Lead Automation Specialist

Job Description SummaryThe Lead Automation Specialist will maintain, analyze, troubleshoot, and program complex industrial machinery/controls and IT systems for the Schenectady Cores and Castings manufacturing plant within GE VERNOVA Gas Power in Schenectady, NY. The specialist will be entrusted to make business critical decisions in a timely manner and meet safety, quality, production, and delivery objectives.Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Analyze IT system/machinery controls failures for indications of assignable causes, identify and recommend corrective actions, and work with maintenance team and/or external suppliers to implement corrective action.
• Become the technical expert on industrial equipment maintenance and operation specific to controls systems on machine tools, robotics, and IT systems. Identify and diagnose problems related to the proper controls operation of equipment.
• Work closely with the Maintenance and/or Operations Manager in assigned area, providing metrics on performance, schedules on critical repairs, as well as daily updates on critical equipment.  Develop/maintain visual dashboards to report machine status.
• Perform routine systems maintenance including but not limited to: Installing patches on servers, adding new equipment to FMS, programing PLCs and HMIs, manage system tags, managing access to Historian and FMS, managing access to jump boxes via Bitvise, and maintain firewall rules.
• Perform as the lead point of contact with controls equipment OEM and parts vendors. 
• Determine and maintain critical spare parts inventory, evaluate obsolescence and strategy to replace/upgrade.
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering in the review, design, installation and upgrade of machines, ensure equipment meets GE Vernova specifications.
• Support and train hourly trade personnel to maintain, troubleshoot, repair and modify industrial machinery.  Support as back-up to the Facilities/Maintenance Leader.
• Contribute to continuous improvement using EHS, Lean, 5S, and BiQ initiatives.
• Develop opportunities for reducing operating expenses and improving capabilities.
• Active participation in safety initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Electrical Construction/or related, or High School Diploma/GED with completion of a Military Technical Training Program.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and create written technical information (i.e. Engineering drawings, ladder logic, machine manuals, and standard operating procedures).
• Proficient in the use of computer tools, software applications, portable electronic devices, and technology-based diagnostic systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to work effectively in team environments.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Ability to lead and assign hourly personnel to project delivery.

Desired Qualifications.

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in machine tool maintenance/controls within a large-scale manufacturing environment or equivalent advanced military maintenance experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems including, speed variators, PLCs, and robotics.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems. Ability to document, plan, market, and execute programs. Established project management skills.
• Expertise with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, FMS, and other automation technologies. Knowledge of control system design and analysis.

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: No

For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $81,700.00 and $136, 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: discretionary annual bonus.This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on November 13, 2025.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.

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