Electrical Engineer - Motor Drives, Controls & Systems

Socket.dev; Smyrna (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer to own electrical design for fan systems and motion control modules. You will define architectures, create schematics, and review layouts ensuring power, protection, and communication topologies meet safety and regulatory requirements.

You will collaborate with embedded firmware, mechanical, and QA teams to validate performance, reliability, and manufacturability while guiding DFx, EMI/EMC compliance, and supplier qualification efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Typically 5–8+ years of electrical design experience.
• Proven track record taking complex electromechanical products from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and specification of electrical components and subsystems.
• Define and document electrical architectures for fan systems.
• Create and maintain schematics, wiring diagrams, PCB documentation, and BOMs.
• Lead and participate in design reviews with cross-functional teams.
• Lead integration and tuning of VFD-driven systems for HVLS and motor applications.
• Define and execute test plans for electrical performance, reliability, safety, and environment.

Skills

Electrical design

Power electronics

EMC/EMI

Motor drives

Industrial comms (Modbus/BACnet/EtherC

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium

OrCAD

Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Electrical Design & System Architecture

• Own the design and specification of electrical components and subsystems, including motors, control boards, VFD interfaces, wiring harnesses, power supplies, and communication modules.
• Define and document electrical architectures for fan systems, including power distribution, control, protection, and communication topologies.
• Create and maintain schematics, wiring diagrams, PCB documentation, and BOMs; review PCB layouts for best practices in power electronics, EMC, creepage/clearance, and manufacturability.
• Apply sound engineering principles and DFx (DFM, DFT, DFA) to deliver designs that are reliable, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Lead and participate in formal design reviews with electrical, mechanical, firmware, manufacturing, and compliance teams.

Motor Drives, VFD-Integration & Control

• Lead integration and tuning of VFD-driven systems for HVLS and motor applications.
• Collaborate closely with embedded/firmware engineers on motor-control strategies and hardware interface requirements.
• Analyze and resolve complex issues related to inrush current, overcurrent faults, EMI/EMC interactions, harmonics, and thermal performance.
• Evaluate new drive technologies and components for performance, cost, and long-term reliability.

Testing, Validation & Compliance Leadership

• Define and execute test plans for electrical performance, reliability, safety, environmental, and system-level behavior.
• Drive DOE airflow testing strategy, electrical efficiency validation, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead EMC/EMI pre-compliance and compliance efforts in collaboration with internal and external labs.
• Ensure designs meet UL, IEC, DOE, FCC, and internal quality standards; interpret data and drive corrective actions.

Networking, Communications & Systems Integration

• Architect and implement robust industrial communication interfaces (Modbus RTU/TCP, BACnet, EtherCAT preferred).
• Specify and guide development of communication modules and translator PCBs.
• Support integration with HMIs, VFDs, and supervisory systems to ensure reliable system-level behavior.

Product Development, Ownership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as electrical engineering lead on assigned projects.
• Plan electrical tasks, provide updates, and assess risks.
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing to qualify components, resolve production issues, and support cost reduction initiatives.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians.

Troubleshooting, Lab Work & Continuous Improvement

• Lead root-cause analysis for issues in development, validation, or field environments.
• Define and refine test methods, fixtures, and automation.
• Maintain high standards for data integrity, documentation, and lab safety.
• Seek opportunities to simplify designs, reduce cost, and improve robustness.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of electrical engineering concepts, including AC/DC power conversion, motors, and protection.
• Strong experience with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, BACnet, EtherCAT).
• Proficiency with schematic/PCB tools (Altium, OrCAD).
• Hands-on skills with lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, analyzers, DAQ).
• Experience with EMC/EMI design and compliance.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Self-driven, organized, and capable of owning deliverables.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering required;
• Typically 5–8+ years of electrical design experience.
• Proven track record taking complex electromechanical products from concept to production.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in lab/manufacturing environments and lift up to 50 lbs.