Product Development Engineer-Automotive

Job Summary

Vicor is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Product Development Engineer for its automotive power modules and systems targeted at Electric Vehicle (EV) and Automotive applications. You will work on some of Vicor's fastest-growing and most dynamic product lines serving the global shift toward electrification. 
This position provides direct exposure to new products and technologies, with opportunities to innovate and mature solutions that represent cutting edge technology in power conversion module system design. These modules push the limits of density, efficiency and dynamic response using state of the art topologies and packaging to manage energy flow between battery, charging station, and auxiliary systems in automotive applications.

Job Description

The Product Development Engineer will be involved in the definition of new power components, verification testing of new systems, the design and prototyping of test boards and reference designs, development of product collateral such as application notes and tools, and direct customer support, ensuring the successful integration and optimal utilization of Vicor Modules within their systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in power electronics system level design, test and troubleshooting, demonstrated strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage critical customer relationships and complex product initiatives.

Responsibilities:    
•    Strategic Product Definition: Collaborate proactively with engineering team and field application team to ensure product specifications are aligned with evolving customer needs and market opportunities. Prepare new product proposals and comprehensive design specifications, translating market and customer requirements into technical requirements.
•    NPI Process Support: Lead new product development activities, guiding products through the entire NPI process from concept to Release-to-Production (RTP), ensuring on-time delivery and market competitiveness.
•    System Validation: Develop system test boards, comprehensive test plans, bench automation, and test results documentation to support system verification, ensuring customer requirements are met. 
•    System Design: Provide technical support for the design, development, and implementation of power electronics solutions across the automotive portfolio. Perform detailed electrical and analysis for power electronics solutions targeting high-voltage, bi-directional DC/DC converter applications (e.g., 400V/800V to 12V/48V).
•    Customer Design and Integration: Serve as a technical resource between Vicor and its strategic automotive customers. Proactively support the design-in of new and existing products into complex automotive applications, including technical proposals, reference schematics, design reviews, and troubleshooting.
•    Model and Tool Development: Define and assist to develop state of the art models and tools to help customers select, design, and optimize their power solutions using Vicor Modules. 
•    Market Readiness: Develop and deliver all technical collateral, including datasheets, user guide, reference designs, and application notes, necessary for a successful product launch.
•    Technical Training: Develop and deliver technical training material on new products and systems to Field Application Engineers (FAEs) and global sales teams.
•    Collaboration: Partner closely with Sales, Marketing, and Engineering teams to ensure seamless project execution and maximum customer satisfaction.

Education / Qualifications

•    Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
•    Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of experience in power electronics engineering, preferably involving Automotive or Electric Vehicle (EV) power systems and high-voltage DC/DC solutions (e.g., battery chargers, bi-directional converters).
•    Technical Expertise: Design, analysis, and hands-on validation of power electronics systems using Vicor Modules. This includes advanced bench testing and troubleshooting to resolve complex issues. Expertise extends to power management and the application of high-voltage and bi-directional DC/DC converter topologies. Proficiency in multi-layer PCB design techniques for performance optimization.
•    EMI Filter Design: Familiarity with industry EMI standards and test methods. Experience designing, troubleshooting and testing filters for compliance including magnetics design and high frequency low noise PCB layout.
•    Software Proficiency: Proficiency in power electronics design and simulation software, such as LTspice, SIMPLIS, Altium, Power DC/Power SI or similar tools.
•    Communication Skills: Ability to effectively present complex technical topics to internal and external audiences of different backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications
•    Direct experience with high-power and high-frequency power electronics.
•    Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality assurance processes for automotive industry.

•    Experience with Python for bench automation

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Vicor is an EO employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability

Compensation Data

Salary Range: $105,000 - $130,000
Please note: This range is based on our current market driven pay structures. Individual salaries are determined based upon a variety of factors including but not limited to, a candidates overall qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience as well as company internal equity.