Converter Control Engineer

Vestas American Wind Technology; Leça do Balio; Hybrid; EUR 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Global development network

Job summary

Vestas Technology & Operations in Porto, Portugal is seeking a senior engineer to lead grid-following converter control development and verification. You will define converter requirements, guide design and testing, and support grid integration and service functions within a global team.

You will also coach junior engineers and contribute to automation improvements. The role emphasizes collaboration across R&D, with opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning and personal development in a

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Engineering in electronics, control or power electronics.
• Experience with grid-connected converter control and protection.
• Strong understanding of 3-phase power systems and PWM strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lay out converter requirements and own control design and software verification.
• Support grid integration, sales, and service functions.
• Lead and coach engineers to deliver high-quality converter solutions.
• Improve test automation and evaluation processes.

Skills

Power electronics understanding

Grid-forming control

Control software design

MATLAB/Simulink/PLECS/PSCAD

Analytical problem-solving

Education

Master's in Engineering (electronics, control or power electronics)

PhD in Engineering (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

PLECS

PSCAD

Job description

Vestas Technology & Operations > Research & Development (R&D) > Converter Control Algorithms & Compliance

Vestas Technology & Operations holds the R&D function of Vestas. Through innovation, development, and continuous improvement, we develop products and technologies that reduce the cost of energy and bring the highest possible value to our customers and to Vestas. To put it short: Vestas Technology & Operations develops the sustainable power systems of the future.

Within the VTO business unit, the R&D department Converter & Electrical (C&E) Module is responsible for technology and product development of frequency converters, their control, and high-voltage transformers, switchgear, and cables for use within the wind turbine. The C&E Module (department) is composed of several Sub Modules, specific to each of the electrical components, as well as an overarching Technical Management Sub Module.

The Converter Control Algorithms is crucial for maintaining Vestas' leadership in sustainable energy. Our team develops and implements all Vestas turbine families' converter applications and control functionalities. Within the grid team, we ensure compliance with various grid codes, develop grid-type test certification strategies, manage power delivery to the grid, and engineer features for grid events such as voltage or frequency fluctuations. We oversee the entire value chain, from requirements and design for new turbines to validation, field support, and sales and service assistance. Our department is known for its highly skilled employees who consistently balance creativity with quality. Leveraging our core knowledge, we deliver high-quality converter solutions that meet system, product, and grid requirements.

Responsibilities

You will report to the Sub Module Owner of Converter Control Algorithms in C&E and be responsible for grid-following converter control. More specifically, your responsibilities will cover:

• Laying out converter requirements, owning converter control design and performing control software development, testing, and verification
• Supporting technical sales, grid integration, and service functions in Vestas
• Building up guidelines supporting the above functions/teams
• Resolving field issues by a systemic root cause analysis approach
• Monitoring the line of sight of the task backlog and keeping relevant stakeholders up to date
• Improving the automation of tests and evaluation
• Be responsible for guiding and coaching less experienced engineers, leading the team to deliver high-quality solutions

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of demonstrated experience in the Power Converter Industry with relevant knowledge in the converter grid side control, power converter development, control design, and implementation
• Master's or PhD in Engineering within electronics, control or power electronics
• Master time, DQ0, Sequence, and Phaser domains for 3-phase power systems
• Deep understanding of power converter control strategies specially control of grid-connected converters, including grid-forming control
• Solid knowledge of dynamic system modelling, controller design, and verification through simulations and tests
• Structured and skilled at solving technical problems
• Skilled in simulation environments such as MATLAB, Simulink, PLECS, or PSCAD
• Practical experience with control of power electronics, PWM strategies, and industrial software development
• Good knowledge of grid connection of converters and compliance with international grid codes
• Embedded control development for power electronics
• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Competencies

• Motivated to learn and comfortable taking initiative
• Good problem-solving, analysis and debugging
• Responsive to shifting priorities and adjusting to new opportunities
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects without losing focus or compromising quality
• Service-minded and skilled in stakeholder management and communication
• Being skilled in estimating tasks and communicating with Tech Leads and project managers
• A mindset of improving quality by reducing complexity and by elegant implementation

What we offer

We offer you a job with full life cycle responsibility for an important part of the converter control system, in a very collaborative team which will empower you to take your own decisions and implement your solutions
You will be able to build a large network across a large and truly global organization with great opportunities for cross-disciplinary and personal development. The work environment is result-oriented, at a high professional level and with a deep technical commitment.
You will work with a purpose, clearly understanding the value of what you're delivering and how it's contributing to avoiding climate change.

Additional information

This is a hybrid position based in Porto, Portugal and requires up to 10 travel days per year. Applicants must be authorized to work in Portugal. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Please note: We reserve the right to amend or withdraw this job posting at any time.

Our commitment to a fair hiring.

At Vestas, we evaluate all candidates solely based on their professional experience, education, and relevant skills. To support a fair recruitment process, we kindly ask that you remove any photos, dates of birth or graduation, gender pronouns, marital status, or other personal information not relevant to the role before submitting your CV/resume. Your CV/resume should focus on your professional and educational background, along with the necessary contact details (email and phone number). We train our hiring teams in inclusive evaluation and regularly review process outcomes to ensure fairness.

DEIB Statement

At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas

Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore.
Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 200 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field.
With 39,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future.
Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity.
To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.