Power Electronics Design Lead for Electric Vehicle Traction Systems

Power Electronics Design Lead -Traction

Power Electronics Design Lead  – Traction Converter (Electric Vehicles) – P9

Role Overview

Power Electronics Design Lead is responsible to spearhead the end-to-end development and integration of high-voltage traction converter for electric vehicles.

The role involves defining system architecture, leading power electronics design, integrating motor control strategies, ensuring functional safety compliance, and driving certification readiness for automotive production.

The candidate must possess deep expertise in power electronics, system-level understanding, automotive software architecture (AUTOSAR), drive cycles, and OEM development processes.

Key Responsibilities

1. System Architecture & Technical Leadership

• Define traction converter system architecture (HV inverter, AC-DC, DC-DC stages as applicable)
• Select and justify converter topology (2-level, 3-level, SiC-based, multi-phase, etc.)
• Develop system requirements, functional specifications, and interface control documents (ICDs)
• Define electrical, thermal, mechanical, and communication interfaces
• Perform trade-off analysis (efficiency, EMI, cost, reliability, scalability)

 2. Power Electronics Design

• Lead design of:
  • High-voltage DC-AC traction inverter
  • Onboard AC-DC converters
  • DC-DC converters in vehicle platforms
• Semiconductor selection (SiC MOSFET / IGBT modules)
• Gate driver architecture (dv/dt immunity, Miller clamp, short-circuit protection)
• Switching loss & conduction loss modelling
• Thermal modelling and cooling strategy definition
• Magnetics and busbar design optimization

3. Motor Control & Drive Cycle Understanding

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Field-Oriented Control (FOC)
  • Torque & speed control strategies
  • Regenerative braking integration
  • Sensorless control techniques
• Understand and optimize performance across:
  • WLTP drive cycles
  • FTP-75
  • Indian MIDC drive cycle
• Efficiency mapping and inverter-motor optimization across full torque-speed envelope
• Support HIL validation and drive-cycle-based testing

4. AUTOSAR & Embedded System Integration

• Good understanding of AUTOSAR architecture (Classic Platform preferred)
• Define software-hardware interface architecture
• Collaborate with embedded software teams on:
  • PWM implementation
  • Diagnostic services (UDS)
  • CAN / CAN-FD communication
  • Safety monitoring & state management
• Support integration into vehicle E/E architecture

5. Functional Safety & Compliance

• Lead ISO 26262 activities (ASIL C/D preferred)
• Define safety goals, safety concepts, and hardware safety mechanisms
• Implement diagnostic coverage strategies
• Support FMEA, FMEDA, DFMEA processes
• Ensure compliance with:
  • CISPR 25 (EMI)
  • ISO 11452 (Immunity)
  • UNECE R100 / R10
  • OEM-specific standards

6. EMI/EMC & Reliability Engineering

• Define EMI-conscious layout and grounding strategy
• Design input/output filters and shielding solutions
• Lead pre-compliance and certification testing
• Oversee validation testing:
  • Thermal shock
  • Vibration & mechanical shock
  • Power cycling
  • Environmental durability
• Root cause analysis and corrective action implementation

7. Testing, Validation & OEM Engagement

• Define DV/PV validation plans
• Lead prototype builds and debug campaigns
• Support APQP, PPAP documentation
• Direct technical interaction with OEM engineering teams
• Participate in design reviews and technical audits

8. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
  • Mechanical & thermal teams
  • Embedded software teams
  • Manufacturing & quality
  • Supply chain & sourcing
• Drive cost optimization and DFM/DFMEA initiatives

Required Technical Skills

Experience: 10+ Years
Qualification: M.Tech in Power Electronics / Electrical Engineering / Drives & Control or equivalent

• 10+ years in high-power electronics design
• Minimum 5 years in EV traction inverter or high-power automotive systems
• Strong expertise in:
  • 400V–1000V HV systems
  • SiC/IGBT-based traction inverters
  • AC-DC and DC-DC automotive converters
  • Motor drives and control
• Knowledge of AUTOSAR-based system integration
• Experience with drive cycle analysis and efficiency optimization
• Proficiency in simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, LTspice)
• Strong hands-on lab debugging capability

Required Experience

• Prior experience with automotive OEMs or Tier-1 suppliers
• Experience in full product lifecycle (Concept → SOP)
• Exposure to ISO 26262 processes
• Experience in EMI/EMC validation and certification
• Familiarity with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949 preferred)

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong technical leadership
• Structured system thinking
• Ownership mindset
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills
• Ability to drive complex development programs

Preferred

• Experience with 800V EV platforms
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Exposure to system cost modelling (?/kW optimization)
• Experience with integrated e-axle systems