Principal Power Electronics Engineer in Farnham, United Kingdom
The role of Principal Power Electronics Engineer is key in the development of the electronics within
the in-wheel motor range, throughout the entire lifecycle of the products. With ownership of power electronics development, you will lead the end-to-end delivery of EV traction power electronics systems, providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams from concept definition through production launch.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, although are not limited to the following:
1. Key Ownership
Ownership of the power electronics development, technical strategy and influences on roadmap
Accountable for achievement of efficiency, power density, reliability, and performance targets
Technical risk identification and mitigation
Mentoring and coaching senior and junior engineers
Supporting industrialisation from concept through high-volume production
2. Key Design Responsibilities
Drive the end-to-end development of EV traction inverter systems (50 kW to 300 kW, 400 V/800 V
platforms), providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams from concept
through production launch.
Drive the design and review inverter power stages using IGBT and/or SiC MOSFET technologies.
Drive the power semiconductor characterisation and integration with gate drivers.
Key design decisions, and technical trade-offs (efficiency, cost, power density, reliability)
Specify and develop gate drive circuits, SMPS circuit, DC-link, current/voltage sensing, and
Perform detailed electrical, thermal and electromagnetics simulations (SPICE, PLECS, FEA).
Analyse switching losses, conduction losses, short‑circuit behaviour, and fault responses.
4. Thermal & Mechanical Integration
Collaborate with mechanical teams to define thermal architecture and conduct thermal design.
Ensure power semiconductor junction temperature targets and lifetime models are met.
5. Validation & Testing
Lead prototypes bring‑up, hardware debugging, and root‑cause failure analysis.
Define and execute DV / PV test plans (electrical, thermal, environmental).
Support EMC/EMI troubleshooting and compliance testing.
6. Safety Compliance
Support inverter development in accordance with ISO 26262 and automotive safety processes.
Ensure proper creepage, clearance, and insulation coordination in line with automotive HV safety standards
7. Cross‑Functional & Supplier Collaboration
Work closely with controls/software, motor, mechanical, vehicle integration, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Lead or support technical discussions with Tier‑2 suppliers and external partners.
Support sourcing decisions, cost optimization, and design reviews.
Control electronics and EMC responsibility when project requires
8. Production & Quality Support
Support design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for test (DFT).
Support production launch, field issues, and continuous improvement activities.
We value and measure ourselves against the following ‘Best-Self’ Behaviours:
Will to Win: we succeed by delivering to customers; on time, on quality, and on cost
Pioneering: we are passionate about the technology
Working Together: we can rely on each other, and others can rely on us
Personally Responsible: we do what needs doing, when it needs doing
With Integrity: we are honest, open and respectful
Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following relevant skills and behaviours:
Exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties set out above
Ability to communicate verbally and through technical documentation in English
Exhibit sound interpersonal skills including interfacing, coordinating and negotiating with company personnel, customers and suppliers
Utilise computer skills to prepare and review appropriate reports and documents
Make decisions using sound judgment while complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles and applicable laws and regulations
Ability to self-motivate and work with minimal oversight
Candidates should assess their suitability against the following essential and/or desirable relevant
knowledge and experience:
Master’s degree in Power Electronic Engineering or other relevant subjects
A minimum of 8 years’ experience in R&D of inverters for electric motors
Practical experience of design, test and evaluation of 400V+ high voltage and 50kW to 300kW
Solid SiC / GaN and gate driver application and integration knowledge
Strong Electrical, thermal or electromagnetics modelling and simulation
Multiple journeys through complete development life cycles
Practical PCBA schematic and layout software experience
Knowledge of Insulation Coordination
EMC design, verification and troubleshooting
Electromagnetic FEA simulation experience
Familiarity with relevant automotive legislation, standards and guidelines
Understanding of motor control and sensors
Calculation of component stress & de-rating and reliability estimation
Design for functional safety to ISO26262
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