Automation Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina

INTRODUCTION

As a Senior Robotics & Automation Engineer, you are a technical authority in the implementation of advanced automation for GE Vernova’s blade production. You own the technical delivery of robotic work cells that bridge the gap between breakthrough New Technology Introductions (NTI) and factory-floor industrialization. You will serve as the automation lead for key initiatives ensuring that our robotic systems are scalable, maintainable, and fully aligned with the Multi-Generation Technology Plan (MGTP) roadmap. You will drive the transition from reactive maintenance to predictive process control, setting the standard for automation excellence across our global manufacturing fleet.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Industrialization Ownership: Lead the end-to-end industrialization of complex robotic systems—from initial concept and vendor specification to onsite factory commissioning and validation.
• Strategic Supplier Leadership: Leverage a deep network of automation suppliers to identify and qualify partners. Guide the engineering team through rigorous vendor selection processes, balancing technical capabilities, cost, lead times, and long-term supportability.
• System Architecture & Strategy: Author and standardize automation control strategies (PLC/Robotics) to ensure consistency across the global manufacturing fleet, minimizing technical debt and maximizing throughput.
• Predictive Maintenance Frameworks: Architect IIoT-integrated diagnostic tools to transition the factory from reactive troubleshooting to predictive process control, utilizing data-driven insights to optimize SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost).
• Vendor Management & Governance: Serve as the primary technical point of contact for external technology partners. Audit vendor deliverables to ensure they meet GE Vernova’s rigorous engineering, safety, and performance standards.
• Technical Governance & Mentorship: Provide high-level guidance to junior engineers and cross-functional teams, driving the adoption of "Design for Automation" (DfA) principles during early-stage product design. Mentor the team in evaluating vendor proposals and managing technical project risks.
• Safety-by-Design: Champion a "Safety First" culture by engineering automated safety zoning and fail-safe systems that exceed regulatory mandates.

SKILLS & MINDSET

• Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Ability to navigate the automation supplier landscape, utilizing deep industry knowledge to vet suppliers and lead the technical evaluation phase of the procurement process.
• Digital Literacy: Mastery of IIoT/data analytics integration to drive predictive process control and operational agility.
• Change Agent: A mindset that embraces rapid prototyping and iterative development, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization through technical expertise.
• Sustainability Focus: Passion for "Design for Manufacturing" with a focus on material efficiency, automation-driven yield improvement, and carbon footprint reduction.
• Global Collaboration: Extensive experience navigating matrixed, global, and cross-functional teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• Extensive deep-domain experience in high-complexity automation/robotics, ideally within a manufacturing environment (Wind/Blades experience highly preferred).
• Demonstrated history of leading technical automation projects through the full lifecycle with accountability for budget, schedule, and technical performance.
• Proven track record in managing external automation suppliers and leading complex vendor selection/qualification processes.
• Expertise in industrial robotics (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA) and PLC/HMI platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
• Travel: Willingness to travel (approx. 20%) to support trials, factory start-ups, and supplier visits.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

• Proven ability to drive the MGTP roadmap and influence senior leadership regarding automation investment.
• Experience with machine vision, AI-based inspection systems, or advanced motion control.
• Lean Manufacturing certification (e.g., Six Sigma) with a demonstrated ability to drive standard work and process stability.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on systemic root cause analysis (RCA).

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 $104,600.00 and $174,400.00. 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: discretionary annual bonus.

This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on July 28, 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.