other mission critical processes. This senior role combines hands on system development with technical leadership, research, and collaboration with internal businesses and government partners.

Job Description

What You'll Do:

Research and Technology Development

• Conduct applied research in robotics, controls, system design to enable reliable factory and field service automation and inspection.
• Develop, validate, and deploy robotic control systems (real-time control, optimization, ML-enabled control) and perception solutions.
• Explore applications that impact GE Vernova products (e.g., gas turbines, electric machines, wind turbines, balance-of-plant systems).

System Design and Implementation

• Define electrical and systems architectures for robotic platforms; design, build, and validate circuits, power distribution, safety, and communication interfaces.
• Select and integrate components (motors/drives, sensors, cameras/optics, lighting, compute, networking).
• Implement and validate PLC, embedded, and robot controller integrations; perform HW/SW commissioning, diagnostics, and system optimization.
• Design and build full system prototypes and pilot deployments; troubleshoot and resolve performance issues to productionize solutions.

Leadership and Program Execution

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams; plan milestones, technical reviews, risk mitigation, and budget tracking.
• Shape and lead proposals with GE Vernova businesses, government agencies, universities, and national labs; serve as Principal Investigator or key contributor.
• Perform analytical work to meet or exceed customer performance requirements and entitlements.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner closely with manufacturing and field services stakeholders to translate requirements into system solutions.
• Prepare clear technical reports and present results, value, and recommendations to technical and executive audiences.

IP and Technology Scouting

• Contribute to IP strategy and assessments; maintain awareness of competing and disruptive technologies; connect the organization to emerging trends.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field with 8+ years of professional experience in controls/robotics systems; or MS in Electrical Engineering or related field with 10+ years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in at least three of:
  • Robotic system design and implementation
  • Circuit design and implementation including consideration of thermal and mechanical constraints
  • Electrical actuation and control of robotic systems
  • Control and optimization technologies
  • Machine learning applications for robotics control
  • Knowledge of PLC programming and industrial safety standards
• Experience designing and testing printed circuit boards, including soldering, SMD, reflow, and solder rework.
• Experience creating and terminating cables including connectorizing, crimping, and strain relief
• Hands-on experience selecting and integrating components for robotic systems (motors/drives, sensors, cameras/optics/lighting, compute, networking). Working with AC and DC circuits up to 500 V.
• Proficiency in two or more relevant tools/environments, such as:
  • ROS/ROS 2; NVIDIA Isaac/Isaac Sim or Gazebo
  • C/C++, Python; MATLAB/Simulink
  • Robot controllers and tooling (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA, UR)
  • Vision/AI frameworks (OpenCV, PCL, PyTorch/TensorFlow) as applicable
  • Electrical design tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad); lab/automation tools (e.g., LabVIEW)
  • Industrial control platforms (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals at the master's level for employment visas for this role.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Niskayuna, NY.
• Willingness to travel as business needs require.

Export Control: Because of the specific categories of data handled by GE Vernova Advanced Research and the structure of our work environment, we are unable to accommodate employment of persons while they are considered nationals of countries subject to comprehensive restrictions under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), 15 CFR Section 746 et seq. (currently North Korea, Syria, Iran, and Cuba). Note: Citizens of these countries who have either "U.S. person" status under U.S. export control laws or subsequent citizenship or permanent residency from a non-restricted country can be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Track record leading multi-million-dollar projects with multiple partners as Principal Investigator.
• Experience in product development and awareness of customer and competitive landscapes.
• Electromechanical design experience.
• Publications and/or patents in robotics, simulation, optimization, controls, or AI.
• Extensive experience with ROS 2 and/or NVIDIA Isaac; simulation and digital twin environments.
• Experience with industrial robot platforms and designing robotic automation for manufacturing and field services.
• Strong background in control theory for robotic systems; ML for perception and control.
• Global mindset, strong customer focus, and excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take innovative concepts to prototypes and into deployed solutions.
• Experience leading teams: schedules, milestones, technical reviews, budgets/funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership.

Why Join Us

• Tackle high-impact problems that accelerate the energy transition.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with leading external partners.
• Build end-to-end robotic systems that move from lab to real-world deployment.

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

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $98,400.00 and $164,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate's experience, education, and skill set.

Bonus eligibility: ineligible.

This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on January 30, 2026.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, 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 Vernova 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 financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.

GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, "GE Vernova") sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova 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 GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.