Lead Power Electronics Engineer

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid and retirement fund

Generous leave

Professional development budget

Stock options or bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Power Electronics Engineer in Cape Town, SA, to spearhead the design, development, and testing of high-power converters, inverters, and BESS-related electronics for grid integration.

You will mentor engineers, manage project timelines, and ensure regulatory compliance while leveraging the latest in Si/SiC/GaN devices and control strategies, with a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Electronics.
• 8+ years hands-on experience in power electronic design and development, with leadership.
• Deep understanding of Si, SiC, GaN devices and control algorithms.
• Experience with SPICE, PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink for modelling and validation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and testing of power electronic converters and inverters.
• Oversee component selection, circuit design, and simulation of power systems.
• Develop and implement robust testing protocols for hardware and firmware.
• Analyze system performance and implement design optimizations.
• Collaborate with software, mechanical, and product teams for integration.
• Manage timelines, budgets, and resources for power electronics projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical growth.
• Stay updated on power semiconductors and energy conversion technologies.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to IP through innovation and patents.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Mentoring

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics)

Tools

SPICE

PLECS

MATLAB/Simulink

PCB design tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology firm at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Power Electronics Engineer for their dynamic team in Cape Town, Western Cape . This senior role is responsible for leading the design, development, and testing of advanced power electronic systems, including inverters, converters, and battery management systems, critical for next-generation energy storage and grid integration. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation coupled with practical expertise in high-power applications. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking technologies shaping the future of renewable energy in South Africa and globally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and development of novel power electronic converters and inverters.
• Oversee the selection of components, circuit design, and simulation of power electronic systems.
• Develop and implement robust testing protocols for power electronic hardware and firmware.
• Analyze system performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement design optimizations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, mechanical engineers, and product managers, to ensure seamless product integration.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources for power electronics development initiatives.
• Mentor and guide junior power electronics engineers, fostering technical growth and innovation.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in power semiconductor devices, control strategies, and energy conversion technologies.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations.Contribute to the company's intellectual property portfolio through innovation and patent applications.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Electronics.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in the design and development of power electronic systems, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of semiconductor devices (Si, SiC, GaN), gate drive circuits, and control algorithms.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as SPICE, PLECS, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with high-power systems (>100kW) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of PCB layout design for power electronics.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in product development lifecycle and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• An outstanding annual salary package ranging from R upwards, depending on experience.
• Hybrid work model promoting work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge renewable energy technologies.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and company-sponsored holidays.
• Significant budget for professional development, conferences, and further education.
• A stimulating and collaborative work environment in Cape Town .
• Employee stock options or performance-based bonuses.
• The chance to shape the future of sustainable energy in South Africa .