Job Title: Principal Power Electronics Engineer (Contract)
Contract Length: 4 Months
IR35 Status: Outside IR35
Location: Coventry
The Opportunity
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Power Electronics Engineer to lead the development of advanced power conversion systems for cutting-edge electrification applications.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role where you will take ownership of architecture definition, design, and verification of power electronics solutions, including motor drives and control systems. You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary engineering team and external suppliers to deliver high-performance, robust products for demanding applications such as electric vehicles and energy systems.
Key Responsibilities
Design & Development
* Lead the design and development of innovative power electronic systems, including converters, inverters, and motor drives
* Define system architectures, selecting optimal topologies to balance efficiency, cost, size, and performance
* Produce detailed electronic designs, including schematics and oversight of PCB layouts
* Design and specify key components including switching devices, gate drives, magnetics, and filtering systems
* Perform simulation and analysis to validate system performance and design decisions
Control & Performance
* Define control strategies and system requirements for monitoring and operation
* Analyse power losses and support thermal management strategies
* Ensure designs meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements
Testing & Validation
* Lead commissioning and verification of systems, ensuring compliance with specifications and standards
* Conduct root cause analysis and resolve technical issues
* Support prototype builds, system integration, and testing activities
* Work safely with high-voltage and high-power systems
Engineering Governance
* Deliver engineering activities in line with project timelines, quality standards, and change control processes
* Support requirements management, FMEA, and functional safety activities at hardware level
* Produce and maintain high-quality technical documentation
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
* Work closely with cross-functional teams including software, mechanical, and systems engineering
* Engage with suppliers and manufacturers to support component selection and product delivery
* Build and maintain strong relationships with external technology partners
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
* Degree in Electronics Engineering or a related discipline
* Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in power electronics design and development
* Proven experience with high-voltage (>400V) and high-power (>10kW) systems
* Strong expertise in:
* Power conversion topologies (e.g. DC-DC, inverters, rectifiers)
* Switching technologies (Si, SiC, GaN)
* Gate driver design and optimisation
* Magnetics design (inductors, transformers)
* Analog and digital interface electronics
* Experience with schematic design and PCB layout for high-current/high-voltage systems
* Proficiency with simulation tools such as PLECS, PSIM, or SPICE
* Hands-on experience with lab testing and safe working practices for high-voltage systems
* Track record of delivering engineering projects within cost, quality, and time constraints
Desirable
* Experience in industries such as automotive, electrification, aerospace, or energy storage
* Knowledge of EMC standards and testing
* Experience with functional safety and hardware compliance standards
* Understanding of electrical safety regulations and protection systems
* Experience designing complex multi-layer PCBs
* Practical skills in soldering, rework, and prototype development
Technical Knowledge
* Deep understanding of power conversion topologies (e.g. LLC, PSFB, DAB) and their control methods
* Strong knowledge of semiconductor technologies and their application
* Expertise in switching behaviour optimisation and loss reduction
* Understanding of magnetic component design and power loss mechanisms
* Knowledge of thermal analysis and thermal management techniques