Senior Power Electronics Researcher

The role

We are looking for a Senior Power Electronics Researcher to support our e-Auto Challenge Program hosted by the Automotive and Surface Transportation (AST) Research Centre. The successful candidate would be someone who shares our core values of Integrity, Excellence, Respect and Creativity.

The e Auto Challenge Program aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Canadian auto industry on the world stage by accelerating and de-risking novel Canadian Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) solutions innovation. Specifically, this initiative focuses on advancing, integrating and deploying advanced power electronics technologies for inverter, converter, and controller applications to enable higher power density, more efficiency, reliable and lower cost traction drives, battery systems, and charging infrastructures.

The Senior Power Electronics Researcher is a technical leader who will play a key role in shaping and delivering the Power Electronics theme for the e-Auto Challenge program, bridging advanced research with product ready solutions in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across industry, academia and government to achieve technical excellence and commercial success.

This position calls for a visionary researcher with demonstrated expertise in automotive power electronics development, system integration and validation for industrial applications.

The activities in support of program area objectives may include:

• Research and Development: Conduct cutting-edge research in advanced power electronics technologies for inverter, converter, and controller applications related to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV).
• Experimental Design and Execution: Design and execute novel experiments to assess feasibility of cyber-physical systems, introduce or improve instrumentation and data collection, and validate applications for machine learning.
• Technology Assessment: Evaluate emerging technologies, instrumentation devices and other tools related to power electronics for electric vehicles applications.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support interdisciplinary research projects.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare technical reports, presentations, and publications for internal and external stakeholders.
• Intellectual Property (IP): Contribute to the development and protection of IP through invention disclosures, patent applications, and technology transfer activities.
• Continuous Learning: Stay current to trends in metal additive manufacturing through conferences and professional development activities.
• Client Engagement: Support the business development function as a scientific discipline leader. Assist in identifying client requirements and prepare technical scope of project proposals.

Screening criteria

Applicants must demonstrate within the content of their application that they meet the following screening criteria in order to be given further consideration as candidates:

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a field relevant to the position. 

A Master’s Degree in Engineering combined with experience in research or technology development relevant to the position may also be considered.

For information on certificates and diplomas issued abroad, please see Degree equivalency

Experience

• Extensive** and recent*** experience in the design, architecture and implementation of high power, high efficiency inverter, converter or controller topologies using Silicon carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitride (GaN) technologies.
• Significant* experience in systems-level electrical, mechanical, and thermal interfaces optimization to meet performance, cost, and manufacturability targets.
• Significant* experience in switching behavior, losses, and electromagnetic interference mitigation strategies for high frequency operation.
• Significant* experience in developing compact, thermally robust packaging solutions for high-voltage automotive environments.
• Significant* experience in design-for-reliability, design-for-manufacturing, and cost optimization practices.
• Significant* experience leading and delivering research projects. 

The following experience criterion would be considered an asset:

• Experience working in an industrial research and development (R&D), product development and/or product deployment environment within the automotive, clean tech or defence sector. 

* Significant experience is defined as experience of three (3) to six (6) years.
** Extensive experience is defined as experience of at least seven (7) years.
*** Recent experience is defined as experience acquired within the last two (2) years.

Condition of employment

Reliability Status

For a Reliability Status, verification of background information over a period of 5 years is required.

Language requirements

English  

Information on language requirements and self-assessment tests

Assessment criteria

Candidates will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

Technical competencies

• Expert knowledge in the design of power converters and multi-level inverters for electric vehicle (EV) powertrain and charging systems.
• Expert knowledge of SiC and GaN devices multi-physics application for high power-density design.
• Solid knowledge of high-voltage design, insulation coordination, dielectric materials, creepage/clearance, and partial discharge phenomena.
• Solid knowledge of electromagnetic compatibility, electromagnetic interference mitigation, and automotive electromagnetic compatibility standards compliance.
• Solid knowledge of motor control integration, drivetrain efficiency, and system-level architecture of EV powertrains.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices.

Behavioural competencies

Competency Profile(s)

For this position, the NRC will evaluate candidates using the following competency profile: Research.

View all competency profiles

Compensation

The intent of this hiring action is to staff this position at the AsRO/AcRO level, which is an early-career level position with a salary range of $83,985 to $139,608. 

NOTE: Please note that the full RO/RCO salary scale has five levels. Salary determination will be based on a review of the candidate’s expertise, outcomes and impacts of their previous work experience relative to the requirements of the level. As such, the initial salary could be within another level of the RO/RCO salary scale (i.e. above or below the intended level for this position).

NRC employees enjoy a wide-range of competitive benefits including a robust pension plan, comprehensive health and dental coverage, disability and life insurance, office closure at the end of December, and additional supports to enhance your well-being throughout your career and beyond.

Discover the possible

Anything is possible at the NRC, named in 2026 one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People, Top Employer in the National Capital Region and Forbes Canada’s Best Employers!

As Canada’s largest research and innovation organization, our world-renowned research pushes the boundaries of science and engineering to make the impossible, possible. Every day we explore new ideas through innovative research and help companies discover possibilities that impact Canada’s future and the world.

At the NRC, you’ll also discover new possibilities. Our supportive workplace fosters a culture of creativity, welcoming fresh perspectives and innovation at all levels. We value teamwork. You’ll collaborate across multiple fields and with the brightest minds to find creative solutions. Most importantly, you’ll discover what’s possible within you as you grow, make valuable contributions and progress in your professional journey. From ground-breaking discoveries to a life-changing career, discover your possible at the NRC.

Notes

• Relocation assistance will be determined in accordance with the NRC's directives.
• ​A pre-qualified list may be established for similar positions for a one-year period.
• Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. Please include citizenship information in your application.
• The incumbent must adhere to safe workplace practices at all times.
• We thank all those who apply, however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.