Power Converter Engineer

Company Overview:

A leading global designer and manufacturer of direct drive wind turbines, active in Europe, North America, and Asia, established in 2004 and based in the Netherlands. The company offers a broad product portfolio of onshore direct-drive wind turbines.

Job Summary:

As a Power Converter Engineer, you will be responsible for the design, development, and optimization of power conversion systems for direct-drive wind turbines featuring back-to-back converters. This role requires a deep understanding of power electronics, control systems, and renewable energy technologies to enhance the performance, efficiency, and reliability of wind energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop power conversion systems for direct drive wind turbines, focusing on back-to-back converter configuration.
• Perform detailed simulations and modeling of power converter systems to optimize performance and efficiency.
• Develop control strategies for power converters to ensure stable and efficient operation under various wind conditions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and control engineers, to integrate power converters with wind turbine systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to evaluate new converter technologies and design improvements.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for power converters to ensure they meet design specifications and performance criteria before deployment.
• Provide technical support to the service team during the commissioning of power converters.
• Monitor and analyze the performance of power conversion systems in operational wind turbines, identifying areas for enhancement and troubleshooting issues.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations in the design and implementation of power converters.
• Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications, test plans, and performance reports.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in power electronics and renewable energy technologies, incorporating new findings into design practices.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications are highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in power electronics design, particularly in the renewable energy sector.
• Proficiency in power converter design and power system design tools and simulation software (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, PowerFactory, PSCAD).
• Proficiency in programming for embedded applications using C/C++.
• Strong understanding of control systems for power converters and experience with digital signal processing (DSP) or microcontroller-based control.
• Familiarity with the operation and control of direct drive wind turbines and back-to-back converter systems.
• Develop and implement strategies for integrating diverse power converter topologies into renewable energy systems like solar PV, biomass, and energy storage.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot complex power electronics issues.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and preparing technical documentation.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations related to power electronics and renewable energy systems.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing and validation of power converter systems.
• Familiarity with grid integration and compliance requirements for renewable energy systems.
• Fluent in English, with Dutch or any additional language being advantageous.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based with occasional visits to manufacturing facilities and wind turbine/microgrid sites for testing and troubleshooting.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and control engineers.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading company in the renewable energy sector.
• A dynamic, innovative, supportive work environment committed to sustainable energy solutions.

If this is something of interest, apply now or please contact me on courtney.cole@darwinrecruitment.com as all CV's will be reviewed immediately!

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.