Senior Generator & Motor Design Engineer

At Verterra Energy, we're on a mission to harness the power in the world's rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering water-power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseline, zero emission electricity. Backed by top-tier investors and a multi-year contract with the Department of Defense, we are growing our team to help achieve our mission.

We're seeking a Generator & Motor Design Engineer with expertise in electrical generator and motor machinery development. The ideal candidate is fully conversant with electric motor and generator technologies. In this role, you will work closely with our engineering team to develop new and novel solutions and be responsible for the design, engineering and analytical validation of supporting generator frame components including structures, tooling and fixtures. Knowledge or exposure to permanent magnet designs, their engineering, analysis and fabrication is highly desired.

We are looking for individuals who can hit-the-ground-running and execute on their own as well as being a part of a growing team.

Candidate Profile

Verterra Energy is looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to manage the development of Verterra Energy’s generator systems, connected power electronics and power management hardware integrations, ensuring they meet performance targets and vendor requirements.

In this role, you will have direct experience or working knowledge of low voltage and medium voltage systems, including three phase AC and DC systems. You will work with other engineering team members, outside vendors and suppliers to solve problems of an electrical, technical or controls related nature, and provide design and engineering materials necessary to meet program objectives and timelines.

Verterra Energy is looking for a team member who is passionate not only about solving complex problems with their electrical engineering experience and skill, but is also capable of creatively solving the complex electrical engineering challenges related to hydrokinetic energy.

This position will involve the continued development and improvement of the electrical systems for Verterra’s novel modular hydropower systems and will ultimately involve taking ownership of specific multidisciplinary projects. This position will involve both the development of innovative concepts and translating those ideas into detailed schematics, test-bench prototypes and field-tested articles. The successful candidate will be expected to effectively work with engineers from other disciplines to help solve interesting problems, develop specifications, and manage work and deliverables.

The applicant is expected to work 40 hours per week and will be located, or willing to relocate, to Verterra Energy’s office in New Brighton, MN.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement low-voltage and medium voltage (<1000V) power systems and support the development of solutions for power management hardware or grid integration for modular hydropower energy technology.
• Develop and maintain electrical documentation, including 1-line diagrams, 3-line diagrams, and typical electrical schematics.
• Develop specifications and functional requirements for components and subsystems.
• Oversee the programming, operation and configuration of PLCs, Motor Drives (VFDs), Generators, and motion control systems by Verterra’s electrical engineering team or external contractors, ensuring adherence to standards, project specifications, and timelines.
• Contribute to the design and specification of related electrical systems, and manage their development by vendors or service providers.
• Utilize MATLAB Simulink and Simscape for power systems and grid integration modeling.
• Act as the internal subject matter expert for Verterra Energy’s technology implementation, including, but not exclusively limited to, generators, power distribution, system integration, sensors, and electro-mechanical devices.
• Interface with contractors and technicians and manage field installations for various prototyping, field demonstration projects including troubleshooting efforts.

Requirements

Must Have

• Applicant must be a US citizen or US Permanent Resident.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years professional experience with a focus on power electronics, battery storage, and grid integrated systems.
• Industry experience with electrical motors, generators and magnetic machinery is a must
• Extensive experience creating and interpreting Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls (EI&C) documentation.
• Working knowledge of with PLCs, VFDs, and motion control or automation systems such as Rockwell, Siemens Omron, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi Electric, and
• Proficiency in creating and interpreting electrical schematics.
• Understanding of MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape or similar for use in modeling of for power systems and grid integration.
• Working knowledge of SCADA systems.
• Comprehensive understanding of relevant codes and standards (UL, NEC, etc.) pertaining to wire sizing, fuse sizing, and panel design.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Nice to have

• Proven ability to manage and direct technical teams and contractors.
• Experience working on systems for the marine environment is desirable and advantageous.
• Comfortable working with outside vendors and clients.
• Hands-on practical experience working in a shop or laboratory environment.
• Understanding of design for manufacturability (high/low volume).

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits: 

• Medical insurance with company contribution towards premiums (HSA option with monthly company contribution) 
• Dental insurance with company contribution towards premiums 
• Vision insurance with company contribution towards premiums 
• 401(k) plan with company match 

• Generous time off offering that includes: 

• 4 weeks of PTO to start 
• 2 weeks of sick and safe time 
• 11 company paid holidays 
• Optional work from home Fridays 
• Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages