RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Power Electronics Engineer

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas seeks an engineer to design and integrate power electronic systems for turbomachinery test rigs. You will model drives, specify wiring, and develop robust protection schemes, collaborating with mechanical and controls teams.

Responsibilities include electrical analyses, documentation, and supporting installation, commissioning, and upgrades. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and clear technical communication with clients and project teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (PhD desired) with 2+ years in power electronics.
• Experience designing and analyzing power electronic systems for turbomachinery or test rigs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with ability to present complex results.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and model power electronic systems (VFDs, drives, motor controls) for lab/test facility use.
• Develop one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, and panel layouts; generate BOMs for procurement.
• Perform electrical analyses (load flow, short-circuit, coordination, harmonics, grounding, power quality).
• Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and upgrades of motors and lab electrical systems.
• Prepare technical updates and periodic reports for internal teams and clients.
• Contribute to publications and presentations to advance SwRI capabilities in power electronics.

Skills

Power electronics design

Motor controls

EMI/EMC analysis

System integration

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in related field

PhD in related field (desired)

Job description

Who We Are:

The Rotating Machinery Section within the Mechanical Engineering Division develops novel turbomachinery, components, and test rigs to support a wide variety of clients.

Objectives of this Role:

• Design, specify, and integrate power electronic systems (including VFDs, drives, and related controls) to support advanced test rigs and turbomachinery applications, ensuring safe and reliable operation of motors and auxiliary equipment.
• Collaborate with mechanical and rotordynamics engineers to tightly couple electrical drive systems with rotating machinery, enabling precise speed/torque control, advanced diagnostics, and safe operation through critical and off-design conditions.
• Analyze and mitigate electrical and electromagnetic interaction issues (harmonics, power quality, motor heating, EMI/EMC) to protect equipment, improve system efficiency, and ensure robust operation over a wide operating envelope.
• Develop laboratory and test facility electrical architectures (power distribution, protection, grounding, and controls) that meet applicable codes and standards while enabling flexible, high-performance experimental configurations.
• Document designs, test results, and system performance in formal reports and presentations, clearly communicating technical findings and recommendations to clients, project teams, and industry partners.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Design, specify, and model power electronic systems (VFDs, drives, motor controls, and protection schemes) for laboratory and test facility applications.
• Develop one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, and panel layouts, and generate detailed documentation and bills of material for procurement and fabrication.
• Perform electrical analyses (load flow, short-circuit, coordination, harmonics, grounding, and power quality) to validate designs and ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and upgrades of motors, drives, and lab electrical systems in collaboration with mechanical, controls, and test engineers.
• Prepare brief technical updates and periodic reports for internal teams and clients.
• Contribute to publications and presentations to grow SwRI’s capabilities in power electronics and electrical systems.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. PhD with graduate experience in electronics design and analysis is highly desired. Those with a Masters degree require 1 year of related professional experience, those with a PhD do not require any industry experience.
• 2+ years: Experience in power electronics design and analysis, must have an interest or academic experience in design and development of radial and axial turbomachinery.
• Strong Communication skills, successfully in a team setting and ability to creatively solve problems as a team.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section. Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas