Part-Time Power Electronics Engineer – Solar Inverters and Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors
About Us:
PeraWatt Energy is a growing company aiming to revolutionize power electronic systems to enhance solar energy efficiency by developing a next-generation soft magnetic material. This innovative soft magnetic material is a recipient of the prestigious R&D 100 Award.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a part-time Power Electronics Engineer with significant experience in the solar industry to support the design, testing, and optimization of our innovative DC/AC converter prototype, contingent upon our receipt of a Department of Energy (DOE) SBIR/STTR Phase 1 grant. A contingent offer would be made in mid to late January 2025. The projected grant project start date is in September, 2025.
This role involves hands-on involvement in testing, analyzing, and improving the performance of our technology, ensuring it meets the efficiency, reliability, and manufacturability goals outlined in the grant project.
Applicants in academia and/or the solar industry are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with our Executive team to design and execute testing protocols for the DC/AC converter prototype, integrating ultra wide- and/or wide-band gap semiconductors and novel soft magnetic materials.
Analyze and optimize the converter’s performance for efficiency, power density, and reliability, using multi-physics modeling and simulation tools.
Provide guidance on best practices for integrating wide-bandgap semiconductors, including SiC and GaN, into power electronic systems.
Identify and address potential technical challenges, particularly related to high-frequency operation, thermal management, and system reliability.
Assist in interpreting test data, benchmarking results, and preparing technical documentation for grant reporting and commercialization efforts.
Offer insights into advanced inverter topologies, planar magnetics, and grid-support functionalities to enhance the system's design and compatibility with solar and energy storage applications.
Qualifications:
Advanced degree (Ph.D. or Master’s) in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field. Alternatively, significant industry experience in power electronics and solar inverter development.
Proven expertise in solar inverters, DC/AC converters, wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies (SiC, GaN), or related fields.
Familiarity with modeling tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, or similar platforms for multi-physics simulation and design optimization.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strong ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Due to the nature of this DOE-funded SBIR/STTR project, applicants must be U.S.-based U.S. citizens to comply with federal regulations governing access to sensitive technologies and research.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a research capacity (e.g., university lab, national lab) or in the solar energy industry.
Previous involvement in SBIR/STTR-funded projects or similar grant-based initiatives.
Knowledge of soft magnetic materials and their role in power electronics.
Compensation:
Hourly rate or prorated salary based on experience
How to Apply:
Interested candidates (including professors and graduate students) should submit a CV highlighting their relevant experience, availability, and relevant publications. If applying as a professor-student team, please indicate your team's proposed structure and roles.
For any questions, feel free to contact Edson Perez at ewp14@georgetown.edu.
Join us in advancing cutting-edge solar technologies and shaping the future of renewable energy systems!