Power Electronics Controls Research and Development Engineer

Location: Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium

Job ID: R0137490

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Company Name: Hitachi Energy Belgium N.V.

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job Description:

The opportunity

Hitachi Energy is seeking a Power Electronics Research and Development Engineer to lead the development of advanced control technologies for next-generation power electronic systems. In this role, you will drive innovation in converter control, grid-connected power electronics, digital control architectures, and intelligent energy management solutions.

You will collaborate with global R&D teams to develop enabling technologies for grid modernization, and advanced transformer applications. As a recognized technical leader, you will influence technology strategy, mentor engineers, and contribute to the commercialization of innovative control solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient power grid.

How you will make an impact

• Lead research and development activities focused on control systems for power electronic converters and grid-connected systems.

• Develop innovative control algorithms for voltage-source converters, bidirectional converters, active front ends, and emerging electrification technologies.

• Develop and validate control strategies for microgrids, grid-forming converters, and power quality enhancement applications.

• Perform system modeling, simulation, and verification using MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL-RT, and related tools.

• Lead hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and real-time simulation activities.

• Collaborate with power electronics hardware, transformer, software, insulation, and system engineering teams to optimize overall system performance.

• Drive innovation through invention disclosures, patent generation, technical publications, and participation in industry conferences and standards organizations.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and researchers across global R&D organizations.

• Support technology transfer from research into commercial products and solutions.

Your background

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Power Electronics, Power Systems, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in power electronics controls, advanced control systems, or electrical energy conversion technologies.

• Strong theoretical foundation in control systems, dynamic systems modeling, signal processing, and power system analysis.

• Demonstrated experience developing control algorithms for converters, inverters, rectifiers, energy storage systems, or grid-connected power electronic equipment.

• Expertise in MATLAB/Simulink and modern control system design methodologies.

• Knowledge of grid synchronization, PLL design, grid-forming and grid-following control, power quality, and converter stability analysis.

• Experience with HIL testing, real-time simulation, and automated verification methodologies.

• Proven ability to lead complex technical programs and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Demonstrated innovation through patents, publications, technical leadership, or successful technology commercialization.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of AI/ML applications for controls, condition monitoring, or autonomous power system operation.

• Experience with grid codes, utility interconnection requirements, and power system stability studies.

• Design and implement digital control architectures on DSPs, FPGAs, real-time controllers, and embedded platforms.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws.

For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.