Senior Power Electronics Engineer

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Advanced training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Power Electronics Engineer to design and optimize high-efficiency converters for energy storage systems in Welkom, Free State. You will simulate, prototype, validate, and iterate power electronics for next-generation battery technologies, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires advanced degrees, 5+ years in power electronics, and hands-on experience with SiC/GaN devices, MCU controls, and EMC testing.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering required.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in design and development of power electronic converters.
• Strong knowledge of SiC/GaN devices and their applications.
• Proficient with MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM or LTSpice for simulations.
• Experience with microcontroller-based control systems for power electronics.
• Familiarity with grid integration standards for renewable energy systems.
• EMC/EMI design principles and testing methods.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to document complex concepts clearly.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize power electronic converters for energy storage systems.
• Perform detailed simulations of converter topologies and control strategies.
• Conduct hardware testing and validation of prototypes (thermal, performance, reliability).
• Develop control algorithms for grid-tied and off-grid applications.
• Collaborate with PCB engineers for optimal circuit design and EMC.
• Troubleshoot complex issues during design, prototyping, and production.
• Stay current with advances in power devices and control techniques.
• Prepare design specifications, test reports, and user manuals.
• Support scale-up from lab to production; contribute to IP generation.

Skills

Power electronics

Grid integration

EMC/EMI design

Control algorithms

Thermal management

Documentation

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PSIM

LTSpice

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company in the development of advanced energy storage solutions, is seeking a highly motivated Senior Power Electronics Engineer to join their team in Welkom, Free State. This role is pivotal in the design, development, and testing of high-efficiency power converters and energy management systems for next-generation battery technologies. You will contribute to innovative projects aimed at enhancing grid stability and enabling sustainable energy infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineer to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy and electric mobility, working within a collaborative and research-driven environment in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize power electronic converters (e.g., DC-DC, DC-AC, AC-DC) for energy storage systems.
• Perform detailed simulations and analyses of power converter topologies and control strategies using tools like MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS.
• Conduct hardware testing and validation of prototypes, including performance, thermal, and reliability testing.
• Develop control algorithms for grid-tied and off-grid power conversion applications.
• Collaborate with PCB layout engineers to ensure optimal circuit design and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues during design, prototyping, and production phases.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in power semiconductor devices, passive components, and control techniques.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test reports, and user manuals.
• Support the scale-up of designs from laboratory prototypes to commercial production.
• Contribute to intellectual property generation through innovation and patent applications.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Electronics.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in the design and development of power electronic converters.
• Strong theoretical understanding and practical experience with modern power semiconductor devices (SiC, GaN) and their applications.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, or LTSpice.
• Experience with microcontroller‑based control systems for power electronics.
• Knowledge of grid integration standards and requirements for renewable energy systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with EMC/EMI design principles and testing methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document complex technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, comprehensive health benefits, and a retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional growth, advanced training, and participation in cutting‑edge research are provided.
• You will work in a dynamic environment with access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities in Welkom, Free State, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.