Power Electronics Hardware Engineer - Wind Turbine Controllers

Role Description

We are seeking a Power Electronics Hardware Engineer to design the power conversion architecture for small-scale (1kW to 3kW) wind turbine MPPT controllers. This role focuses on the physical hardware necessary to safely and efficiently manage AC current generated by the turbine, convert it, and regulate it for battery charging or grid tying. You will be responsible for component selection, PCB design, and ensuring the robust thermal and electrical performance of the controller under variable wind loads.

Key Responsibilities

• Hardware Architecture: Design and develop the power electronics circuitry, specifically focusing on AC-DC rectification and DC-DC converter topologies (Buck, Boost, or Buck-Boost) optimized for wind applications.
• Turbine Control & Safety: Implement hardware-level protection circuits, including dynamic braking systems and dump load diversion to protect the turbine during high wind events or battery-full states.
• Component Selection: Select high-reliability switching components (MOSFETs, IGBTs), gate drivers, and passive components tailored for high-efficiency power conversion.
• PCB Design & Thermal Management: Layout multi-layer PCBs prioritizing signal integrity, power routing, and heat dissipation for high-current pathways.
• Prototyping & Bench Testing: Assemble, test, and debug initial hardware prototypes, using oscilloscopes and electronic loads to validate power efficiency and stability.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Skill / Competency

Description

Power Conversion Topologies

Deep understanding of AC-DC and DC-DC converter design, particularly in variable-input renewable energy contexts.

PCB Design Software

Proficiency in EDA tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, or OrCAD for schematic capture and PCB layout.

Hardware Troubleshooting

Hands-on experience bench-testing power electronics, identifying EMI/EMC issues, and managing thermal constraints.

Wind System Knowledge

Familiarity with the electrical characteristics of wind turbine generators (specifically alternating current outputs).