Transformer Team Leader at GE Vernova, Houston

Transformer Team Leader at GE Vernova in Houston. Full-time. $113,200 to $188,800 a year. Apply with swipeandhired.

GE Vernova is seeking an experienced Transformer Team Leader to lead and execute site activities related to the installation, overhaul, testing, maintenance, and commissioning of large power transformers, autotransformers, and shunt reactors. This role ensures safe handling, rigging, assembly, oil processing, electrical testing, and customer handover of critical power infrastructure while meeting rigorous safety, quality, schedule, and cost requirements.

Job Description
Core Responsibilities

• Lead and execute site execution, installation, assembly, oil processing (drying/vacuum filling), testing, and commissioning of power transformers and shunt reactors.
• Perform and supervise mechanical and electrical testing of transformers, including:
• Insulation resistance (Megger), Power Factor (Tan Delta), and Excitation Current.
• Winding Resistance and Tap Changer (OLTC/DETC) operational testing.
• Turns Ratio (TTR) and Vector Group verification.
• Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) and Dielectric Spectroscopy (FDS).
• Bushing CT testing, ratio, polarity, and saturation checks.
• Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) sampling and oil quality testing.

• Lead site teams, field technicians, specialized rigging crews, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Coordinate daily site activities, heavy lifting plans, and transformer erection schedules.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical issues (e.g., OLTC malfunctions, bushing anomalies, oil leaks) and perform Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
• Manage punch lists, Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), technical queries, site instructions, and assembly documentation.
• Review transformer design drawings, outline dimensions (GA), schematic diagrams, factory test reports (FAT), and manufacturer instruction manuals.
• Support customer coordination, pre-energization inspections, visual checks, and acceptance testing.
• Maintain accurate technical reports, assembly records, vacuum/oil processing logs, daily reports, and project documentation.

Safety & Quality
Safety and quality leadership are core expectations of this role. Transformer erection and oil processing involve heavy lifting and confined spaces. The candidate must be comfortable working under:

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements
• Confined space entry protocols
• Heavy lifting and rigging safety standards (NCCCO or equivalent principles)
• OSHA / NFPA 70E standards
• IEEE / IEC / NETA standards
• GE Vernova safety and quality procedures

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to maintain high safety and quality standards even under significant schedule pressure.
Leadership Expectations
Beyond technical execution, this role requires:

• Mentoring junior technicians and field engineers on transformer handling and assembly best practices.
• Coordinating multidisciplinary site teams and heavy lift contractors.
• Managing equipment suppliers and specialized service vendors.
• Making sound decisions during critical lifting, assembly, and oil processing phases.
• Communicating effectively with customers, design engineering, and project management.
• Managing competing priorities under schedule pressure.
• Providing technical leadership and troubleshooting support for transformer sites.
• Establishing best practices and driving continuous improvement in transformer site execution.

Project Management Component
This role carries project execution responsibility across the full project lifecycle for transformer sites:
Planning → Mobilization → Heavy Lifting & Placement → Mechanical Assembly → Vacuum & Oil Processing → Electrical Testing → Energization Support → Customer Acceptance
Responsibilities include control over:

• Schedule for mechanical and electrical installation milestones
• Specialized tooling, equipment (e.g., oil rig/purification plants, cranes, vacuum pumps), and resources
• Costs and manpower utilization
• Technical documentation and quality control sign-offs
• Risks and opportunities related to weather, logistics, and site readiness
• Customer requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical field experience in transformer manufacturing, maintenance, or commissioning.
• 6–10+ years of hands-on field experience in high-voltage power transformer installation, overhaul, and commissioning.

Desired Strengths
Strong candidates will have experience in several of the following areas:

• Power Transformers (up to 765kV / HVDC) | Shunt Reactors | OLTC Maintenance & Repair | Vacuum & Oil Processing (Dry-out) | High-Voltage Electrical Testing | Heavy Rigging & Lifting | Substation Construction | Instrumentation & Protection Interfacing
• Proven experience leading heavy lifting operations, site teams, and specialized transformer subcontractors.
• Deep knowledge of transformer internal construction, Core & Coil assemblies, On-Load Tap Changers (OLTC), bushing installation, and cooling systems.
• Willingness to travel extensively (approximately 60–75%+, depending on position).
• Ability to work in Canada, the U.S., and potentially internationally.
• Knowledge of OSHA, IEEE C57 standards, IEC standards, and NETA guidelines.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• Fluency in English required; additional languages are an asset depending on the region.

Certifications (Advantageous)

• Rigging and Signaling certification
• Confined Space Entry certification
• OSHA 30 certification
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) transformer training/certification

Most Important Qualities
The ideal candidate combines:
Transformer technical expertise + heavy lifting leadership + site management + rigorous quality control + troubleshooting capability + safety culture + customer management.
This person can personally oversee complex transformer assembly and oil processing, diagnose mechanical or electrical anomalies, lead the site team to resolve them, communicate effectively with the customer, manage schedule and cost impacts, and ensure the transformer is safely prepared for energization.

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 $113,200.00 and $188,800.00. 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 November 06, 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.