> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2970664-lead-iec-61850-test-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2970664-lead-iec-61850-test-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer - **Company:** GE Vernova - **Location:** Stafford, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Automation of Tests, Bug Tracking Systems, Client Server Models, Communications Protocols, Computer Networks, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Github, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Load Testing, Natural Language Processing, Pattern Recognition, Regression Testing, System Testing, TCP/IP, Strategies of Testing, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Test Scripts - **Published:** September 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/FE249994F22647A3AA9EF0B348976C3B/job/ ## About the Role We're flexible on exact background - what matters most is strong testing experience and a genuine interest in communication systems and substation automation.Ideallyyou'll bring some combination of the following: * A degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Power Systems, or a related field - or equivalent hands-on experience * Familiarity with SCADA and communication protocols * Some exposure to power system protection and/or IEC 61850 (deep expertise not required from day one - we support continued learning) * A general understanding of networking concepts, such as TCP/IP * Basic familiarity with XML * Experience in client/server environments * Any exposure to multi-user, stress, or load testing is a plus, but not essential * A solid grounding in software or communications testing, with good analytical and debugging instincts * Comfort writing test scripts and applying structured testing approaches * Experience with test automation tools, or a strong interest in developing these skills Don't have direct IEC 61850 experience? If you have strong testing fundamentals and communication systems knowledge, we're happy to support your development in this specialist area., * Pays close attention to detail and takes pride in quality work * Brings a proactive, can-do attitude to problem-solving * Manages multiple priorities well and stays organised under pressure * Is curious and enjoys continuously learning new tools, technologies, and standards * Works well with others, both internally and with external partners * Is comfortable balancing hands-on technical work with a broader view of product quality ## Description We're looking for a Lead IEC 61850 Test Engineer to help drive the testing, validation, and continuous improvement of our communication and substation automation solutions. This is a great opportunity for someone with a strong foundation in IEC 61850, utility communication protocols, or software/systems testing, who is looking to grow into a role with real technical ownership and industry influence. You'll lead the development and execution of test strategies for IED communications and telecoms systems, integrating AI-driven test automation and predictive analytics to enhance regression efficiency, accelerate defect identification, and ensure the highest standards of reliability in complex IEC 61850 environments. You will work alongside developers, stakeholders, and customers to ensure our solutions are reliable, compliant, and built to the highest standard. We know great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds - if you have strong testing fundamentals and are excited to build deeper expertise in IEC 61850 and substation automation, we'd love to hear from you, even if you don't check every box below., * Develop and maintain test plans, test cases, and test reports aligned with product and customer requirements * Plan and execute newfeature, regression, manual, andAIautomated testing for software and communication systems * Validate software and system behavior against specifications and compliance requirements * Identifyusing AI-powered anomaly detection, investigate, and track defects and inconsistencies using standard bug tracking tools * Collaborate closely with developers to troubleshoot issues and improve overall product quality * Build and maintain automated test scriptsusing AI-assisted coding tools like GitHub and Copilot to speed up the development of test scripts, contributing to the evolution of our regression test suites * Set up and maintain testing tools and environments * Review logs and test outputs to spot issues and recommend improvementsusing Natural Language Processing (NLP) or pattern recognition toaggregate thousands oflog lines into actionable summaries, significantly reducing the time spent on root-cause analysis * Help keep test tracking and reporting accurate and current * Support testing of telecoms systems - a valuable part of the role we can help you grow into if it's new to you * Liaise with customers, certification bodies, and standards organizations on validation and compliance activities * Represent the business at relevant industry and standards forums, where opportunities arise * Contribute ideas to improve our testing standards and processes ## Related Videos - [Are Classical Automation Frameworks Dead? How AI Agents Are Transforming QA](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100243-are-classical-automation-frameworks-dead-how-ai-agents-are-transforming-qa) - [Testing .NET applications a Tool box for every developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/704-testing-net-applications-a-tool-box-for-every-developer) - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [Innovating Developer Tools with AI: Insights from GitHub Next](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1268-innovating-developer-tools-with-ai-insights-from-github-next) - [How to add test automation to your project: The good, the bad, and the ugly](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1668-how-to-add-test-automation-to-your-project-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly) - [Fighting test flakiness with time machines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/834-fighting-test-flakiness-with-time-machines) ## Related Articles - [The 8 Best Code Testing Tools](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/402-the-8-best-code-testing-tools) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [The Most Popular IT Jobs on the Market](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/376-the-most-popular-it-jobs-on-the-market)