"Power Electronics Engineer- KTP Associate"

Aston University - School of Engineering & Innovation

Location:Integrated System Technologies Limited, Serenity House, 55 Wellington Crescent, Fradley, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 8RZ

Contract Type:Fixed Term (24 months)

Basis:Full Time

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership project represents an exciting opportunity to develop innovative high-voltage fault-managed power systems for both domestic and commercial applications. You will lead this strategic project under the supervision of academic and company supervisors, finding novel approaches to offer a highly efficient DC power distribution solution capable of powering device loads up to 1500W in a cost-effective manner.

With the growing recognition that DC systems are set to replace traditional AC systems due to their superior energy efficiency for modern electronic loads, industry interest in novel DC power solutions is rapidly increasing. This offers an excellent career opportunity to directly address that demand by creating next-generation fault-managed DC power systems and establishing yourself in the field.

Candidate Profile:

A PhD in Power Electronics is desirable or a minimum Masters level qualification with some industry experience (both in power electronics).

Skills/ experience required include:

Essential for the role:

• Design, build and test of high-frequency DC-DC converters up to 600 V.
• Use of software tools such as PSCAD, Spice, MATLAB/SIMULINK.
• Embedded control design using Digital Signal Processors, microcontrollers and/or Field Programmable Gate Arrays.
• Project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills to maintain a meaningful dialogue between stakeholders including end users, clients and distributors.

Desirable for the role:

• Familiarity with domestic wiring regulations.
• Experience in the power electronic industry, and a commercial-oriented approach to problem solving.
• Experience with Gallium Nitride (GaN) MOSFETs in switched-mode power supplies.

Main responsibilities:

• To integrate new technical capabilities into a small agile company like ISTL and ensure that developments are well understood and embedded.
• To apply electrical/electronic design skills to create a prototype including circuit analysis, computer aided design and complex simulation tools, e.g. MATLAB/SPICE/SIMULINK.
• To select an appropriate micro-controller (balancing performance and cost) and applying software development skills for compliant control systems.
• To project manage a complex, innovation-focused project to produce a commercially viable outcome.
• To assimilate knowledge of high-speed, low-loss Gallium Nitride transistor technology and/or novel, multilevel converter circuits.

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills to successfully work with various stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Leadership qualities, maturity, good self-organisation, and time management skills to deliver agreed milestones and objectives.
• Highly motivated and adaptable.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of the team and use initiative.
• Strong desire to pursue innovative approaches, demonstrate creative and analytical thinking and problem solving.

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to £4,000 for personal and professional development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a).
• Professional support and mentorship.
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing