Sr. Electromagnetics Design Engineer

Novanta Inc.•Apex, NC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is part of Novanta’s Robotics & Automation group and is one of the company’s core capability pillars. This group focuses on delivering ultra‑precise, high‑reliability motion, sensing, and robotic end‑of‑arm technologies designed for mission‑critical applications across advanced manufacturing, surgical robotics, logistics automation, and emerging humanoid systems. As a Senior Electromagnetics Design Engineer, you'll lead the design of high-performance inductive position sensors and encoders as well as electric motors, serving as a technical leader across both disciplines. You'll provide technical leadership on critical projects. You'll contribute to strategic planning and may serve as a technical advisor. You'll also evaluate and recommend emerging technologies. As a Sr. Electromagnetic Design Engineer, you will report directly to the Engineering Manager.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electromechanical engineering, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred); 8+ years of combined experience in electromagnetic sensor/position-sensing design and/or electric motor design.
Demonstrated hands-on experience designing inductive (resonant/eddy-current) position sensors or encoders, including coil/PCB sensor pattern design, target design, and integration of sensing ICs/ASICs, OR designing electric motors (BLDC, PMSM, induction), including magnetic circuit design and winding configuration — experience in both areas strongly preferred.
Proficient in electromagnetic FEA tools for coil, target, and magnetic circuit simulation (e.g., Ansys Maxwell); working knowledge of signal-processing/interpolation techniques for position sensing (ratiometric calculation, SIN/COS interpolation) preferred.
Working knowledge of PCB design constraints and electronics/firmware integration for sensor ICs.
Experience with electric motor design principles (BLDC, PMSM, induction, synchronous) is equally valued; Novanta will provide cross-training between motor design and inductive sensing disciplines for candidates who are strong in one area and newer to the other.
Proficient in 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD), and able to mentor less experienced engineers.
Familiarity with applicable industry standards and regulatory compliance requirements (UL, CSA, CE, IEC, IEEE, NEMA).
Advanced problem-solving using rigorous logic and methods with effective outcomes
Advanced decision-making skills using analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment
Advanced project management, communication, and presentation abilities.
Ability and willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and practices across both inductive sensing and electric motor design disciplines

Nice To Haves

working knowledge of signal-processing/interpolation techniques for position sensing (ratiometric calculation, SIN/COS interpolation)
experience in both inductive sensor/encoder design and electric motor design areas

Responsibilities

Lead design of inductive (resonant/eddy-current) position sensors and encoders—including coil/PCB sensor pattern design, target design, and sensing IC/ASIC integration—from concept through production release.
Optimize sensor coil/target geometries and motor magnetic circuits using electromagnetic FEA to achieve required accuracy, resolution, torque/efficiency targets, and immunity to misalignment, stray magnetic fields, and environmental variation.
Validate inductive sensor and motor designs through prototype build, bench characterization, and correlation of simulation results with physical test data across operating conditions (gap, tilt, temperature, EMI, load, speed).
Develop and maintain technology roadmaps for inductive sensing/encoder and electric motor product lines; evaluate emerging sensing and motor technologies and benchmark competitor solutions.
Lead design of electric motors (BLDC, PMSM, induction), including magnetic circuit design, winding configuration, and FEA-based electromagnetic analysis, from concept through production release.
Ensure sensor and motor designs comply with applicable industry and regulatory standards (e.g., UL, CSA, CE, IEC, NEMA) and internal safety requirements.
Own project planning, execution, and on-time delivery, collaborating with cross-functional teams (PMO, hardware, firmware, manufacturing, quality, sales, and operations) to meet cost, schedule, and Voice-of-Customer requirements.
Create and maintain engineering documentation; serve as the subject matter expert and technical advisor on electromagnetic sensing and motor design; mentor and train less experienced engineers.