Power Electronics Controls Research and Development Engineer

Hitachi Energy Ltd.; Henegouwen; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Ltd. seeks a Power Electronics Research and Development Engineer to lead advanced control technologies for next-generation power electronic systems. You will drive innovation in converter control, grid-connected electronics, and digital control architectures.

You will collaborate with global R&D teams to develop enabling technologies for grid modernization, mentor engineers, and contribute to commercialization of control solutions supporting a sustainable energy grid.

Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in power electronics controls or related technologies.
• Strong foundation in control systems, dynamic modeling, signal processing, and power system analysis.
• Experience developing control algorithms for converters, inverters, rectifiers, energy storage, or grid-connected power electronics.
• Expertise with MATLAB/Simulink and modern control design methods.
• Knowledge of grid synchronization, PLL design, grid-forming/following control, power quality, and converter stability.
• Experience with HIL testing, real-time simulation, and automated verification.
• Proven ability to lead complex programs and teams.
• Patents/publications or demonstrated innovation in technology commercialization.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement; fluency in English.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Power electronics controls

Control algorithms

Leadership

Strong communication

System-level thinking

Mentorship

English fluency

Grid synchronization

Digital control concepts

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PLECS

PSCAD

RTDS

OPAL-RT

Job description

The opportunity

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.