Job Description

Powell Industries, a US manufacturer of low- and medium-voltage electrical equipment for commercial, industrial, and utility systems is seeking highly motivated candidates for a Senior R&D Engineer II as part of an expansion of New Product Development in our Research and Development Department.  In this role, you will work with a team of experienced professionals to develop groundbreaking new technologies and product designs, taking initial concepts through to production launch.

Powell’s products include class-leading vacuum circuit breakers, monitoring, sensing and control electronics, communications and software systems, switchgear, motor control, and safety-focused enclosure systems. Powell’s 75-year leadership in vacuum switching technology and arc-flash safety is widely known and in use globally, while being designed and manufactured in multiple facilities in the US, Canada and the UK.  One of our three Houston-area manufacturing facilities also includes a world-class prototyping shop and UL-certified high voltage and high current lab, where you will be able to model and validate the performance of your designs in real time.

Expectations

• Propose concepts and develop complex level designs for both existing and new product lines. 
• Deliver innovative designs that meet profit, cost, quality, and time-to-market metrics.
• Determine and specify design parameters, validate according to standards, and prepare documentation. 
• Investigate patentable concepts.
• Oversee validation and testing of components/system or assemblies in the development and validation process.
• Develop test plans based on D/PFMEA, project specifications, industry standards, and reliability and validation requirements for both internal and external laboratories. 
• Direct laboratory testing, analysis of data, and create corrective action plans. 
• Ensure project designs meet requirements of specification and standards while promoting error-proof assembly. 
• Prepare written documentation of processes, material requirements, test results, and project activity as required. 
• Understand and enforce regulatory document requirements.
• Interface with outside vendors, consultants, and customers.
• Work with third-party vendors to develop high-quality, lowest-cost design options.
• Continuously improve engineering processes including DFX, project and product costs, quality, and project lead times.
• Actively collaborate and provide Engineering support to Sales/Product Management and Manufacturing on new products and processes.
• Actively participate in and facilitate Product Development Process.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or Power Engineering.      Advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Engineering design and/or development on highly technical and innovative projects.  
• Able to prioritize and manage time effectively. (Self-motivated and self-managing).  
• Working knowledge of electromechanical product design and development. 
• Working knowledge of switchgear and/or controls. 
• Experience with medium/high voltage electrical power systems 
• Demonstrated complex analytical and problem solving ability. 
• Working knowledge of CAD and/or analysis tools. 
• Working knowledge of regulatory standards (ANSI, IEEE, and IEC). 
• Experience creating and reviewing DFMEA and PFMEA process and documents. 
• Experience developing projects within a Stage-Gate Process. 
• Participation in industry organizations (associations, standards committees, etc.) to stay informed of and to influence industry activities a plus. 
• Proven experience with computers; Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, or equivalents 
• Strong technical knowledge in the following categories per discipline:
  • Electrical: Current and Voltage Sensors, Power Systems. 
  • Mechanical-molded parts 
• Demonstrated ability to write/edit technical documents; test reports, engineering standards, industry technical papers. 
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to quickly respond to strategic and tactical changes. 

Working Environment

The employee typically performs duties in a normal office environment. There will be some work in our manufacturing shop facilities, as well as in our electrical test lab.

#LI-CAB