Senior R&D Electrical Engineer

Powell Industries, Inc. is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Senior R&D Engineer to assist in developing and validating new product designs for power distribution equipment, including circuit breaker switchgear, from concept to full production, as well as continuation engineering on existing product lines.

Position Summary

Powell is looking for a Sr R&D Engineer to join their Houston Office and support in developing the Company’s next product low voltage and medium voltage equipment brands, support existing product and project change requests, laboratory test and analysis at their high voltage/high current onsite laboratory, and to participate in industry and regulatory standard development.
 

Supervision

Position does not have direct reports. Position requires to oversee work of other engineers, laboratory test engineers, and designers on a project basis.”
 

Essential Responsibilities

• Propose concepts and develop complex level designs for both existing and new product lines. 

• Develop 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. 

• Participate in 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. 

• Participate in 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. 

• Collaborate and provide Engineering support to Customer Projects, and support Sales/Product Management and Manufacturing on new products and processes. 

• Participate in and facilitate Product Development Process

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering. 

• 4+ years of progressive experience in Engineering design and/or development on technical and innovative projects. 

• Strong technical knowledge in the following categories per discipline:

• Electrical: Circuit Breakers, Instrument Transformers, Switchgear, Load Centers , Power Systems. 

• Mechanical: Molded Components or Mechanism Design, castings, and metal fabricated parts. 

• Working knowledge of electromechanical product design and development. 

• Working knowledge of switchgear and controls. 

• Experience with medium/high voltage electrical power systems preferred. 

• Experience creating and reviewing DFMEA and PFMEA process and documents preferred. 

• Experience developing projects within a Stage-Gate Process.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineering License (P.E.)

• 6+ years of experience

• Experience with data centers, electric utility, generation, and/or oil & gas applications

• 2D and 3D CAD skills with a software tool

Skills:

• Able to prioritize and manage time effectively. (Self-motivated and self-managing). 

• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving ability. 

• 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. 

• 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

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