Power Electronics Engineer - 1st Shift

Dayton-Phoenix Group•Dayton, OH

10d

About The Position

Dayton-Phoenix Group is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer to design and develop high-power converters, inverters, and motor drive systems for heavy-duty applications in the mining and railroad industries. The role focuses on robust, efficient, and reliable solutions for harsh environments and demanding duty cycles, with work spanning new product development through production support. The engineer designs and optimizes traction inverters rated at 500 kW or more, converters, and auxiliary power supplies for locomotives, haul trucks, and mining equipment. The position also involves integrating high-voltage semiconductor devices and power modules, developing thermal-management solutions, implementing motor-control algorithms, and developing embedded firmware for safe and efficient operation. The role includes prototype development, laboratory and hardware testing, dynamometer validation, field trials, troubleshooting, and customer and production support. The engineer collaborates with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineers; supports operations, field service, customers, and Sales; prepares technical and compliance documentation; and contributes to test-cell design and technology development. Factory-floor work requires personal protective equipment. Travel is typically 0–15%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field.
At least 3 years of high-power electronics design experience in transportation, heavy equipment, or industrial systems.
Proven expertise with inverters, motor drives, and high-voltage converters up to 3 kV DC/AC.
Knowledge of PMSM and motor control.
Familiarity with battery and hybrid energy storage systems (BESS) for heavy-duty applications.
Familiarity with electronic test equipment, procedures, and international standards.
Demonstrated computer skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools and engineering software tools.
Experience operating laboratory equipment.
Strong troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills.
Advanced computer skills and proficient writing skills for concise, accurate test plans, reports, and presentations.
Ability to apply knowledge to new situations and transition paper designs into physical hardware.
Effective oral and written communication in English.
Initiative, excellent time-management skills, and ability to contribute to team efforts.
Ethical conduct, mindfulness, and accuracy.
Ability to read, interpret, and create manufacturing and engineering documentation, test methods, and procedures.
Ability to accurately direct tests and clearly summarize results.
Ability to provide product-support leadership and ownership for customers and manufacturing.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with battery and hybrid energy storage systems (BESS) for heavy-duty applications.

Responsibilities

Design and optimize high-power traction inverters (500 kW+), converters, and auxiliary power supplies for locomotives, haul trucks, and mining equipment.
Specify and integrate high-voltage semiconductor devices, including IGBT, SiC, IGCT, and GTO devices, and power modules.
Develop cooling and thermal-management solutions for harsh, high-vibration environments.
Implement control algorithms for PMSM and other motors, and develop control systems with inverters for PMSM applications of 500 kW or more.
Develop embedded firmware on DSP, FPGA, and real-time controller platforms.
Conduct hardware testing, dynamometer validation, and field trials on locomotives and mining equipment.
Ensure designs meet applicable rail and mining safety standards.
Troubleshoot and resolve field performance issues in rugged environments.
Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineers to integrate power electronics into complete propulsion systems.
Provide technical support to operations, field service, customer engineering teams, and internal and external customers using new and legacy products.
Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and compliance certifications.
Analyze customer returns, determine root causes, and develop corrective-action responses under the DPG quality process.
Provide technical support to Sales for quotations, customer service, and special design or pricing requests.
Build, test, and evaluate prototypes, including specifying required instrumentation and test setups.
Interface with customers to clarify project design objectives and communicate updates to the Sales Department.
Follow DPG release-to-production protocols.
Continue education to stay current with technologies.
Work with engineers and technicians to design and build test cells supporting technology development.
Provide leadership and ownership for product support to customers and manufacturing.
Create, interpret, and review manufacturing and engineering documentation, test methods, and procedures; direct testing and clearly summarize results.