Power Electronics Controls Research and Development Engineer

Hitachi ABB Power Grids; Henegouwen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy seeks a Power Electronics Controls R&D Engineer to lead development of advanced control technologies for next-generation power electronic systems. You will drive innovation in converter control, grid-connected electronics, digital control architectures, and intelligent energy management solutions.

You will collaborate with global R&D teams to advance grid modernization and transformer applications, mentor engineers, and contribute to commercialization of innovative control

Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Power Electronics, Power Systems, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in power electronics controls, advanced control systems, or electrical energy conversion technologies.
• Strong theoretical foundation in control systems, dynamic systems modeling, signal processing, and power system analysis.
• Demonstrated experience developing control algorithms for converters, inverters, rectifiers, energy storage systems, or grid-connected power electronic equipment.
• Expertise in MATLAB/Simulink and modern control system design methodologies.
• Knowledge of grid synchronization, PLL design, grid-forming and grid-following control, power quality, and converter stability analysis.
• Experience with HIL testing, real-time simulation, and automated verification methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated innovation through patents, publications, technical leadership, or successful technology commercialization.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluency in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development activities focused on control systems for power electronic converters and grid-connected systems.
• Develop innovative control algorithms for voltage-source converters, bidirectional converters, active front ends, and electrification technologies.
• Develop and validate control strategies for microgrids, grid-forming converters, and power quality applications.
• Perform system modeling, simulation, and verification using MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL-RT, and related tools.
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and real-time simulation activities.
• Collaborate with hardware, transformer, software, insulation, and system engineering teams to optimize performance.
• Drive invention disclosures, patent generation, publications, and conference participation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and researchers across global R&D teams.
• Support technology transfer from research into commercial products and solutions.

Skills

Control theory

Grid synchronization

System modeling

Mentoring

Leadership

Education

M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering/related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PLECS

PSCAD

RTDS

OPAL-RT

DSP/FPGA/Embedded

Job description

Power Electronics Controls Research and Development Engineer

Hitachi Energy is seeking a Power Electronics Research and Development Engineer to lead the development of advanced control technologies for next-generation power electronic systems. In this role, you will drive innovation in converter control, grid-connected power electronics, digital control architectures, and intelligent energy management solutions.

You will collaborate with global R&D teams to develop enabling technologies for grid modernization, and advanced transformer applications. As a recognized technical leader, you will influence technology strategy, mentor engineers, and contribute to the commercialization of innovative control solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient power grid.

How you will make an impact

Lead research and development activities focused on control systems for power electronic converters and grid-connected systems.

Develop innovative control algorithms for voltage-source converters, bidirectional converters, active front ends, and emerging electrification technologies.

Develop and validate control strategies for microgrids, grid-forming converters, and power quality enhancement applications.

Perform system modeling, simulation, and verification using MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL-RT, and related tools.

Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and real-time simulation activities.

Collaborate with power electronics hardware, transformer, software, insulation, and system engineering teams to optimize overall system performance.

Drive innovation through invention disclosures, patent generation, technical publications, and participation in industry conferences and standards organizations.

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and researchers across global R&D organizations.

Support technology transfer from research into commercial products and solutions.

Your background

M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Power Electronics, Power Systems, or a related field.

At least 5 years of experience in power electronics controls, advanced control systems, or electrical energy conversion technologies.

Strong theoretical foundation in control systems, dynamic systems modeling, signal processing, and power system analysis.

Demonstrated experience developing control algorithms for converters, inverters, rectifiers, energy storage systems, or grid-connected power electronic equipment.

Expertise in MATLAB/Simulink and modern control system design methodologies.

Knowledge of grid synchronization, PLL design, grid-forming and grid-following control, power quality, and converter stability analysis.

Experience with HIL testing, real-time simulation, and automated verification methodologies.

Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Demonstrated innovation through patents, publications, technical leadership, or successful technology commercialization.

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of AI/ML applications for controls, condition monitoring, or autonomous power system operation.

Experience with grid codes, utility interconnection requirements, and power system stability studies.

Design and implement digital control architectures on DSPs, FPGAs, real-time controllers, and embedded platforms.

Location Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium;
Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Job type Full time

Work arrangement Hybrid

Experience Experienced

Job function Engineering & Science

Contract Regular

Publication date 2026-09-02

Reference number R0137490

About Hitachi Energy

We are a global leader in electrification, powering the electricity era to meet the energy demands of today, and the next 25 years. As the energy arm of Hitachi Group, over three billion people depend on our pioneering, mission-critical technologies to power their daily lives.

With over a century of innovation, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time: driving the evolution of the world’s energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power for today’s generation and the next.

With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we are the grid ecosystem partner across the utility, industry, data center, and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 56,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $20 billion USD.