Senior Electrical Engineer - Motors & Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Pentair plc; Delavan (WI); On-site; USD 96,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive bonus

Job summary

Pentair is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer in Delavan, Wisconsin to lead motor and VFD development for water pump systems.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to specify motors, drives, and controls, and validate performance in lab, production, and field settings.

The role requires hands-on experience with AC motors, VFDs, power electronics, and electromechanical integration, with opportunities to mentor engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience developing electrical or electromechanical products.
• Demonstrated experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), motor controls, or motor-driven systems.
• Experience selecting, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting electric motors and drive systems.
• Strong understanding of AC induction motors, motor performance, and motor control principles.
• Experience analyzing electrical, thermal, and system-level performance.
• Ability to independently lead technical projects and drive solutions across multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical subject matter expert for electric motors and VFDs in water pump applications.
• Lead electrical system development for new products and major enhancements.
• Translate customer needs into product requirements and engineering solutions.
• Support system architecture decisions involving motors, drives, controls, sensors, and electrical components.
• Participate in design reviews, DFMEA activities, and structured product development processes.

Skills

VFDs

AC motors

Motor controls

Technical leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Lab testing equipment

Power electronics

Inverter technology

Job description

Job Description: At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions. Pentair is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with strong expertise in electric motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to support the development of industry-leading water pump systems. This position is based in Delavan, Wisconsin and plays a critical role in selecting, integrating, validating, and supporting motor and drive technologies used in residential and commercial water applications. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with AC motors, VFDs, motor controls, power electronics, and electromechanical system integration. You will work with cross-functional teams to develop innovative products from concept through production while serving as a key technical expert for motor and drive technologies.

Motor & VFD Technical Leadership

• Serve as the technical subject matter expert for electric motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) used in water pump applications.
• Select, evaluate, and specify AC induction motors, permanent magnet motors, and motor drive systems.
• Develop motor and VFD performance requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
• Evaluate motor efficiency, thermal performance, reliability, acoustics, and application suitability.
• Troubleshoot motor and drive system issues in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
• Work directly with motor and VFD suppliers to define requirements and resolve technical issues.

Product Development

• Lead electrical system development for new products and major product enhancements.
• Translate customer needs into product requirements and engineering solutions.
• Support system architecture decisions involving motors, drives, controls, sensors, and electrical components.
• Participate in design reviews, DFMEA activities, and structured product development processes.

Testing & Validation

• Develop and execute validation plans for motors, drives, and integrated pump systems.
• Analyze performance, reliability, thermal, efficiency, and durability test data.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective actions for product and field issues.
• Support regulatory and compliance testing activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with product management, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and testing teams.
• Support pilot builds, production launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams and mentor less experienced engineers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience developing electrical or electromechanical products.
• Demonstrated experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), motor controls, or motor-driven systems.
• Experience selecting, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting electric motors and drive systems.
• Strong understanding of AC induction motors, motor performance, and motor control principles.
• Experience analyzing electrical, thermal, and system-level performance.
• Ability to independently lead technical projects and drive solutions across multiple functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with water pumps, HVAC equipment, industrial equipment, or other motor-driven products.
• Knowledge of permanent magnet motors (PMSM/PMM), brushless DC motors, or advanced motor technologies.
• Experience with power electronics, inverter technology, or drive programming.
• Familiarity with IEC, NEMA, UL, CSA, or related electrical standards.
• Experience working with motor manufacturers, VFD suppliers, or contract manufacturers.
• Experience leading new product development programs and design reviews.
• Prior patent, invention disclosure, or innovation experience.

Compensation:

Compensation: For this full-time position working at this location, the anticipated annualized base pay range will be from $95500 - $177300 / year. At Pentair, it is not typical for an individual to be hired near the bottom or top of the pay range. Pentair considers various factors in determining actual compensation for this position at the expected location. Actual compensation will be commensurate with demonstrable level of experience and training, pertinent education including licensure and certifications, work location, and other relevant business or organizational needs. This position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as, annual incentive bonus.

Benefits:

Benefits: As a Pentair employee, you would enjoy a wide array of benefit options to help keep you and your family healthy and protected, health benefits, a generous 401(k), employee stock purchase program, disability benefits, life insurance, critical illness insurance, accident #INDPS

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.

At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive. Pentair had revenue in 2023 of approximately $4.1 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 10,500 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit Pentair.com.