Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Power Electronics & Controls

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement plans

Life insurance

Annual leave

Professional development

Conferences & training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Design Engineer in Polokwane to lead the design and validation of power electronic converters and control systems for advanced industrial machinery.

You will develop schematics, PCB layouts, and embedded firmware concepts while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable products. A strong background in power electronics and motor drives is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with Power Electronics or Control Systems specialization.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in design and development of power electronic circuits and control systems.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and LTSpice for simulations.
• Experience with embedded systems, ARM/PIC microcontrollers and firmware concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop power electronic converters (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC) for industrial applications.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for motor control, power factor correction, and energy management.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, PCB layouts, and system architectures.
• Select power semiconductor devices and microcontrollers for optimal performance.
• Conduct simulations (SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink) to validate designs.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation to meet specs and reliability.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and firmware engineers for integration.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues during development and testing.

Skills

Power Electronics

Control Systems

MATLAB/Simulink

LTSpice

Embedded Systems

ARM Microcontrollers

PCB Design

VFDs

Servo Drives

SPICE Simulations

Education

Electrical Engineering with Power Electronics or Control Systems

Tools

LTSpice

PCB Design Tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading manufacturer of specialized industrial equipment, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Electrical Design Engineer with expertise in Power Electronics and Control Systems to join their innovative R&D team in Polokwane . This role involves the design, development, and testing of cutting-edge electrical systems, focusing on power conversion, motor control, and embedded systems for advanced industrial machinery. The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical foundation and practical experience in designing high-performance power electronic converters and implementing sophisticated control algorithms. You will contribute to the full product development lifecycle, from concept to production, driving technological advancements and ensuring product excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to work with advanced technologies in a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop power electronic converters (e.g., AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC) for various industrial applications.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for motor control, power factor correction, and energy management systems.
• Create detailed electrical schematics, PCB layouts (in collaboration with PCB designers), and system architecture designs.
• Select appropriate power semiconductor devices, passive components, and microcontrollers for optimal system performance.
• Conduct simulations and analysis (e.g., using SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink) to validate designs and predict performance.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation of electrical designs, ensuring they meet specifications and reliability standards.
• Collaborate with mechanical, software, and firmware engineers to ensure seamless integration of electrical systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues identified during development, testing, or field deployment.
• Contribute to the definition of product requirements and technology roadmaps.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant safety standards (e.g., IEC, UL) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Electronics or Control Systems.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the design and development of power electronic circuits and control systems.
• In-depth knowledge of switching power supply topologies, motor drives (e.g., VFDs, servo drives), and power conversion techniques.
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, LTSpice, or equivalent.
• Experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers (e.g., ARM, PIC), and firmware development concepts.
• Familiarity with PCB design tools and processes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of power system dynamics and grid interface challenges is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced R&D environment and manage multiple projects.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, complemented by performance bonuses and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement savings plans, and life insurance. Employees receive generous annual leave and dedicated opportunities for continuous professional development, including access to specialized courses, conferences, and advanced technical training. This role provides exposure to innovative product development within a leading industrial technology company. The position is located in Polokwane , offering a challenging and rewarding career path. Our client fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence, supporting employees in achieving their career aspirations. Opportunities for career progression into technical leadership or R&D management roles.