Power Electronics Research Engineer

Ford Motor • Dearborn, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? In this position... We are seeking an innovative Power Electronics Research Engineer to lead the analysis, simulation, and measurement of high-frequency signals in Low Voltage (LV) and High Voltage (HV) systems. Beyond traditional filter design, this role is pivotal in defining the future silicon strategy for our automotive inverters. You will provide executive guidance on the integration of PMIC, ASIC, and SoC technologies, driving the roadmap for custom silicon and System-in-Package (SiP) solutions to optimize power density, efficiency, and EMI performance in next-generation electrified vehicles.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering.
• 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 flow awareness).
• 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 AEC-Q100 qualification standards.
• Knowledge of high-voltage systems and high-temperature circuit design for integration with power semiconductor packaging.
• Project Management: Experience in material/capital purchasing and utilizing project management tools to track silicon development lifecycles.

Responsibilities

• 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 , 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.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
• Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
• Tuition assistance
• Established and active employee resource groups
• Paid time off for individual and team community service
• A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees