R&D Power Electronics Hardware Engineer

Nexteer Automotive Corporation•Saginaw, MI

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated, innovative, hands-on engineer to join our Research & Development team focused on next-generation power electronics, embedded hardware, sensing technologies, and motion control systems. This role is responsible for the research, development, analysis, prototyping, and validation of advanced electrical hardware technologies that support future product roadmaps and emerging applications. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of innovative solutions spanning power conversion, motor control, sensing, embedded electronics, and advanced control hardware architectures. The ideal candidate combines strong theoretical understanding with practical hardware development experience and is passionate about exploring new technologies such as wide-bandgap semiconductors, advanced converter and inverter topologies, intelligent power management, and highly integrated electronic systems.

Requirements

3+ years of relevant experience
Strong understanding of electrical circuit design, analysis, simulation, and troubleshooting.
Experience developing analog, digital, mixed-signal, and power electronic circuits.
Knowledge of power electronics fundamentals, switching converters, motor control electronics, and power semiconductor devices.
Experience with electrical design and simulation tools such as OrCAD, PSpice, PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, or equivalent.
Familiarity with PCB design and layout methodologies using Mentor Graphics/Xpedition or equivalent PCB development tools.
Understanding of PCB design considerations including signal integrity, power distribution, thermal management, and EMI/EMC mitigation.
Hands-on experience using laboratory equipment including oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters, function generators, logic analyzers, and electronic loads.
Strong hardware debugging, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to document designs, test results, technical reports, and validation activities.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional engineering teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience with PCB layout design using Mentor Graphics Xpedition.
Experience with wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies including GaN and SiC devices.
Knowledge of advanced power conversion architectures, including multilevel inverter topologies, high-frequency switching systems, and high power-density designs.
Experience with automotive, robotics, or motion control applications.
Working knowledge of CAN, CAN FD, CAN XL communications, Automotive Ethernet (10BASE-T1S/100BASE-T1), and embedded control systems.
Experience with LabVIEW and MATLAB/Simulink.
Ability to read and understand embedded software written in C.
Familiarity with automotive development processes, DFMEA, and design verification methodologies.

Responsibilities

Research, develop, and validate advanced electrical hardware technologies for motion control and electromechanical systems.
Design, analyze, and optimize analog, digital, mixed-signal, sensing, and power electronic circuits.
Develop schematic designs and support PCB layout activities for embedded and power electronic systems.
Evaluate and apply emerging technologies including wide-bandgap semiconductors (GaN), advanced power conversion architectures, and multilevel inverter topologies.
Build, test, troubleshoot, and validate hardware prototypes in laboratory and vehicle environments.
Lead or participate in design reviews, technical assessments, and DFMEA activities.
Collaborate with systems, controls, software, mechanical, manufacturing, and validation teams throughout the technology development process.
Document hardware designs, analyses, test results, and technical recommendations.
Interface with suppliers, industry partners, and research organizations to evaluate and leverage emerging technologies.