RESEARCH ENGINEER - SR. RESEARCH ENGINEER - Power Electronics Engineer

Who We Are: The Rotating Machinery Section within the Mechanical Engineering Division develops novel turbomachinery, components, and test rigs to support a wide variety of clients. Objectives of this Role: Design, specify, and integrate power electronic systems (including VFDs, drives, and related controls) to support advanced test rigs and turbomachinery applications, ensuring safe and reliable operation of motors and auxiliary equipment.

Collaborate with mechanical and rotordynamics engineers to tightly couple electrical drive systems with rotating machinery, enabling precise speed/torque control, advanced diagnostics, and safe operation through critical and off-design conditions. Analyze and mitigate electrical and electromagnetic interaction issues (harmonics, power quality, motor heating, EMI/EMC) to protect equipment, improve system efficiency, and ensure robust operation over a wide operating envelope.

Develop laboratory and test facility electrical architectures (power distribution, protection, grounding, and controls) that meet applicable codes and standards while enabling flexible, high-performance experimental configurations. Document designs, test results, and system performance in formal reports and presentations, clearly communicating technical findings and recommendations to clients, project teams, and industry partners.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities: Design, specify, and model power electronic systems (VFDs, drives, motor controls, and protection schemes) for laboratory and test facility applications. Develop one-line diagrams, wiring schematics, and panel layouts, and generate detailed documentation and bills of material for procurement and fabrication. Perform electrical analyses (load flow, short-circuit, coordination, harmonics, grounding, and power quality) to validate designs and ensure safe, reliable operation.

Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and upgrades of motors, drives, and lab electrical systems in collaboration with mechanical, controls, and test engineers. Prepare brief technical updates and periodic reports for internal teams and clients. Contribute to publications and presentations to grow SwRI’s capabilities in power electronics and electrical systems.

Requirements: Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering. PhD with graduate experience in electronics design and analysis is highly desired. Those with a Masters degree require 1 year of related professional experience, those with a PhD do not require any industry experience. 2+ years: Experience in power electronics design and analysis, must have an interest or academic experience in design and development of radial and axial turbomachinery. Strong Communication skills, successfully in a team setting and ability to creatively solve problems as a team. A valid/clear driver's license is required.