Principal Electrical Engineer

Principal Electrical Engineer - Power Electronics Job Description

The Principal Electrical Engineer – Power Electronics will lead the design and development of low‑cost, high‑efficiency coil driver amplifiers for distributed motion control architectures. This position focuses on current‑controlled power electronics systems used to drive large arrays of electromagnetic actuators. The system architecture includes FPGA‑based current loop control, PWM generation, and Ether

CAT distributed communication networks. The role will directly contribute to the development of a scalable distributed coil control platform, supporting applications such as levitation systems and next‑generation robotic actuation platforms.

• Design and develop coil driver amplifiers using half‑bridge and H‑bridge topologies
• Support systems operating at DC bus voltages up to 200 V
• Optimize for efficiency, cost, and reliability in high‑volume applications
• Address observed prototype issues including:
  • PCB reliability and component failures
  • Noise in current feedback loops
  • Interconnect robustness and serviceability

• Develop and optimize closed‑loop current control systems, including:
  • Precision current sensing (shunt + amplifier)
  • PI/PID control loops
  • Low‑latency feedback control
• Ensure stable operation across:
  • Wide variation in coil inductance
  • Large numbers of independently controlled coils

• Implement or co‑develop:
  • Current loop control algorithms on FPGA platforms
  • High‑performance PWM generation
• Interface with multi‑channel control architectures using:
  • Parallel or synchronous SPI communication

• Develop driver modules operating within a distributed Ether
  
  CAT control network
• Support scalable architectures capable of controlling tens to hundreds of actuators per subsystem
• Collaborate with system teams on partitioning control between:
  • Central controllers and distributed driver nodes

• Select and design:
  • MOSFETs, gate drivers, and current sensing circuits
  • Protection and filtering circuitry (snubbers, transient suppression)
• Lead PCB‑level implementation including layout guidance for:
  • High‑current switching paths
  • Noise‑sensitive analog measurement circuits
• Define and execute design verification testing (DVT)

• Design to meet aggressive cost targets
• Drive design trade‑offs balancing:
  • Performance
  • Manufacturability
  • Scalability
• Improve system KPIs including:
  • Standby power consumption
  • Thermal efficiency
  • Mean time between failures (MTBF)

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum 8 years of experience in power electronics design
• Strong expertise in:
  • MOSFET‑based power stages (half/full bridge)
  • Medium voltage DC systems (up to ~200 V)
• Hands‑on experience with:
  • Current sensing techniques (shunt, differential amplifiers)
  • Control loop design (PI/PID)
• Experience designing systems for:
  • EMI/EMC robustness
  • Thermal performance
  • Reliability and failure analysis

• Experience with FPGA‑based control systems (e.g., Lattice, Xilinx, Zynq)
• Familiarity with Ether
  
  CAT or distributed real‑time control networks
• Experience with motor drives (BLDC, SRM) and electromagnetic or multi‑coil actuator systems
• Experience in high‑channel‑count control systems and real‑time embedded control architectures

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to lead complex hardware development efforts
• Cross‑functional collaboration across electrical, controls, and system engineering
• Hands‑on troubleshooting and debugging capability

• Demonstrated stable current control across multi‑coil systems
• Achievement of target cost per driver module
• Reduced noise and improved current feedback performance
• Successful hardware validation and scalability demonstration

Base Salary Range: $ USD to $ USD.

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Exempt employees are provided company paid holidays and Flexible Vacation to enjoy personal time off and incidental sickness.

Work arrangements may include a mix of in‑office and remote work, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. Specific expectations will be shared during the interview process.

Brooks Automation is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Brooks Automation participates in E‑Verify to confirm eligibility for employment in the United States.