Chief Electrical and Power Conversion Engineer

What you will do as the Chief Electrical & Power Conversion Engineer

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Electrical and Power Conversion Systems
• Oversee the design and development of electrical systems for BESS, including integration of central and string inverters.
• Define and oversee the electrical system architecture, including AC and DC interconnection, grounding, and protection systems for the BESS enclosure.
• Optimize power conversion systems to enhance efficiency, reliability, and compliance with grid standards.
• Ensure seamless integration of inverters with battery modules, energy management systems (EMS), and battery management systems (BMS).
• Instrumentation and Controls Engineering
• Develop and implement advanced instrumentation systems to monitor and control electrical, thermal, and mechanical parameters within BESS enclosures.
• Oversee the design and implementation of sensing, measurement, and feedback systems to ensure real-time system performance monitoring.
• Develop fail-safe and fault-tolerant controls to maintain operational integrity under dynamic grid conditions.


System Integration and BESS Enclosure Design
• Collaborate with mechanical and thermal teams to ensure cohesive design of BESS enclosures, focusing on electrical layout, noise mitigation, and thermal management.
• Oversee the design of electrical subsystems within the enclosure, including switchgear, busbars, wiring, and cable management.
• Ensure proper design validation and testing to ensure the BESS enclosure meets safety, thermal, and environmental standards.
• Drive Innovation and Technology Development
• Drive advancements in instrumentation, controls, and power conversion technologies to enhance system performance and scalability.
• Evaluate emerging trends in inverter topologies, sensors, and automation technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Support the development of smart BESS solutions, integrating predictive analytics and condition-based monitoring.


Technical Leadership
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) and Technical Authority for electrical, controls, and power conversion systems across the organization.
• Mentor and guide engineering teams to build expertise in instrumentation, electrical, and controls engineering for BESS.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to establish and enforce technical standards and best practices.


Quality, Safety and Compliance
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards, including UL, IEC, IEEE, and NEC requirements.
• Lead failure analysis and implement corrective actions for instrumentation, electrical, and controls systems.
• Establish robust processes for design reviews, testing, and documentation.

What you will bring to Fluence:

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Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).


Experience:
• 10+ years of experience in power conversion, electrical, controls, or instrumentation engineering, with a focus on BESS or related fields.
• Proven track record in the design and validation of inverters, electrical systems, and controls architectures.
• Strong understanding of BESS enclosure design, including electrical layout, thermal management, and safety systems.


Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in power electronics, inverter topologies, and control systems.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA, and communication protocols like Modbus, CAN, and Ethernet.
• Skilled in instrumentation systems, including sensors, transducers, and real-time monitoring solutions.
• Familiarity with electrical simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS) and CAD software.
• Knowledge of standards and codes such as IEEE 1547, UL 1741, IEC 62109, and NEC.


Soft Skills:
• Strong leadership and communication abilities to align cross-functional teams.
• Analytical mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Passion for mentoring and developing high-performing engineering teams.


Travel: 25-40% domestic and international travel may be required.