Power Electronics Design Engineer – KTP Associate

School of Engineering & Innovation

This Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project aims to develop High-Voltage, Fault Managed Power Systems (HVFMPS) for use in commercial and domestic environments to reduce costs in installation and operation in comparison with conventional mains power systems.

There is an increasing requirement for High-Voltage (≤1000Vdc), Fault Managed Power Systems (HVFMPS) for use in commercial and domestic applications. The key benefits of a HVFMPS system are its lower cost of installation and maintenance, as well as its higher efficiency and hence greener credentials.

The project is strategic for IST as the HVFMPS complements the current product portfolio like the low voltage SELV product range.

Candidate Profile: MSc in Power Electronics, or undergraduate qualification in Electrical\Electronic Engineering with equivalent industrial experience in power electronics.

Skills/ experience required include:

• Design, build and test of high-frequency DC-DC converters up to 600V.
• Use of software tools such as PSCAD, Spice, MATLAB/SIMULINK.
• Embedded control design using DSPs, microcontrollers and/or FPGAs.

Desirable:

• Familiarity of domestic wiring regulations
• Experience with Gallium Nitride (GaN) MOSFETs in switched-mode power supplies.

Main responsibilities: 

• Conducting a full technical and Regulatory Review
• Development of requirements Specification and Design of a Managed Intelligent Digital Power Affordable Solution (MIDPAS)
• Development of power converter electronics and control system hardware and software
• Building and testing of prototype MIDPAS
• Commercialisation activities to ensure affordability of the ultimate design.

Personal attributes:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently.
• Analytical thinking, problem solving and proactivity.
• Ability to engage with customers and distributors.
• Leadership and maturity to deliver the KTP project and ensure it achieves agreed milestones and objectives.
• Project management skills and experience would be an advantage.

Additional Benefits and support:

• Up to £4000 for professional and personal development for the duration of the project
• Annual leave (25 days p/a)
• Professional support and mentorship
• Mental Health and wellbeing support: https://www.aston.ac.uk/staff-public/hr/Benefits-and-Rewards/health-wellbeing

Career prospects: 

60% of our KTP associates are being offered employment by the companies at the end of the KTP project.

This is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Integrated System Technologies and Innovate UK. It is essential you understand how KTP works and the vital role you will play if you secure this position. To learn more please visit: www.aston.ac.uk/ktp

The Company: Integrated System Technologies Ltd (ISTL) design and manufacture world-leading, flicker-free iDrive LED drivers, Serenity(r) healthy LED lighting solutions and iMune control systems for intelligent building lighting installations. ISTL has a track record of developing systems based around off the shelf devices, for smart building power distribution applications. This project would leverage SELV experience to deliver a low cost and easy installation solutions for the DC Grid and power market.

More about the company: https://istl.com/    

Aston University: You will work in a project team with Dr Richard Nock, Senior Lecturer in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Dr Andrew Cross, Reader, Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Aston University, the Senior Management Team at ISTL with the support of the IUK’s Knowledge Transfer Adviser.  

*Location: You will be based predominantly at ISTL in Lichfield (Staffordshire). And will also have access to facilities at Aston University in central Birmingham. Some travel to trainings and key clients may also be required.

*Public transport around the company’s premises is limited and it is therefore recommended that applicants have a driving license, as daily office presence is required.

For informal enquiries about this role please contact Dr Andrew Cross, e-mail: a.cross1@aston.ac.uk  

If you think this isn’t the right opportunity for you, please explore other KTP vacancies across the country: https://www.ktp-uk.org/jobs/   

The salary and job description for this role are likely to meet the requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa. Please see the Home Office Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job

Further details:
Job Details
University Information

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk