Senior R&D Electrical Engineer

Powell•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Powell Industries, Inc. is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to join their Houston Office. This role will focus on developing and validating new product designs for power distribution equipment, including circuit breaker switchgear, from concept to full production. Responsibilities include assisting in the development of the company’s next product low voltage and medium voltage equipment brands, supporting existing products and project change requests, conducting laboratory tests and analysis at their onsite high voltage/high current laboratory, and participating in industry and regulatory standard development. The position does not have direct reports but requires overseeing the work of other engineers, laboratory test engineers, and designers on a project basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering.
4+ years of progressive experience in Engineering design and/or development on technical and innovative projects.
Strong technical knowledge in Electrical categories: Circuit Breakers, Instrument Transformers, Switchgear, Load Centers, Power Systems.
Strong technical knowledge in Mechanical categories: Molded Components or Mechanism Design, castings, and metal fabricated parts.
Working knowledge of electromechanical product design and development.
Working knowledge of switchgear and controls.
Proven experience with computers; Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, or equivalents.
Ability to write/edit technical documents, test reports, engineering standards, industry technical papers.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to quickly respond to strategic and tactical changes.
Able to prioritize and manage time effectively. (Self-motivated and self-managing).
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving ability.
Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Experience with medium/high voltage electrical power systems preferred.
Experience creating and reviewing DFMEA and PFMEA process and documents preferred.
Experience developing projects within a Stage-Gate Process.
Professional Engineering License (P.E.)
6+ years of experience
Experience with data centers, electric utility, generation, and/or oil & gas applications
2D and 3D CAD skills with a software tool
Participation in industry organizations (associations, standards committees, etc.) to stay informed of and to influence industry activities a plus.

Responsibilities

Propose concepts and develop complex level designs for both existing and new product lines.
Develop innovative designs that meet profit, cost, quality, and time-to-market metrics.
Determine and specify design parameters, validate according to standards, and prepare documentation.
Investigate patentable concepts.
Participate in validation and testing of components/system or assemblies in the development and validation process.
Develop test plans based on D/PFMEA, project specifications, industry standards, and reliability and validation requirements for both internal and external laboratories.
Participate in laboratory testing, analysis of data, and create corrective action plans.
Ensure project designs meet requirements of specification and standards while promoting error proof assembly.
Prepare written documentation of processes, material requirements, test results, and project activity as required.
Understand and enforce regulatory document requirements.
Interface with outside vendors, consultants, and customers.
Work with third-party vendors to develop high-quality, lowest-cost design options.
Continuously improve engineering processes including DFX, project and product costs, quality, and project lead times.
Collaborate and provide Engineering support to Customer Projects, and support Sales/Product Management and Manufacturing on new products and processes.
Participate in and facilitate Product Development Process.