Job Description
The Electrical Design Engineer will support and contribute to the development of next-generation high-power converters central to Amperesand’s SST product architecture. This role requires deep technical expertise in power converter topology design, wide-bandgap devices (SiC), and high-voltage system integration. You will be responsible for designing isolated and non-isolated converter stages, implementing advanced topologies such as multi-level converters, cascaded H-bridges, Dual Active Bridge (DAB) and ensuring robust protection and safety compliance for MV/LV systems.
Duties and Responsibilities
Advanced Power Converter Design
Design isolated and non-isolated power conversion stages (DC-DC, AC-DC, DC-AC) including dual-active bridges, phase-shifted full-bridge, LLC, multi-level, and cascaded H-bridge topologies for high-voltage applications.
Develop and optimize multi-level converter topologies for MV AC interfaces with modular and scalable design strategies.
Architect and analyze cascaded H-bridge inverters for grid interfacing, power flow control, and harmonic optimization
SiC Device Integration
Implement and validate high-performance Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductor-based switching stages for improved efficiency, power density, and thermal handling.
Define SiC gate drive requirements, manage dv/dt control, and mitigate ringing, overshoot, and parasitics in PCB design.
High-Voltage Isolation and Protection
Design and verify high-voltage isolation strategies using magnetically and optically isolated signal and power paths across LV-HV domains.
Ensure compliance with insulation coordination standards (creepage, clearance, partial discharge) as per IEC 61800, UL 840, and IEC 60216.
Define and implement protection schemes including fault detection, desaturation, overcurrent/voltage protection, short-circuit resilience, and thermal protection.
Simulation and Modeling
Use tools like PSIM, PLECS, LTSpice, and MATLAB/Simulink to simulate system behavior, converter efficiency, transient conditions, and protection responses.
Conduct detailed loss analysis, thermal modelling, and system-level efficiency prediction.
Schematic and PCB Design
Develop high-voltage and high-current PCB designs with optimized thermal paths, creepage/clearance, and robust signal routing for minimal EMI.
Collaborate with layout engineers to implement multi-layer designs for power and control stages, ensuring robust switching performance and mechanical integration.
Testing and Validation
Create test plans and procedures for prototype evaluation, including switching waveform validation, gate signal integrity, thermal testing, and short-circuit testing.
Operate high-power test equipment (oscilloscopes, differential probes, power analyzers, isolation testers) in both LV and MV environments.
Support HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) testing and fault simulation under real operating conditions.
System Integration and Control Interface
Integrate power stage hardware with digital control platforms (TI C2000, FPGAs, ARM-based MCUs), sensors, and feedback systems.
Work with firmware/control teams to implement modulation strategies (PWM, SVPWM, DPWM) for multi-level systems and grid synchronization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with magnetics, mechanical, packaging, and compliance engineers to ensure end-to-end performance, safety, and manufacturability.
Contribute to thermal management, EMI mitigation, and housing design for MV converter assemblies.
Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
Prepare detailed documentation including electrical schematics, BOMs, test reports, and technical specifications for design reviews and compliance submissions.
Ensure designs meet international regulatory and safety standards (IEC, UL, IEEE) for grid-tied and industrial power systems.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong foundational knowledge in power converter architectures (hard- and soft-switched), especially for SST applications.
In-depth understanding of SiC device behavior, high-frequency switching design, and thermal/electrical integration challenges.
Expertise in multi-level and cascaded topologies, modulation techniques, and isolation coordination.
Proficiency in simulation tools (PSIM, LTSpice, PLECS, MATLAB) and schematic/PCB design software (Altium, KiCad, OrCAD).
Skilled in test bench development and debugging of high-power prototypes, including fault testing and waveform analysis.
Effective documentation and communication skills for interfacing with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to solve complex design trade-offs across electrical, thermal, mechanical, and safety domains.
Capable of independently leading design tasks and contributing within agile, cross-functional teams.
Strong analytical thinking and creative problem-solving with a mindset for innovation and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field.
5+ years of experience in high-voltage/high-power converter design.
Hands-on experience with SiC-based converter topologies, gate drive design, and protection strategies.
Proven track record designing and testing multi-level converters or cascaded H-bridge systems.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working on SST architectures or medium-voltage (MV) grid-tied systems.
Knowledge of MV insulation coordination, EMI/EMC testing, and regulatory compliance (IEC, UL).
Familiarity with digital control systems (C2000, FPGAs) and real-time HIL test environments.
Ph.D. or advanced research experience in wide-bandgap power electronics or MV systems is a strong plus.
Training
NIL
Work Schedule
Monday to Friday 0830-1730
(Or as required by the project)
Employment Duration
NA