Power Electronics R&D Engineer

Summary

Arkansas Power Electronics International, Inc. is a high-technology, aggressive, internationally competitive, fast growing R&D small business engineering firm located in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains near the University of Arkansas campus. We develop advanced power electronics systems for the military, NASA, next generation electric vehicles, and commercial use; including DC/DC supplies, single and three phase inverters, DC and AC motor drives, etc. Many of our applications require operation in extreme environments, ranging from 4K up to temperatures in excess of 500 °C, resulting in some of the most exciting, creative and state-of-the-art engineering job opportunities available.     

APEI, Inc. is seeking energetic and enthusiastic professionals with high ambition, deep motivation, teamwork ethic, and a commitment to being the best of the best in the field of power electronics. Work in a team with some of the most highly internationally acclaimed leaders in the field of extreme environment and SiC power electronics systems.

This job opportunity is for advanced and/or experienced power electronics engineers with a thorough and detailed understanding of a wide variety of power electronics systems and issues, including:

•             Design and control of advanced single and three phase motor drive systems (vector control, volt/Hz control, high power, etc.)

•             Design of single and three phase grid-tie and bi-directional inverters

•             Design of DC motor drives and actuator systems

•             Design of DC/DC converters for military and aerospace power supply applications, with intimate knowledge of both voltage and current controlled methodologies, and understanding of advanced high efficiency techniques (soft switching, resonant converters, etc.)

•             Design of high efficiency, high power magnetics and filters

•             Adequate understanding of EMI related design issues and appropriate Federal regulations

•             Capability to perform and/or oversee laboratory high power testing in excess of 100 kW

Familiarity with the following are a plus:

•             Understanding of thermal design and thermal management systems

•             Understanding or experience with advanced power packaging techniques

•             Experience with extreme environment issues (cryogenic, high-temperature, radiation, etc.)

•             Knowledge of new state-of-the-art devices such as SiC JFETs and Schottkys

•             Knowledge of systems, weapons platforms, aerospace platforms, applications, etc. into which power electronics subsystems are designed for

•             Experience with proposal writing or the bid & proposal process for government contracting

Education and Experience

The job opportunity is for an advanced technical, non-management position. Applicant’s background requires a B.S. engineering degree with 5-10 years minimum work experience in power electronics, or if the applicant has no industry experience then a Ph.D. with dissertation in power electronics is required.

An engineer with a Ph.D. and 2+ years experience in power electronics design is the preferred candidate.       

Duties & Responsibilities

•             Electrical design and simulation of the before mentioned power electronics applications

•             Layout and building of power electronics prototypes

•             High power testing of prototypes

•             Participate and contribute to the contract proposal writing process

•             Technical lead in one or more R&D projects

•             Mentor and aide to Jr. Level design engineers

•             Travel to present at technical conferences or meet with program officers

•             Always required to be a team player

Skills

•             Thorough knowledge and expertise in power electronics design

•             Excellent communication, presentation, and relation skills

•             Knowledge and capability to efficiently use a wide variety of software programs essential to the job (PCB layout tools, MS Office, circuit simulation tools, thermal analysis tools, etc.)

•             Extensive in-depth expertise in using laboratory test equipment, setting up test schedules, performing high power testing, etc. (experience with LabView is a plus)

Benefits  

•             Starting salary: $80k - $150k annual, depending on experience

•             401 (K) plan with additional 3% annual employer salary match

•             3 weeks starting vacation with annual rollover for unused vacation

•             Full medical and dental benefits for employee and dependents

•             Life and long-term disability insurance

•             Tuition assistance program for higher education

•             Bonuses

•             Employee ownership program

For more information on APEI, Inc., please visit our website at www.apei.net .