Tech Lead - Central Inverter R&D

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Larsen & Toubro

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Bengaluru, India

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Job Description:Technical Lead - Central Inverter DevelopmentLocation:India -BangaloreExperience:12-15 yearsDomain: Power Electronics -Solar / BESS / Grid-tied SystemsRole SummaryLead 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 & DesignDefine 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 DevelopmentLead design of:DC-AC inverter stageLCL filters and EMI/EMC complianceGate driver and protection circuitsEvaluate semiconductor technologies:IGBT vs SiC trade-offs (cost vs efficiency vs switching frequency)
  • Control & FirmwareDefine and guide control algorithms:Grid synchronization (PLL)Current control loops (dq control)MPPT (if integrated)Grid support functionalities:Reactive power controlLVRT / HVRT complianceInterface with DSP/FPGA teams
  • Grid Compliance & StandardsEnsure compliance with:IEC standards (IEC 62109, IEC 61727, IEC 61000)IEEE 1547Indian grid codes (CEA regulations)Lead certification efforts (CE, UL if export-focused)
  • Thermal & Mechanical IntegrationWork with mechanical teams for:Heat sink designCFD validationIP rating (IP54/IP65 outdoor systems)
  • Reliability & SafetyDefine:Derating strategiesLifetime calculations (mission profile-based)Conduct:FMEA / DFMEAHALT / HASS testingEnsure functional safety alignment (where applicable)
  • Team LeadershipLead a cross-functional team:Power electronicsControlsMechanicalValidationMentor engineers and drive design reviews
  • Vendor & Cost OptimizationWork with vendors for:Magnetics, semiconductors, capacitorsDrive:Cost reduction (?/kW)Design-to-cost initiativesRequired QualificationsEducationB.E./BTech in Electrical / Power ElectronicsMTech / PhD preferredExperience10+ years in power electronics designStrong experience in:Central / string inverters ORHigh-power converters (≥100 kW)Technical SkillsMust-HaveHigh-power converter design (≥100 kW to MW scale)Topologies: NPC / ANPC / T-typeSimulation tools: PLECS, MATLAB/SimulinkMagnetics & filter designThermal design basicsGood-to-HaveSiC-based converter designGrid-forming inverter conceptsBESS integration knowledgeCommunication 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 CompetenciesStrong ownership mindsetSystem-level thinkingAbility to resolve ambiguityStakeholder managementTypical Companies Hiring for This Role (India)SungrowHitachi EnergyDelta ElectronicsTata Power SolarWaaree EnergiesMedha DrivesGE Power Control