The WVHTC Foundation’s Advanced Technologies Group is seeking a power-electronics engineer to help develop ruggedized power-processing equipment and power-management-software for a smart mobile micro grid.   The individual will be part of a team that is designing system elements that combine power from engine-driven AC generators, photovoltaic panels, wind-turbines, and fuel-cells with the goal of reducing the fuel requirements of mobile power systems.  In addition to general power electronics expertise, the ideal candidate will have specialized experience in microprocessor-control of power-electronics-circuits.  Exceptional technical skills, creative thinking, and initiative are essential for this position.

About the WVHTC Foundation:   

The WVHTC Foundation is a multidisciplinary R&D organization engaged in world-class projects of national significance for customers such as ONR, DHS, NSF, the US Army, and NASA.  Researchers collaborate with universities and industrial organizations to advance critical new technologies and make new scientific discoveries.

The WVHTC Foundation is located in Fairmont, West Virginia, about 20 miles south of Morgantown, home of the West Virginia University.  West Virginia boasts a relatively low cost-of-living along with beautiful landscapes and extensive outdoor recreational opportunities.  Nearby Morgantown is frequently ranked as one of the top cities and metropolitan areas in the country in terms of quality of life and business climate by national publications and periodicals such as Forbes, Inc. and Kiplinger's. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise and hands-on assistance in the development, testing, and deployment of a mobile micro-grid that combines power from a diverse set of sources, including engine-driven AC generators, photovoltaic panels, wind-turbine generators, and fuel cells. 
  
• Contribute to the design, simulation, fabrication, control, and characterization of experimental power-converters and power-processing equipment at the multi-kilowatt power-level.
  
• Produce technical documentation and presentations as required for project deliverables and status updates for government customers and other stakeholders.
  
• Focus on tasks and work schedule to meet a defined set of project deliverables and milestones.

Required Experience and Past Performance: 

• Bachelor of Science, or equivalent, in Electrical Engineering with strong background in power electronics.
  
• Demonstrated ability to design and build power-electronics systems and power-processing equipment at the multi-kilowatt level.
  
• Familiarity with the LabView programming environment, or other DAC platform for general laboratory work.
  
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written.

Desired Experience: 

• MS degree, or equivalent, in Electrical Engineering with strong background in power electronics in the multi-kilowatt range.
  
• 3-5 years of professional experience in power electronics.
  
• Experience with high-voltage systems.
  
• Experience in developing microprocessor/microcontroller systems.
  
• Familiar with printed circuit board design.
  
• Ability to machine small parts and fixtures in a prototyping shop.
  
• Some experience with CAD software (Autodesk Inventor, Pro-E, etc.) and MATLAB would be helpful.

Desired Past Performance: 

• Demonstrated ability to select, program, and build microprocessor systems for power-electronics control.
  
• Prior work experience that involved military electronics or similar ruggedized electronics systems would be helpful.

Desired Personal Attributes: 

• Excellent communications skills.
  
• Positive outlook when facing challenges.
  
• Encourages others.
  
• Able to maintain a tight focus on project goals.
  
• Takes personal satisfaction in high-quality workmanship.

Supervisory Responsibility: 

None.

Education and Other Qualifications:

• B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, is required.
  
• Ability to qualify for security clearance is desired.
  
• Must be legally able to work in the U.S. indefinitely

Travel Requirements: 

• Travel is expected to account for less than 10% of total time.

Lifting and other physical requirements:

• Laboratory and machine shop work will require occasional moderate lifting and/or standing for extended periods of time.

The WVHTC Foundation is an equal opportunity organization.