Designer, Motor Control

Dana Incorporated; Boucherville; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana Incorporated is seeking a Motor Controls Developer in Canada to design and validate traction motor control algorithms for advanced drivetrains. The role focuses on IPM, SPM, and IM machines, with emphasis on real‑world testing, validation planning, and cross‑functional collaboration.

You will work within a Tier‑1 automotive environment, leveraging MATLAB/Simulink, MIL/SIL/HIL workflows, and automotive standards (MISRA).

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 2+ years post-MS in motor controls, electric drives, or electric machines.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and validate motor control algorithms for electrical machines (IPM, SPM, IM).
• Define and manage requirements for motor controller functionality.
• Conduct testing and verification on dynamometers and in-vehicle environments.
• Document development processes and testing results, ensuring toolchain integration.
• Provide technical guidance on advanced motor control topics.
• Develop and enhance validation plans for traction motor control software.
• Support related systems such as prototype development, powertrain controls, and traction inverter development.
• Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and customers as needed.

Skills

Traction inverter drives

Field-oriented control

Direct torque control

PWM techniques

Digital observer and filter design

Control system theory

Embedded C

MIL, SIL, HIL testing

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

CANape

CANalyzer

CCS

Eclipse

Git

Job description

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains.

Serving three primary markets – passenger vehicle, commercial truck, and the off-highway equipment – Dana provides the world’s original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

Dana is seeking a highly skilled Motor Controls Developer with expertise in electric motor control algorithms, calibration, and related technologies. The ideal candidate will have experience in automotive applications and will contribute to the development of advanced traction motor drive systems as part of a dynamic, innovative team at a leading Tier-1 supplier.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and validate motor control algorithms for electrical machines, including IPM, SPM, and IM.
• Define and manage requirements for motor controller functionality.
• Conduct testing and verification of motor control algorithms on dynamometers and in-vehicle environments.
• Document development processes and testing results, ensuring integration with relevant tools and systems.
• Provide technical guidance on advanced motor control topics.
• Develop and enhance validation plans for traction motor control software.
• Support related systems such as machine prototype development, powertrain controls, and traction inverter development.
• Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and customers as needed.

Education And Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
• 2+ years post-MS in motor controls, electric drives, or electric machines.

Skills

• Required
• Strong understanding of traction inverter drives and electric motors (IPM, SPM, IM).
• Hands‑on experience with field‑oriented control for PM and/or IM machines.
• Knowledge of current control schemes and direct torque control strategies (preferred).
• Proficiency in PWM techniques (sine PWM, space vector PWM); experience with discontinuous modulation and overmodulation is a plus.
• Familiarity with digital observer and filter design.
• Solid foundation in control system theory, including system modeling, simulation, and advanced control design techniques.
• Proficient in Matlab/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and validation.
• Basic knowledge of embedded C and ability to implement algorithms in compliance with automotive standards (e.g., MISRA).
• Experience with development stages and tools: MIL, SIL, HIL, and full system testing (dyno, vehicle).
• Preferred
  • Practical knowledge of dead‑time and delay compensation, voltage limits, and switching frequency variations.
  • Familiarity with position/speed sensors (resolvers, encoders).
  • Experience with motor control MCUs and communication interfaces (CAN, SPI, I²C).
  • Skilled with debugging tools (CANape, CANalyzer) and troubleshooting at the system level (including gearing, powertrain controls, battery systems).
  • Experience with IDE tools (CCS, Eclipse), version control (Git), and software release processes.
  • Functional safety knowledge (ISO 26262) is a plus.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge electrified powertrain systems
• Collaborative and innovative engineering environment
• Exposure to full product development lifecycle