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