Job Description Summary

GE Vernova is seeking an experienced NETCOM Expert to lead the installation, configuration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical support of communication and networking systems used in electrical substations and power generation facilities. This role combines hands-on technical expertise, commissioning leadership, network troubleshooting, cybersecurity awareness, and customer/site coordination — making it critical to the integrated commissioning of NETCOM, SCADA, Protection & Control, and Substation Automation systems.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, configuration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting of NETCOM systems and communication networks.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial Ethernet networks, switches, routers, firewalls, serial communication, fiber optics, and communication gateways.
• Support communication systems associated with SCADA, Protection & Control, RTU, PLC, HMI, IEDs, and substation automation systems.
• Perform communication testing and verify connectivity between protection, control, monitoring, and remote systems.
• Troubleshoot complex communication failures and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Review and interpret network architecture, communication diagrams, Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Configure and verify communication protocols such as IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus TCP/RTU, IEC 60870-5-104, and Ethernet/IP, as applicable.
• Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), pre-commissioning, commissioning, energization support, and final system validation.
• Coordinate with Protection & Control, SCADA, Engineering, Cybersecurity, Commissioning, and Field Service teams.
• Manage communication testing with customers, subcontractors, and equipment manufacturers.
• Support troubleshooting during startup and plant operation, including urgent/critical site issues.
• Ensure all testing results, configuration changes, punch-list items, and commissioning documentation are properly recorded.
• Identify technical risks and potential schedule impacts, and proactively communicate them to the Project/Commissioning Manager.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to junior NETCOM engineers and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with EHS, LOTO, cybersecurity, quality, and site-specific requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and help develop standardized NETCOM commissioning procedures and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, Automation, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial networking, telecommunications, SCADA, substation automation, or commissioning.
• Strong field commissioning and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience working in HV substations, power plants, renewable energy, or industrial facilities.
• Ability to read electrical, communication, and network drawings.
• Strong customer and contractor management skills.
• Ability to lead technical teams and coordinate across multiple disciplines.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including international assignments.
• Strong English communication skills.

Desired Technical Strengths

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with:

• Industrial Ethernet and IP networking
• Managed industrial switches and routers
• Fiber optic communication
• VLAN, TCP/IP, routing, and network troubleshooting
• Substation communication systems
• SCADA / RTU / PLC / HMI
• Protection & Control systems
• IEC 61850 and substation automation
• DNP3 / Modbus / IEC 104
• Network redundancy and time synchronization
• Network monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Cybersecurity fundamentals for OT/industrial networks
• Network documentation and commissioning test procedures

Certifications (Preferred)

The following certifications are considered an asset and will strengthen a candidate's profile, though not strictly mandatory:

• GICSP (Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional) — industry-recognized credential specific to OT/ICS cybersecurity.
• ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate — leading international standard for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) security.
• NERC CIP training/certification — relevant for roles supporting U.S./Canada bulk power system clients (may be mandatory depending on client/project requirements).
• CompTIA Security+ — general baseline cybersecurity certification.
• CCNA / CCNA Security (Cisco) — valuable for industrial networking and routing/switching credibility.
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) — advantageous for more senior or architect-level responsibilities.

Additional Information

#LI-Remote - This is a remote position