Principal Scientist - Robotics/Mechatronics

Job Description Summary

As a Principal Scientist in the AI – Computer Vision – Robotics – Software lab in GE Vernova Advanced Research, you will develop state‑of‑the‑art technology supporting GE Vernova’s missions of decarbonization, electrification and growth of renewable energy. You will collaborate with cross‑functional technology and business teams driving advanced tech roadmaps in digital research across artificial intelligence, computer vision, robotics and software. You will work closely with U.S. government agencies to shape, develop and execute advanced technology programs that will shape the future GE Vernova business products.

GE Vernova’s Advanced Research business is the central innovation engine for GE’s portfolio of energy businesses, unified under one banner. The research organization is made up of over 250 researchers representing virtually every major scientific and engineering discipline, driving major research programs and initiatives to decarbonize power, accelerate renewables, and promote electrification and a 21st‑century grid that can power a zero‑carbon energy future.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Be a technical pillar in a multidisciplinary team inventing and developing functional systems and tools advancing robotics and autonomy, including robot system design, motion planning, perception, manipulation, system integration, and human‑robot interaction.
• Grow expertise by inventing and implementing prototypes, solutions and demonstrating robotics applications to real‑world problems through rapid prototyping and validation.
• Collaborate with chief and consulting engineers and product managers in GE Vernova businesses and external partners to determine and hone needs, product and process requirements.
• Work directly with GE Vernova Advanced Research senior leadership and technology managers to shape technical vision and lead organizational strategy for robotics.
• Be a thought leader and drive IP strategy development and prior‑art analysis, write disclosures and patent applications, and collect rigorous experimental data for IP patent processes.
• Foster and grow relationships with colleagues at GE Vernova Advanced Research across a wide variety of technical expertise and business responsibilities, acting as a coach for developing technologists.
• Identify, shape and drive collaborative relationships with academic, national laboratory, industry, government agencies and GE experts to leverage internal capability and increase impact.
• Deliver effective presentations, reports and publications to GE Vernova Advanced Research leadership, GE Vernova businesses, government agencies, professional societies and peer‑reviewed journals.
• Lead and grow external and commercial opportunities, proposing solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges and leading proposals as principal investigator for grant consideration.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctorate in Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline with 7+ years of relevant work experience.

Eligibility:

• Must be willing to work out of an office located in Niskayuna, NY.

Desired Characteristics:

• Proven record of innovation, including peer‑reviewed publications, in areas related to robotics.
• Demonstrated project execution experience, teamwork experience and ability to work across all functions/levels as part of a team.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Experience developing patentable intellectual property.
• Experience writing successful R&D proposals, including to government agencies.
• Ability and experience transitioning products from R&D to manufacturing.
• Well versed in Six Sigma methodology – specifically DoE’s and Gage R&R.
• Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities.
• Comfort interacting and reporting horizontally and vertically both within and across organizational boundaries.
• Demonstrated creative problem‑solving skills using innovative and hands‑on solutions.
• Demonstrated capability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, high self‑confidence and goals for a career in industrial research.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to change and willingness to be flexible in a global team environment.

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.