Lead Power Electronics Engineer - Grid-Tied Systems

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Conference attendance & advanced培训

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Power Electronics Engineer in Cape Town to spearhead the design and development of grid-tied solar and storage converters. You will guide a team of engineers from concept through production, driving innovation in high-frequency power conversion and control strategies.

The role requires deep expertise in analog/digital control, MPPT, grid synchronization, and IEC standards. You will collaborate with firmware teams, oversee testing, and contribute to IP through

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's in Electrical Engineering with Power Electronics specialization.
• 10+ years in power electronics design for grid-tied systems.
• Expertise in analog and digital control for power converters.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, or PLECS.
• Hands-on hardware design, PCB layout, and lab testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, simulation, and prototyping of high-efficiency power electronic converters for grid-tied applications.
• Develop advanced control strategies for MPPT, grid synchronization, and harmonic mitigation.
• Manage full product development lifecycle from feasibility to production release.
• Oversee component selection, thermal management, and PCB layout.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers to integrate control algorithms.

Skills

Power electronics

Grid-tied systems

Analog control

Digital control

MPPT control

PCB layout

Lab testing

DSPs

High-frequency converters

Team leadership

Education

Ph.D./M.S. in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PSIM

PLECS

Job description

About the Role Our client, a trailblazer in renewable energy solutions, is seeking an innovative Lead Power Electronics Engineer for their cutting-edge facility in **Cape Town**. This senior position will spearhead the design and development of advanced power electronic converters and inverters crucial for grid-tied solar and storage systems. You will lead a team of talented engineers, driving innovation from concept to production. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of high-frequency power conversion, control algorithms, and grid synchronization techniques. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy technology in **Cape Town** and contribute to impactful projects that are revolutionizing the energy landscape. Join a forward-thinking company committed to excellence and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, simulation, and prototyping of high-efficiency power electronic converters (inverters, converters) for grid-tied applications.
• Develop and implement advanced control strategies for maximum power point tracking (MPPT), grid synchronization, and harmonic mitigation.
• Manage the entire product development lifecycle, from feasibility studies and concept design to detailed engineering, testing, and production release.
• Oversee component selection, thermal management, and PCB layout for power electronic circuits.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers to integrate control algorithms and ensure seamless system operation.
• Conduct rigorous testing and validation of prototypes, including performance, reliability, and safety testing according to relevant standards (e.g., IEC 62109).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of power electronics engineers.
• Engage with external partners, suppliers, and research institutions to leverage new technologies and drive innovation.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property through patent filings and technical publications.
• Ensure compliance with international safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Electronics.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in power electronics design and development, specifically focusing on grid-tied systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in analog and digital control theory applied to power converters.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PSIM, or PLECS.
• Hands-on experience with hardware design, PCB layout, and laboratory testing of power electronic prototypes.
• Strong knowledge of semiconductor devices (Si, SiC, GaN) and their application in high-power systems.
• Experience with microcontrollers and digital signal processors (DSPs) for real-time control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, essential for a lead role in **Cape Town**.
• Familiarity with grid codes and standards for renewable energy systems is highly desirable.
• Experience in project management and working within Agile development frameworks.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare, retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off. Our client provides excellent opportunities for professional growth, conference attendance, and advanced training. You will be part of a pioneering team at the forefront of renewable energy innovation in **Cape Town**.