Senior Power Electronics Engineer

Utility Innovation Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

UtilityInnovation Group in Raleigh, NC seeks a Principal Power Electronics Engineer to design and validate multi-MW ESS power conversion systems, from architecture to validation. You will guide inverter/PCS design, modeling, and lab testing, coordinating with controls, protection, mechanical, and project teams for grid-ready solutions.

The role requires deep power electronics knowledge, academic credentials up to Ph.D. level, and hands-on hardware testing with high-voltage safety practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• 5–10 years designing power electronic converters or systems, with grid-tied inverters/PCS experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of converter topologies, PWM, magnetics, thermal design, and filters.
• Hands-on experience with switching simulations (PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, LTspice).
• Experience bringing up high-power hardware and with safety practices.
• Knowledge of three-phase AC systems, grounding, and protection; excellent communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Define architecture for multi-MW ESS power conversion including inverter blocks, DC buses, transformers, and safety systems.
• Size major components and evaluate integration of third-party inverter/PCS platforms.
• Create schematics, one-line diagrams, BOMs, and design documentation; lead design reviews.
• Perform loss, thermal, efficiency, harmonics, and insulation coordination calculations.
• Develop and execute hardware test plans; support FAT and site commissioning; troubleshoot field issues.
• Collaborate with controls, protection, mechanical, and project teams; manage interfaces with suppliers.

Skills

Three-phase AC systems

Analytical skills

Documentation

Communication skills

Power electronics fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics)

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics)

Tools

PLECS

MATLAB/Simulink

PSIM

LTspice

PSCAD

ETAP

Altium

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

UtilityInnovation Group is seeking a Principal Power Electronics Engineer to design and validate the power conversion systems that connect battery energy storage systems (ESS) to the grid. You will work on multi-megawatt inverter and power conversion system (PCS) platforms, from system architecture and component selection through simulation, hardware build, and lab and field testing.

This role sits within UIG's Power Conversion Team and works closely with controls, protection, mechanical, and project engineering teams. Projects span utility-scale and commercial ESS, microgrids, and resilient power deployments that integrate with UIG's GridSure control systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Inverter and PCS System Design

• Define system architecture for multi-MW ESS power conversion, including inverter blocks, DC buses, step-up transformers, filters, switchgear, and auxiliary power systems.
• Size and specify major components, including inverters/PCS, DC/DC converters, transformers, breakers, contactors, fuses, and pre-charge circuits.
• Evaluate and integrate third-party inverter and PCS platforms and manage technical interfaces with suppliers.
• Perform design calculations for losses, thermal performance, efficiency, harmonics, short-circuit contribution, and insulation coordination.
• Create and verify schematics, one-line diagrams, bills of materials, and design documentation.
• Lead design reviews and support DFMEA and design-for-manufacturing activities.

Modeling and Simulation

• Work with vendors to build and maintain switching and average models of inverters and ESS systems (e.g., PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Use simulation to validate topologies, control behavior, fault response, and grid-code compliance prior to hardware build.
• Support controller-hardware-in-the-loop (C-HIL) and power-hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Correlate models against lab and field data and maintain them as designs evolve.

Hardware Design and Test

• Develop test plans and lead lab bring-up, characterization, and validation of converters and systems.
• Run and support factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site commissioning.
• Troubleshoot hardware issues in the lab and field and drive root-cause corrective actions.
• Support certification testing to UL, IEC, and IEEE standards.

Project and Team Support

• Support project scoping, cost estimates, and technical sections of proposals.
• Meet project schedules and milestones while owning power electronics deliverables.
• Communicate effectively with engineers, technicians, manufacturing personnel, suppliers, and customers.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5-10 years of experience designing power electronic converters or systems, with at least 3 years focused on grid-tied inverters, PCS, motor drives, or similar high-power equipment (100 kW and above).
• Strong understanding of power electronics fundamentals, including converter topologies, PWM and modulation, magnetics, semiconductor selection, thermal design, and filter design.
• Hands-on experience with switching simulation tools such as PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, or LTspice.
• Experience bringing up and testing high-power hardware, including the use of oscilloscopes, power analyzers, and high-voltage safety practices.
• Working knowledge of three-phase AC systems, grounding, and protection.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power electronics.
• Experience with battery energy storage systems, including DC architecture, battery interfaces, and BMS/PCS coordination.
• Familiarity with grid-following and grid-forming inverter controls, ride-through requirements, and islanded/microgrid operation.
• Knowledge of interconnection and safety standards, including IEEE 1547, IEEE 2800, UL 1741 (including SB), UL 9540, and IEC 62109/62477.
• Experience with medium-voltage systems (up to 34.5 kV) and DC systems up to 1500 V.
• Experience with wide-bandgap (SiC) devices and power modules.
• C-HIL experience (e.g., Typhoon HIL, OPAL-RT, or RTDS).
• Exposure to EMT or power-system tools such as PSCAD or ETAP.
• Experience using schematic and PCB design tools (e.g., Altium) and 2-D CAD software, preferably AutoCAD Electrical.
• Understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Additional Requirements:

• Work on-site in Raleigh, NC, including regular laboratory work on energized high-voltage equipment.
• Follow electrical safety practices (NFPA 70E) and complete required safety training.
• Ability to lift and handle equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. and work in factory, substation, and outdoor field environments during testing and commissioning.
• Authorization to work in the United States.