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

1. 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)
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• Define:DC bus structure (1000V / 1500V systems)Thermal management strategy (air / liquid cooling)Efficiency optimization (>98.5%)
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2. Power Electronics Development

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• Lead design of:DC-AC inverter stageLCL filters and EMI/EMC complianceGate driver and protection circuits
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• Evaluate semiconductor technologies:IGBT vs SiC trade-offs (cost vs efficiency vs switching frequency)
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3. Control & Firmware

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• Define and guide control algorithms:Grid synchronization (PLL)Current control loops (dq control)MPPT (if integrated)
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• Grid support functionalities:Reactive power controlLVRT / HVRT compliance
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• Interface with DSP/FPGA teams
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4. Grid Compliance & Standards

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• Ensure compliance with:IEC standards (IEC 62109, IEC 61727, IEC 61000)IEEE 1547Indian grid codes (CEA regulations)
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• Lead certification efforts (CE, UL if export-focused)
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5. Thermal & Mechanical Integration

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• Work with mechanical teams for:Heat sink designCFD validationIP rating (IP54/IP65 outdoor systems)
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6. Reliability & Safety

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• Define:Derating strategiesLifetime calculations (mission profile-based)
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• Conduct:FMEA / DFMEAHALT / HASS testing
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• Ensure functional safety alignment (where applicable)
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7. Team Leadership

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• Lead a cross-functional team:Power electronicsControlsMechanicalValidation
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• Mentor engineers and drive design reviews
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8. Vendor & Cost Optimization

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• Work with vendors for:Magnetics, semiconductors, capacitors
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• Drive:Cost reduction (?/kW)Design-to-cost initiatives
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Required Qualifications

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Education

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

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

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Must-Have

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

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

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

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• Strong ownership mindset
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• System-level thinking
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• Ability to resolve ambiguity
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• Stakeholder management
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Typical Companies Hiring for This Role (India)

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