Power Electronics Engineer - PSSD

Southern States, LLC; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern States LLC is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer to design, optimize, and prototype advanced power conversion systems focusing on multilevel converter technologies. The role involves leading topology design, efficiency improvements, and hardware integration, while mentoring junior engineers and coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet performance and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will drive prototyping, perform detailed simulations, and stay ahead of emerging

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field.
• At least 7 years in power electronics design with multilevel topologies and high-voltage systems.
• Experience designing multilevel converters (MMC, CHB) and with Si IGBTs or wide-bandgap semiconductors.
• Strong proficiency with simulation tools and hardware prototyping techniques.
• Ability to optimize efficiency, reduce harmonics, and manage high-voltage performance.
• Experience leading hardware integration and prototyping projects from concept to validation.
• Understanding EMI, thermal management, and power loss calculations.
• Excellent problem-solving, detail orientation, and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop converter topologies, including multilevel circuits and switching devices.
• Optimize converter designs for efficiency and low harmonic distortion.
• Lead prototyping, hardware integration, and testing in lab and field environments.
• Run detailed simulations using MATLAB/Simulink, LTSpice, or PLECS to predict performance.
• Collaborate with control, mechanical, and test engineers for system integration and cooling.
• Perform root-cause analysis and ensure compliance with IEEE, IEC, and UL standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to project planning and milestones.
• Manage component obsolescence and stay updated on new power electronics tech.
• Prepare technical documentation and support audits and quality procedures.
• Breadboard and test new designs and troubleshoot production issues.

Skills

Power electronics design

Multilevel converters

MATLAB/Simulink

LTSpice

Hardware prototyping

Mentoring

EMI/thermal analysis

High-voltage design

Project planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

LTSpice

PLECS

Altium Designer

Job description

Job Summary:

The Power Electronics Engineer will play a pivotal role in the design, development, and optimization of advanced power conversion systems, focusing on multilevel converter technologies for applications in renewable energy, grid infrastructure, and high-voltage systems. This position requires a seasoned expert to lead technical efforts in topology design, efficiency enhancement, and hardware integration, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet stringent performance, reliability, and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will drive prototyping initiatives, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to the overall success of power electronics projects in a dynamic engineering environment.

Essential Functions:

• Design and develop converter topologies, including multilevel circuits and selection of switching devices such as IGBTs, SiC MOSFETs, or GaN transistors, ensuring compatibility with high-power applications.
• Optimize converter designs for maximum efficiency, minimized harmonic distortion, and robust high-voltage operation through simulation, analysis, and iterative refinement.
• Lead prototyping efforts, including hardware assembly, integration of components, and hands on troubleshooting to validate designs in lab and field environments.
• Conduct detailed simulations and modeling using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, LTSpice, or PLECS to predict system performance, thermal behavior, and electromagnetic compatibility.
• Collaborate with control systems, mechanical, and test engineers to integrate power electronics into larger systems, addressing challenges like fault protection, cooling, and scalability.
• Perform root cause analysis on design issues, implement corrective actions, and ensure compliance with industry standards such as IEEE, IEC, and UL for safety and performance.
• Mentor junior team members, provide technical guidance, and contribute to project planning, including resource allocation and milestone tracking.
• Manage component obsolescence issues of existing hardware platforms.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies in power electronics, such as wide-bandgap semiconductors and advanced modulation techniques, to inform design decisions.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and presentations for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Support internal audits and enforce adherence to documented policies and procedures to uphold quality of designs.
• Hands on ability to breadboard and test new designs and troubleshoot production problems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in power electronics design, with a focus on multilevel converter topologies and high-voltage systems.
• Proven expertise in designing multilevel converters (e.g., MMC, CHB) and working with power semiconductors like Si IGBTs or wide-bandgap semiconductors.
• Strong proficiency in simulation and design tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, SPICE-based software) and hardware prototyping techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to optimize designs for efficiency, harmonics reduction, and high-voltage performance.
• Experience leading hardware integration and prototyping projects from concept to validation.
• Solid understanding of electromagnetic interference (EMI), thermal management, and power loss calculations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for technical reporting and team coordination.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Electronics or Power Systems.
• 10+ years of experience in the field, including leadership roles in product development for FACTS devices, HVDC, or renewable integration systems.
• Familiarity with advanced control strategies, such as model predictive control or PWM techniques for multilevel converters.
• Experience with embedded systems, FPGA/DSP programming, or real-time control implementation.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and certification processes for high-power equipment.
• Prior involvement in patent filings or publications related to power electronics innovations.
• Proficiency in CAD tools for PCB layout (e.g., Altium Designer) and mechanical integration software.

_ Thank you for your interest in Southern States LLC. At this time, we are only considering candidates who are authorized to work in the United States and who will not require sponsorship now or in the future. We appreciate your understanding and wish you success in your job search. _