Motor Control Engineer

Calnetix is an engineering and manufacturing company located in Southern California, committed to making a positive contribution to society and the environment by changing the way the world harvests and utilizes energy. We are focused on developing, manufacturing, and delivering advanced energy solutions for commercial applications throughout the world and for mission-critical applications for the United States Government and its Prime Contractors. Calnetix thrives on innovation and meeting new challenges. In partnership with OEMs, we utilize innovative, proprietary high-speed electric motor-generator technologies to develop next-generation, power-dense and energy-efficient products that reduce energy consumption, harmful emissions and enhance energy security.

We are seeking a Motor Control Engineer that will be responsible for all aspects of control development for power electronics and motor drive applications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop motor control algorithms and firmware that spans across Calnetix motor/generator products.
• Design and simulate algorithms for controlling of electric motors/generators, and power converters.
• The ideal person for this role will have a blend of experience with embedded C and classical control theory (motor control) looking to leverage their passion for firmware and control algorithm development.
• Implementation of control algorithms for motor drive applications in embedded C/C++. This may involve auto-coding from the derived control simulation, hand coding and coding of the hardware abstraction layer.
• Experience with embedded ARM/C2000 and motor control modules within ARM/C2000 micro controllers.
• Work with system design team and firmware team to integrate control algorithms into the control systems.
• Work with firmware team to develop reusable device drivers and application Libraries.
• Develop test plan, perform validation test and ensure compliance with specification.
• Perform hands on work encompassing testing, tuning, and troubleshooting of existing and new motors/generators and power electronics controllers.
• Lead the activities of control hardware in-the-loop (C-HIL) test setup and simulation environments.
• Analyze performance data and make recommendations for improvements.
• Participate in all aspects of product development, including design, prototyping, development, testing, and manufacturing.
• Assist with part selection, board and product design.

Education, Skills and Experience:

• BSc or MSc in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering or Computer Science and having 5 years of industry experience. PhD is a plus.
• Strong background of at least 5 years in control design for motor drive applications and its embedded firmware development in C/C++. Experience with power electronics control development is plus.
• Deep knowledge of high-performance motor control algorithms and software including various formulations of field-oriented control and direct torque/flux control.
• Hands on experience of field-oriented control, flux estimation methods, sensorless and resolver-based controls, 3-phase power control, and control system design.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink/Plecs. Model-based design using Matlab/Simulink/Plecs (modeling and simulation of electric drives, and inverter fault handling) is a plus.
• Skilled in classical and advanced control system theory, including modeling, simulation, stability analysis, control loop shaping, signaling, and processing.
• Ability to lead and support multiple projects related to control design and tuning.
• Able to use and set up test equipment such as oscilloscopes, data loggers / analyzers, software development tools, CANalyzer.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience with embedded low level driver implementation.
• Familiar with fundamentals of power electronics and electric machines.
• Demonstrated experience with space vector, sinusoidal, and/or discontinuous PWM schemes.
• Fundamental knowledge of digital, analog and power electronic circuits.
• Familiarity with common bus protocols such as SPI, I2C, CAN, RS485, etc.
• Strong debugging skills through use of instrumentation such as oscilloscopes and protocol analyzers.
• Experience with TI C2000 series, TI Sitara, NXP MPC, or NXP S32k series Microcontrollers.

Intangibles Sought: 

• Detail oriented with excellent time management skills.
• Strong blend of analytical, decision-making and creative problem-solving skills.
• Team player with a willingness to learn, teach and help.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Track record of project management/delivery to internal and external groups on time with required quality.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic small-company environment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• 10% travel may be required.

Salary Range:

• Total Compensation $170,000-$240,000 DOE: $150,000-$220,000 DOE + Performance Bonus

Disclaimer: The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned, by their supervisor.  Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within this job classification at any time.

Other: Calnetix is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability or status as a protected veteran.