Wind Blade Engineering NPI Leader

GE Vernova is on a mission to electrify and decarbonize the world. The NPI Design Leader for Wind Blade Engineering sits at the intersection of advanced technical design and new product development (NPI) execution ensuring that our wind blade designs are safe reliable and globally competitive. This role is responsible for leading the structural design analysis validation and design tools strategy for next-generation wind turbine blade programs. You will drive the development and implementation of cutting-edge design tools perform rigorous structural analysis and oversee the validation strategy to deliver high-performance blade technology on a scale.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Design Leadership: Lead the end-to-end structural design and development of wind turbine blades from conceptual design through to turbine installation including seamless serial production & full scale validation. Responsible for underwriting the blade structure for all product design tollgates such as CDR PDR DDR & DVR.
• Design Tools Strategy: Develop maintain and optimize advanced design tools automation scripts and simulation workflows to increase engineering efficiency and design accuracy.
• Structural Analysis (FEA): Oversee complex structural analysis including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of composite structures fatigue life prediction and load integration to ensure robust design performance.
• Validation Strategy: Define and execute the comprehensive blade validation strategy (component and full-scale testing). Proactively identify and mitigate technical risks through data-driven analysis of testing manufacturing and fleet data.
• Shell component ownership: Strategic direction & leadership to serve as the ultimate authority for the structural integrity performance and manufacturing quality of all blade shell components. Lead new technology development aligned to blade shell.
• Cross Functional Collaboration: Partner with Systems Engineering Manufacturing Sourcing and Fleet Performance teams to develop blade design solutions that meet requirements across the product lifecycle.
• Requirements Management: Own blade component requirements for design evaluation of system-level requirements feasibility development of design & validation to meet requirements through product lifecycle.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of technical rigor continuous improvement and knowledge sharing. Mentor Principal Engineer & Technical Leaders to drive best practices for design analysis & validation with product lifecycle mindset. Ensure all lessons learned are incorporated in the standard work and design practices.
• Highest Performing Team: Build and maintain a strong team attract develop and retain great talent. Create culture of empowerment coaching and talent development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Aerospace or Civil/Structural Engineering from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in mechanical or structural systems engineering with a focus on composite structures.
• Proven expertise in structural analysis specifically Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for composite materials.
• Demonstrated experience in design tools development process automation and simulation software (e.g. Python MATLAB scripting for CAD/FEA platforms).
• Deep understanding of wind turbine blade design manufacturing processes and testing methodologies.
• Strong project management experience with the ability to lead cross-functional programs in a global matrixed environment.
• Ability to travel internationally to support global program and manufacturing needs

Desired Characteristics

• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Structural Engineering Composite Mechanics or related field.
• Proven track record in NPI lifecycle environments successfully taking complex blade composite products from concept to serial production & turbine installation.
• Familiarity with industry-standard design tools and PLM systems (e.g. CATIA ABAQUS).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical trade-offs to diverse stakeholders.
• Note:
• To comply with US immigration and other legal requirements it is necessary to specify the minimum number of years experience required for any role based within the USA. For roles outside of the USA to ensure compliance with applicable legislation the JDs should focus on the substantive level of experience required for the role and a minimum number of years should NOT be used.