Power Electronics Research Engineer

What You'll Do

• Advanced IC Strategy & Architecture (PMIC, ASIC, SoC)
  • Strategic Roadmap Development:
    Lead the definition of long‑term technology roadmaps for Power Management ICs (PMIC) and Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), specifically tailored for traction inverters and gate drive applications.
  • Custom Silicon Definition:
    Define technical specifications and architectural requirements for custom SoC and ASIC solutions, focusing on the integration of sensing, protection, and control functions into mixed‑signal silicon.
  • System‑in‑Package (SiP) Integration:
    Drive the transition from discrete components to SiP solutions to minimize parasitic inductance and optimize the commutation loop for Wide Bandgap (SiC/GaN) devices.
  • BCD Process Evaluation:
    Evaluate and select appropriate Bipolar‑CMOS‑DMOS (BCD) process technologies for high‑voltage gate drivers and mixed‑signal control circuits.
  • Supply Chain & Foundry Interaction:
    Lead technical engagement with semiconductor foundries and Tier‑1 suppliers; conduct "Make vs. Buy" analyses for analog and mixed‑signal designs to ensure supply chain resilience and cost optimization.
• Design, Simulation & Electromagnetics
  • Next‑Gen Converter Design:
    Design power electronic converters for electrified vehicles, integrating advanced filtering solutions with power modules, busbars, and PCBs.
  • EMI & Filter Optimization:
    Identify topology and design Common Mode (CM) and Differential Mode (DM) inductive chokes and decoupling capacitors. Build circuit models to estimate frequency generation and propagation in LV/HV circuits.
  • Noise Modeling:
    Perform modeling and laboratory verification of noise coupling mechanisms between HV power stages and LV gate drive/control PCBs.
  • Interconnect Design:
    Design HV busbars and DC‑link layouts to integrate seamlessly with passive filters and power modules, mitigating EMI cross‑talk.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • System Integration:
    Interact with system design, semiconductor, and gate drive experts to meet requirements for high voltage, high‑current, and large gate drive operations.
  • Technical Leadership:
    Support interaction with inverter control experts, low‑voltage circuit designers, and electric machine specialists to ensure cohesive system architecture.
  • Communication:
    Effectively communicate strategic directions and technical results by writing technical reports, invention disclosures, and presenting executive summaries to management.

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power electronics, mixed‑signal IC design, or semiconductor packaging.
• 3+ years of research or industry experience in:
  • Architectural design of power electronic systems or PMIC/ASIC design.
  • Developing specifications for analog/mixed‑signal ICs in automotive or high‑power applications.
• Power Electronics Technical Expertise
  • Expertise in circuit parameter extraction and transfer functions from CAD models.
  • Proficiency in Double Pulse Test (DPT) procedures to quantify semiconductor switching noise and map propagation paths.
  • Experience designing filters, chokes, and snubbers to attenuate noise in electric drive systems.
• Lab & Analysis Skills
  • Expertise in high‑speed time‑domain and frequency‑domain signal acquisition (oscilloscopes, network/spectrum analyzers).
  • Knowledge of PCB design and layout for prototyping high‑power filter designs.
• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (preferred).
• Semiconductor & IC Expertise
  • Strong understanding of SoC and SiP trends, including 2.5D/3D packaging and their impact on thermal and electrical performance.
  • Knowledge of BCD process technologies and how they apply to high‑voltage gate driver and transceiver design.
  • Familiarity with the semiconductor manufacturing flow (fab, assembly, test) and IC design cycles (RTL to GDSII).
• Functional Safety:
  Familiarity with ISO 26262 functional safety requirements as they pertain to PMIC and ASIC architecture (ASIL ratings).
• Software Proficiency: MATLAB, PLECS, Simplorer, SPICE, Fusion 360, Altium, KiCAD.
• Design Flows:
  Experience with EDA tools (Cadence, Mentor Graphics, Synopsys), FPGA prototyping, and the Siemens IC portfolio.
• Domain Knowledge
  • Deep understanding of automotive requirements, including…