Senior R&D Engineer II

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.
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