Senior R&D Engineer II

Powell Industries, a US manufacturer of low- and medium-voltage electrical equipment for commercial, industrial, and utility systems, is seeking highly motivated candidates for a Senior R&D Engineer II as part of an expansion of New Product Development in our Research and Development Department. In this role, you will work with a team of experienced professionals to develop groundbreaking new technologies and product designs, taking initial concepts through to production launch.

Powell’s products include class-leading vacuum circuit breakers, monitoring, sensing and control electronics, communications and software systems, switch gear, motor control, and safety-focused enclosure systems. Powell’s 75-year leadership in vacuum switching technology and arc-flash safety is widely known and in use globally, while being designed and manufactured in multiple facilities in the US, Canada and the UK. One of our three Houston-area manufacturing facilities also includes a world-class prototyping shop and UL-certified high voltage and high current lab, where you will be able to model and validate the performance of your designs in real time.

• Propose concepts and develop complex level designs for both existing and new product lines.
• Deliver innovative designs that meet profit, cost, quality, and time-to-market metrics.
• Determine and specify design parameters, validate according to standards, and prepare documentation.
• Investigate patentable concepts.
• Oversee validation and testing of components/system or assemblies in the development and validation process.
• Develop test plans based on D/PFMEA, project specifications, industry standards, and reliability and validation requirements for both internal and external laboratories.
• Direct laboratory testing, analysis of data, and create corrective action plans.
• Ensure project designs meet requirements of specification and standards while promoting error-proof assembly.
• Prepare written documentation of processes, material requirements, test results, and project activity as required.
• Understand and enforce regulatory document requirements.
• Interface with outside vendors, consultants, and customers.
• Work with third-party vendors to develop high-quality, lowest-cost design options.
• Continuously improve engineering processes including DFX, project and product costs, quality, and project lead times.
• Actively collaborate and provide Engineering support to Sales/Product Management and Manufacturing on new products and processes.
• Actively participate in and facilitate Product Development Process.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or Power Engineering. Advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Engineering design and/or development on highly technical and innovative projects.
• Able to prioritize and manage time effectively. (Self-motivated and self-managing).
• Working knowledge of electromechanical product design and development.
• Working knowledge of switch gear and/or controls.
• Experience with medium/high voltage electrical power systems
• Demonstrated complex analytical and problem solving ability.
• Working knowledge of CAD and/or analysis tools.
• Working knowledge of regulatory standards (ANSI, IEEE, and IEC).
• Experience creating and reviewing DFMEA and PFMEA process and documents.
• Experience developing projects within a Stage-Gate Process.
• Participation in industry organizations (associations, standards committees, etc.) to stay informed of and to influence industry activities a plus.
• Proven experience with computers;
  Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, or equivalents
• Electrical
  :
  Current and Voltage Sensors, Power Systems.
  Mechanical
  : molded parts
• Demonstrated ability to write/edit technical documents; test reports, engineering standards, industry technical papers.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to quickly respond to strategic and tactical changes.

The employee typically performs duties in a normal office environment. There will be some work in our manufacturing shop facilities, as well as in our electrical test lab.