Tech Lead - Central Inverter R&D

Job Description : Technical Lead – Central Inverter Development

Location: India -Bangalore

Experience: 12–15 years

Domain: Power Electronics – Solar / BESS / Grid-tied Systems

Role Summary

Lead the design, development, and industrialization of high-power central inverters (250 kW – multi-MW range) for solar PV and energy storage applications. Own system architecture, drive cross-functional execution, and ensure compliance with grid codes and reliability targets.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture & Design
Define end-to-end architecture for central inverter systems:
Topology selection (NPC, ANPC, T-Type, Modular Multilevel)
Power stage design (IGBT / SiC based)
Define:
DC bus structure (1000V / 1500V systems)
Thermal management strategy (air / liquid cooling)
Efficiency optimization (>98.5%)
Power Electronics Development
Lead design of:
DC-AC inverter stage
LCL filters and EMI/EMC compliance
Gate driver and protection circuits
Evaluate semiconductor technologies:
IGBT vs SiC trade-offs (cost vs efficiency vs switching frequency)
Control & Firmware
Define and guide control algorithms:
Grid synchronization (PLL)
Current control loops (dq control)
MPPT (if integrated)
Grid support functionalities:
Reactive power control
LVRT / HVRT compliance
Interface with DSP/FPGA teams
Grid Compliance & Standards
Ensure compliance with:
IEC standards (IEC 62109, IEC 61727, IEC 61000)
IEEE 1547
Indian grid codes (CEA regulations)
Lead certification efforts (CE, UL if export-focused)
Thermal & Mechanical Integration
Work with mechanical teams for:
Heat sink design
CFD validation
IP rating (IP54/IP65 outdoor systems)
Reliability & Safety
Define:
Derating strategies
Lifetime calculations (mission profile-based)
Conduct:
FMEA / DFMEA
HALT / HASS testing
Ensure functional safety alignment (where applicable)
Team Leadership
Lead a cross-functional team:
Power electronics
Controls
Mechanical
Validation
Mentor engineers and drive design reviews
Vendor & Cost Optimization
Work with vendors for:
Magnetics, semiconductors, capacitors
Drive:
Cost reduction (?/kW)
Design-to-cost initiatives
Required Qualifications

Education

B.E./BTech in Electrical / Power Electronics
MTech / PhD preferred

Experience

10+ years in power electronics design
Strong experience in:
Central / string inverters OR
High-power converters (≥100 kW)
Technical Skills

Must-Have

High-power converter design (≥100 kW to MW scale)
Topologies: NPC / ANPC / T-type
Simulation tools: PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink
Magnetics & filter design
Thermal design basics

Good-to-Have

SiC-based converter design
Grid-forming inverter concepts
BESS integration knowledge
Communication protocols (Modbus, CAN, IEC 61850)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Efficiency (%)
Power density (kW/m³)
Cost per kW (?/kW)
Field failure rate (FIT)
Time-to-market\

Behavioural Competencies

Strong ownership mindset
System-level thinking
Ability to resolve ambiguity
Stakeholder management

Typical Companies Hiring for This Role (India)

Sungrow
Hitachi Energy
Delta Electronics
Tata Power Solar
Waaree Energies
Medha Drives
GE Power Control
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