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. Posted position does not allow for relocation or sponsorship assistance.

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 Components or Mechanism Design, castings, and metal fabricated 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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