MV Drive Field Engineer — On-Site Power Systems Expert

Nidec Conversion; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job description

Nidec Conversion [NC] is a $1 Billion business unit of Nidec Corporation, a $18 Billion global company focused on motors, drives, and controls. Nidec Conversion is headquartered in Milan, Italy with footprint in (10) countries and growing. Our Americas operations are based in Cleveland, OH. Nidec Conversion activities span a range of business models including product & systems manufacturing, systems engineering, and installation, commissioning & start-up services. Our customers and applications are in Oil & Gas, Ports & Cranes, Mining, Renewable Energy & Storage, Metals, Pulp & Paper, Marine, Material Handling, Power Generation, Electrical Vehicle Charging and other diverse sectors.

Position Summary:

Provide on-site services and remote technical support of standard and custom engineered Medium Voltage power conversion products, assemblies, and systems which include Medium Voltage Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), as well as Medium Voltage Power Quality systems. Over the life cycle of the assets, conduct on-site troubleshooting, repairs, predictive/preventative maintenance and upgrades/retrofits of Medium Voltage VFDs at customer sites.

The role will also include opportunities to service and support low voltage inverters for Battery Energy Storage & EV charging, Low Voltage VFDs, PLC’s, and HMI’s for both industrial and renewable energy applications. However, the primary focus of this position will be Medium Voltage Drive Solutions.

This individual will be an independent, customer-facing technical application engineer for several strategic accounts and customers. This role requires a self-motivated, results-oriented professional with a strong technical aptitude and a passion to succeed.

Essential Job Functions

• Installation and commissioning, troubleshooting, repairs, and predictive/preventive maintenance of Medium Voltage power conversion products/assemblies, working independently or as part of a team on larger projects
• Work with motors, generators, drives, plant automation and power quality systems
• Work with a variety of PLC’s including Rockwell, Emerson, GE, Schneider, and Beckhoff
• Work with a variety of HMI software including Factory Talk, Proficy View, Wonderware, Vijeo Designer, and others
• Provide hands‑on, on‑site training to customers
• Design/configure, commission and troubleshoot industrial communication networks
• Work closely with in‑house engineers on project design and testing of MV Variable Frequency Drive systems
• Display professionalism, proactively interface, and effectively communicate with the customer to build and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction
• Provide telephone, email, and other support to customers
• When required, participate in paid, rotating after‑hours phone duty for customer remote support and breakdown assistance
• Participating in supporting after‑service sales activities such as proposing added services, spare parts, and additional upgrades
• Provide emergency field service for customers on an as needed basis
• Maintain working knowledge of safety policies and regulations to ensure duties of self

Travel Requirements

• Position requires approximately 60%-70% travel in the field, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Occasional overseas travel may be required.
• Requires some travel on short notice for emergency service requests by customers
• May require extended hours or longer trips for start‑ups and emergency repairs
• Work from regional “home” office, or in the Nidec Cleveland office when not on the road
• Considerable amount of walking required
• May require climbing of staircases and access ladders, working at heights, in tight spaces, outdoors in hot and cold weather, and lifting up to 70 lbs
• Field work requires wearing and working in appropriate safety gear
• Carry service bag (25-50 lbs.), laptop case/caddy, as well as other trade tools
• Negotiate and navigate airports, airports concourses, and parking garages

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology preferred; Minimum of two‑year associate’s degree in electrical engineering, Electronic Technology, Military Technical Training Program, or related field
• Thorough knowledge of analog and digital circuits, configuration of AC/DC drives, AC/DC Motor Theory, PLC’s, and HMI’s; Prior experience with Medium Voltage Drives preferred.
• Experience using electronic test equipment such as Data Recorders, DMM’s, Clamp‑on ammeters, Megaohmmeters, and Oscilloscopes
• Experience in troubleshooting power electronics circuitry desirable
• Ability to work independently, resolve technical and manufacturing issues without detailed direction, and to work as part of a team
• Ability to work within strict deadlines
• Ability to use hand and/or power tools
• Ability to read Electrical Drawings/Schematics
• Strong verbal and written communication skill‑sets required
• Competency in Microsoft Office software applications required
• Valid Driver’s License required to drive to customer locations, from home office, airports or Nidec’s Cleveland office
• Must be able to pass a federal background check