Senior Electrical Engineer - Motors & Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

Pentair•Delavan, WI

56d•$95,500 - $177,300•Onsite

About The Position

Pentair is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with strong expertise in electric motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to support development of water pump systems. Based in Delavan, Wisconsin, this role selects, integrates, validates, and supports motor and drive technologies used in residential and commercial water applications. The engineer works cross-functionally to develop products from concept through production and serves as a technical expert in motor and drive technologies. The position leads electrical system development for new products and major enhancements, translates customer needs into product requirements, and supports system architecture decisions involving motors, drives, controls, sensors, and electrical components. It also develops and executes validation plans, analyzes test data, troubleshoots issues, supports compliance activities, and provides technical guidance to internal teams.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
At least 5 years of engineering experience developing electrical or electromechanical products.
Demonstrated experience with VFDs, motor controls, or motor-driven systems.
Experience selecting, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting electric motors and drive systems.
Strong understanding of AC induction motors, motor performance, and motor control principles.
Experience analyzing electrical, thermal, and system-level performance.
Ability to independently lead technical projects and drive solutions across multiple functions.

Nice To Haves

Experience with water pumps, HVAC equipment, industrial equipment, or other motor-driven products.
Knowledge of permanent magnet motors (PMSM/PMM), brushless DC motors, or advanced motor technologies.
Experience with power electronics, inverter technology, or drive programming.
Familiarity with IEC, NEMA, UL, CSA, or related electrical standards.
Experience working with motor manufacturers, VFD suppliers, or contract manufacturers.
Experience leading new product development programs and design reviews.
Prior patent, invention disclosure, or innovation experience.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical subject matter expert for electric motors and VFDs used in water pump applications.
Select, evaluate, and specify AC induction motors, permanent magnet motors, and motor drive systems.
Develop motor and VFD performance requirements, specifications, and validation plans.
Evaluate motor efficiency, thermal performance, reliability, acoustics, and application suitability.
Troubleshoot motor and drive system issues in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments.
Work with motor and VFD suppliers to define requirements and resolve technical issues.
Lead electrical system development for new products and major product enhancements.
Translate customer needs into product requirements and engineering solutions.
Support system architecture decisions involving motors, drives, controls, sensors, and electrical components.
Participate in design reviews, DFMEA activities, and structured product development processes.
Develop and execute validation plans for motors, drives, and integrated pump systems.
Analyze performance, reliability, thermal, efficiency, and durability test data.
Identify root causes and implement corrective actions for product and field issues.
Support regulatory and compliance testing activities.
Partner with product management, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and testing teams.
Support pilot builds, production launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide technical guidance to internal teams and mentor less experienced engineers.