Electrical Engineer, Motor Control and Power Conversion Specialist

Oceaneering International, Inc.; Bentwoods (MD); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Remote work options

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Oceaneering International, Inc. is looking for an Electrical Engineer specializing in motor controls and power conversion. This role involves supporting the development of high-power systems for underwater robotics and is crucial for U.S. Navy projects.

The ideal candidate has significant electrical engineering experience, can effectively lead projects, and is proficient with relevant design software. The position offers a hybrid work schedule and competitive pay ranging from $135,000 to $200,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in high-power motor controls and power conversion.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Government security clearance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Responsibilities

• Develop and design motor control systems and components.
• Lead small teams in project design and execution.
• Conduct regular design reviews and peer collaboration.

Skills

High-power motor controls

Power conversion subsystems

Electrical drawing skills

Embedded software

CAD software proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

MATLAB

SPICE

SolidWorks

Job description

Position Summary

An Electrical Engineer, Motor Controls and Power Conversion Specialist, will be a vital member of the Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies (ADTECH) engineering team and the Oceaneering Technologies (OTECH) group. The primary responsibility is to support the development and application of high‑power, high‑efficiency motor controls, drives, active front‑end rectifiers, and other power conversion systems for underwater robotic and electromechanical solutions, primarily for U.S. Navy and U.S. Government Department of Defense customers. Projects are unique, and engineers work from analysis and design through hands‑on building and testing to ensure solutions are functional and reliable.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop low to high power motor controls, drives, active front‑end rectifiers, and other power conversion modules and supporting components.
• As a system or subsystem lead, produce significant portions of individual project electrical and control system designs; may also lead, supervise, and mentor small teams of senior and junior engineers.
• Generate proper designs and complete tasks given high‑level, incomplete requirements with autonomy and minimal supervision.
• Apply strong technical judgment, creativity, and initiative while maintaining a system‑level perspective and meticulous attention to detail.
• Prepare and participate in regular design reviews.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, software, and systems engineers and other disciplines to solve problems and architect functional systems.
• Supervise or mentor junior engineers or technicians as needed.
• Take responsibility and accountability for results, working autonomously yet asking for assistance when required.
• Demonstrate desire to stretch and expand expertise, competencies, and responsibilities.

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL:

• Bachelor of Science or advanced degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (or related field with an electrical concentration). Significant commensurate experience may be considered.
• Minimum 10+ years of practical technical experience focusing on custom high‑power motor controls and power conversion subsystems—design, analysis, simulation, control, programming, layout, construction, troubleshooting, and testing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a United States Government Department of Defense Security Clearance (active clearances preferred but not required).
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

PREFERRED:

• Expert understanding and application of three‑phase brushless motors and control models, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical, including dynamic flux estimation and transformations between stationary and rotating reference frames.
• High‑frequency space‑vector pulse‑width modulation (SVPWM) and other advanced techniques for efficient sinusoidal commutation, torque‑ripple minimization, and harmonic control.
• Precise sensorless and sensored commutation/rotor‑angle sensing techniques.
• Detailed analysis, modeling, and simulation of motors and motor controls in time, frequency, continuous, and discrete domains.
• Precise torque, speed, and position feedback control under varying loads.
• Efficient implementation of motor controllers with embedded software/firmware in microcontrollers/DSPs using low‑level assembly language and C, including digital filters and phase‑locked loops (PLL).
• Inverter topologies and state‑of‑the‑art power device selection.
• Power electronics design and component selection, including high‑power IGBTs, MOSFETs, SiC devices, and associated drive, level‑shifting, filtering, isolation, switching, sensing, and common‑mode considerations.
• Application of similar principles to high‑power active front‑end rectifiers for efficient, near‑unity power‑factor, low‑harmonic AC‑DC conversion and complex interactions with inverter(s).
• Compact, optimal layout of motor control and drive circuitry (low‑ and high‑power sections) on PCBs for minimal noise, EMI/EMC, and heat dissipation.
• Good electrical drawing/drafting skills—accurately create and read detailed schematics, wiring diagrams, cable drawings, system cabling, and block diagrams.
• Proficiency in operating standard motor and electronic test equipment: dynamometers, VOM/multimeters, oscilloscopes, power analyzers, spectrum analyzers, hipot insulation testers, communications analyzers, etc.
• Proficiency with advanced CAD, simulation, and analysis software such as Altium Designer, SPICE, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MathCAD, MATLAB, etc.
• Proficiency with common office productivity software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including effective documentation, presentation, and conveyance of engineering concepts to team members and customers.

ADDITIONAL:

• Experience in the marine (surface or underwater) industry and associated technologies, including ROVs, AUVs, and related robotic and electromechanical systems.
• Experience with ground‑fault and other fault monitoring and interruption for safety, especially in marine, shipboard, and underwater environments.
• Experience with electronics (entire motor controller) immersed in oil and potentially under high pressure.
• Motor design and construction experience (housing, bearings, seals, stator, rotor, windings).
• Experience with low‑medium voltage, single‑ and 3‑phase power systems (120, 240, 480, 3000+ VAC).
• Experience applying machine safety systems and standards.
• Good practical technician skills (assembly, wiring, soldering, cabling, etc.).
• Ability and flexibility to travel on occasion, typically for up to one to two weeks at a time; may involve travel within the U.S., overseas, or offshore on a boat.

Additional Information

This position is Hybrid – Remote and will require commuting to a designated office. Hybrid work schedules are determined by the hiring manager based on business need. Annualized pay rate for this position is $135,000 to $200,000.

PAY, BENEFITS AND WORK SCHEDULE:

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that may include health and wellness, mental health, retirement savings, life and disability, paid maternity and parental leave, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified candidates will receive consideration for all positions without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other non‑merit factors.