Principal Power Electronics Engineer (Remote)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 2,635,000 - 3,952,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Power Electronics Engineer for a world-leading client in battery management systems and EV powertrains. This fully remote position leads design and development of next-generation power electronic converters and systems for electric mobility and energy storage.

You will mentor engineers, drive critical design decisions, and collaborate with control systems experts to implement advanced algorithms, perform rigorous testing, and contribute to patents and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Electronics.
• 12+ years of experience in high-power converters and systems.
• Deep knowledge of power semiconductors, converter topologies and control strategies.
• Proficiency with SPICE, PLECS, PSIM, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with PCB design for high-frequency, high-current applications.
• Strong EMC and thermal management expertise.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Experience in remote or distributed engineering environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, simulation, and development of high-efficiency power electronic converters for demanding applications.
• Oversee selection of critical components (SiC, GaN, magnetic, passive devices).
• Develop and execute rigorous test plans including HIL simulations.
• Conduct detailed thermal analysis and manage thermal design strategies.
• Collaborate with control systems engineers to implement advanced control algorithms.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the engineering team.
• Stay updated on advancements and propose innovative solutions.
• Author technical documentation, patents, and publications.
• Support manufacturing and validation during product integration and mass production.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Mentoring

Remote work experience

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics)

Master's in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics)

Tools

SPICE

PLECS

PSIM

MATLAB/Simulink

PCB design

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world leader in advanced battery management systems and electric vehicle powertrains, is looking for a Principal Power Electronics Engineer to join their fully remote, highly innovative research and development team. This is a groundbreaking opportunity to lead the design and development of next‑generation power electronic converters and systems that will define the future of electric mobility and energy storage. As a Principal Engineer, you will be at the forefront of technological innovation, driving critical design decisions and mentoring a talented group of engineers. This role is ideal for a seasoned expert who thrives in a remote setting, possesses deep technical knowledge, and is passionate about shaping the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, simulation, and development of high‑efficiency power electronic converters (e.g., DC-DC, DC-AC) for demanding applications.
• Oversee the selection of critical components, including wide‑bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN), magnetic components, and passive devices.
• Develop and execute rigorous test plans for power electronic designs, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations.
• Conduct detailed thermal analysis and manage thermal design strategies to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with control systems engineers to develop and implement advanced control algorithms for power converters.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to power electronics engineering team members.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in power electronics technology and propose innovative solutions.
• Author technical documentation, patents, and publications.
• Support manufacturing and validation teams during product integration and mass production.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Electronics.
• 12+ years of extensive experience in the design and development of high‑power converters and systems.
• Deep theoretical and practical knowledge of power semiconductor devices, converter topologies, and control strategies.
• Proficiency with industry-standard simulation tools such as SPICE, PLECS, PSIM, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with PCB design and layout for high‑frequency, high-current applications.
• Strong understanding of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and thermal management techniques.
• Proven leadership skills and the ability to mentor and guide engineering teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication abilities.
• Experience working in a remote or distributed engineering environment is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Exceptional salary package with significant bonus potential.
• Flexible remote work arrangement with comprehensive benefits.
• Generous stock options and long‑term incentive plans.
• Opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technologies shaping the future of EVs and energy storage.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art simulation tools and resources.
• Extensive professional development and conference attendance support.