Job Description
The Electrical Design Engineer will support and contribute to the development of next-generation high-power converters central to Amperesand’s SST product architecture. This role requires deep technical expertise in power converter topology design, wide-bandgap devices (SiC), and high-voltage system integration. You will be responsible for designing isolated and non-isolated converter stages, implementing advanced topologies such as multi-level converters, cascaded H-bridges, Dual Active Bridge (DAB) and ensuring robust protection and safety compliance for MV/LV systems.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advanced Power Converter Design
- Design isolated and non-isolated power conversion stages (DC-DC, AC-DC, DC-AC) including dual-active bridges, phase-shifted full-bridge, LLC, multi-level, and cascaded H-bridge topologies for high-voltage applications.
- Develop and optimize multi-level converter topologies for MV AC interfaces with modular and scalable design strategies.
- Architect and analyze cascaded H-bridge inverters for grid interfacing, power flow control, and harmonic optimization
SiC Device Integration
- Implement and validate high-performance Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductor-based switching stages for improved efficiency, power density, and thermal handling.
- Define SiC gate drive requirements, manage dv/dt control, and mitigate ringing, overshoot, and parasitics in PCB design.
High-Voltage Isolation and Protection
- Design and verify high-voltage isolation strategies using magnetically and optically isolated signal and power paths across LV-HV domains.
- Ensure compliance with insulation coordination standards (creepage, clearance, partial discharge) as per IEC 61800, UL 840, and IEC 60216.
- Define and implement protection schemes including fault detection, desaturation, overcurrent/voltage protection, short-circuit resilience, and thermal protection.
Simulation and Modeling
- Use tools like PSIM, PLECS, LTSpice, and MATLAB/Simulink to simulate system behavior, converter efficiency, transient conditions, and protection responses.
- Conduct detailed loss analysis, thermal modelling, and system-level efficiency prediction.
Schematic and PCB Design
- Develop high-voltage and high-current PCB designs with optimized thermal paths, creepage/clearance, and robust signal routing for minimal EMI.
- Collaborate with layout engineers to implement multi-layer designs for power and control stages, ensuring robust switching performance and mechanical integration.
Testing and Validation
- Create test plans and procedures for prototype evaluation, including switching waveform validation, gate signal integrity, thermal testing, and short-circuit testing.
- Operate high-power test equipment (oscilloscopes, differential probes, power analyzers, isolation testers) in both LV and MV environments.
- Support HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) testing and fault simulation under real operating conditions.
System Integration and Control Interface
- Integrate power stage hardware with digital control platforms (TI C2000, FPGAs, ARM-based MCUs), sensors, and feedback systems.
- Work with firmware/control teams to implement modulation strategies (PWM, SVPWM, DPWM) for multi-level systems and grid synchronization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with magnetics, mechanical, packaging, and compliance engineers to ensure end-to-end performance, safety, and manufacturability.
- Contribute to thermal management, EMI mitigation, and housing design for MV converter assemblies.
Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
- Prepare detailed documentation including electrical schematics, BOMs, test reports, and technical specifications for design reviews and compliance submissions.
- Ensure designs meet international regulatory and safety standards (IEC, UL, IEEE) for grid-tied and industrial power systems.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong foundational knowledge in power converter architectures (hard- and soft-switched), especially for SST applications.
- In-depth understanding of SiC device behavior, high-frequency switching design, and thermal/electrical integration challenges.
- Expertise in multi-level and cascaded topologies, modulation techniques, and isolation coordination.
- Proficiency in simulation tools (PSIM, LTSpice, PLECS, MATLAB) and schematic/PCB design software (Altium, KiCad, OrCAD).
- Skilled in test bench development and debugging of high-power prototypes, including fault testing and waveform analysis.
- Effective documentation and communication skills for interfacing with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Ability to solve complex design trade-offs across electrical, thermal, mechanical, and safety domains.
- Capable of independently leading design tasks and contributing within agile, cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical thinking and creative problem-solving with a mindset for innovation and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in high-voltage/high-power converter design.
- Hands-on experience with SiC-based converter topologies, gate drive design, and protection strategies.
- Proven track record designing and testing multi-level converters or cascaded H-bridge systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working on SST architectures or medium-voltage (MV) grid-tied systems.
- Knowledge of MV insulation coordination, EMI/EMC testing, and regulatory compliance (IEC, UL).
- Familiarity with digital control systems (C2000, FPGAs) and real-time HIL test environments.
- Ph.D. or advanced research experience in wide-bandgap power electronics or MV systems is a strong plus.
Training
NIL
Work Schedule
Monday to Friday 0830-1730
(Or as required by the project)
Employment Duration
NA