Research & Development Hardware Engineer

Wequel; Stockholms kommun; Hybrid; SEK 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to advanced R&D facilities

Significant autonomy in work

Opportunities for international travel

Job summary

Wequel is seeking a Research & Development Hardware Engineer for its Innovation Unit in Västerås, Sweden. This role focuses on power electronics, where you will bridge research and product development, ensuring the transition from concepts to production.

You will design advanced power electronics hardware, conduct laboratory testing, and validate designs while collaborating with international teams. Candidates must have a PhD in Electrical Engineering or significant industrial R&D experience and at least 2 years of laboratory work with high-voltage systems.

Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering or strong industrial R&D background.
• Minimum 2 years hands-on laboratory experience with 400 VAC or higher voltages.
• Proven ability to work independently in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced power electronics hardware for products.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory testing and verification of prototypes.
• Act as project manager for your own product within an agile hardware chapter.

Skills

Power electronics hardware design

Altium Designer

Laboratory testing with high voltages

Thermal management in power electronics

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or closely related field

Tools

Ansys CFD

Job description

Research & Development Hardware Engineer – Innovation Unit

Location: Västerås (Hybrid 50%)

Role Overview

We are looking for an Advanced R&D Hardware Consultant to work in a highly specialized research and development environment focused on next-generation power electronics solutions.

In this role, you will operate in the interface between research (PhD-level innovation) and product development for mass production, taking technical ownership of future products based on silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology.

You will act as the technical owner and project driver for your assigned product within an agile setup, with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

Hardware Development & Design

• Design and develop advanced power electronics hardware for products
• Perform PCB design and layout using Altium Designer
• Integrate electronics into mechanical enclosures, including thermal design and forced convection solutions
• Collaborate closely with PhD researchers and innovation specialists to mature concepts into producible designs

Laboratory Work & Testing

• Conduct hands-on laboratory testing and verification of prototypes
• Work with 400 VAC and higher voltage systems (3-phase) in R&D laboratories
• Follow ECAP Level 3 procedures, including controlled energizing/de-energizing of lab equipment
• Validate designs through structured testing, measurements, and documentation

Verification & Simulation

• Support thermal and electrical validation activities
• Contribute to or perform CFD and thermal simulations (e.g., Ansys CFD) where applicable
• Analyze test data and iterate designs based on findings

Agile Product Ownership

• Act as project manager for your own product within an agile hardware chapter
• Drive planning, execution, and delivery of development activities
• Coordinate work across multiple agile teams working in parallel on different product tracks
• Interface with global units and suppliers

Requirements

Mandatory

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a closely related field, or strong industrial R&D background with documented research-level expertise
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on laboratory experience working with 400 VAC or higher voltages
• Proven ability to work independently in a laboratory environment (ECAP Level 3 eligibility)
• Strong background in power electronics hardware design
• Practical experience with Altium Designer for PCB design and layout
• Experience with forced convection and thermal management in power electronics systems
• Experience working in production-near environments, with understanding of industrialization and manufacturability

Working Style & Collaboration

• Self-driven and comfortable taking full technical responsibility
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across R&D, engineering, and manufacturing
• Experience working in international, agile development environments

Work Arrangement

• Hybrid role in Västerås with up to 50% remote work
• 100% on-site presence required during critical laboratory and testing periods
• Occasional international travel (e.g., Bergamo, Italy or North Carolina, USA)

Why This Role

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of power electronics innovation, with direct influence on the future product portfolio. You will have significant autonomy, access to advanced R&D facilities, and the chance to bring breakthrough technologies from concept to future industrial products.