Power Electronics Engineer- KTP Associate

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Development budget

Annual leave 25 days

Mentorship program

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Aston University invites applications for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project focusing on developing high-voltage fault-managed DC power systems for domestic and commercial use. You will lead this strategic project within a collaborative framework, combining academic supervision with industry input.

The role emphasizes hands-on design, prototyping and simulation, with exposure to GaN MOSFETs and 600 V DC-DC stages, and a commitment to innovation.

Qualifications

• Design, build and test high-frequency DC-DC converters up to 600 V.
• Use PSCAD, Spice, MATLAB/SIMULINK.
• Embedded control design using DSPs, MCUs and/or FPGAs.
• Project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the KTP project under academic and industry supervision.
• Develop fault-managed DC power systems capable of powering 1500W loads.
• Identify novel approaches to improve efficiency and performance.
• Coordinate milestones and deliverables with partners.

Skills

Power electronics

DC-DC converters

High-frequency design

DSP/MCU/FPGA

Project management

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Power Electronics

Masters in Power Electronics

Tools

PSCAD

Spice

MATLAB/SIMULINK

Job description

• To integrate new technical capabilities into a small agile company like ISTL and ensure that developments are well understood and embedded.
• To apply electrical/electronic design skills to create a prototype including circuit analysis, computer aided design and complex simulation tools, e.g. MATLAB/SPICE/SIMULINK.
• To select an appropriate micro-controller (balancing performance and cost) and applying software development skills for compliant control systems.
• To project manage a complex, innovation-focused project to produce a commercially viable outcome.
• To assimilate knowledge of high-speed, low-loss Gallium Nitride transistor technology and/or novel, multilevel converter circuits.

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University's commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate's name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual's lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

A PhD in Power Electronics is desirable or a minimum Masters level qualification with some industry experience (both in power electronics).

Skills/Experience required include:

Essential for the role:

• Design, build and test of high-frequency DC-DC converters up to 600 V.
• Use of software tools such as PSCAD, Spice, MATLAB/SIMULINK.
• Embedded control design using Digital Signal Processors, microcontrollers and/or Field Programmable Gate Arrays.
• Project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills to maintain a meaningful dialogue between stakeholders including end users, clients and distributors.

Desirable for the role:

• Familiarity with domestic wiring regulations.
• Experience in the power electronic industry, and a commercial-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Experience with Gallium Nitride (GaN) MOSFETs in switched-mode power supplies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to successfully work with various stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Leadership qualities, maturity, good self-organisation, and time management skills to deliver agreed milestones and objectives.
• Highly motivated and adaptable.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of the team and use initiative.
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches, demonstrate creative and analytical thinking and problem solving.

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership project represents an exciting opportunity to develop innovative high-voltage fault-managed power systems for both domestic and commercial applications. You will lead this strategic project under the supervision of academic and company supervisors, finding novel approaches to offer a highly efficient DC power distribution solution capable of powering device loads up to 1500W in a cost-effective manner. With the growing recognition that DC systems are set to replace traditional AC systems due to their superior energy efficiency for modern electronic loads, industry interest in novel DC power solutions is rapidly increasing. This offers an excellent career opportunity to directly address that demand by creating next-generation fault-managed DC power systems and establishing yourself in the field.

• Up to £4,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a).
• Professional support and mentorship.
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing