Senior Research Engineer - ​​InnoTract project - Electro-thermal CAD Design Workflow and Simulations​ (all genders) // Job-ID: 135-1

Your future responsibilities

• As a Senior Research Engineer you will be responsible for the mechanical modelling of power electronic components, modules and devices as well as the analysis of mechanical and thermal aspects for high power density power electronic systems.  
• You will work in close collaboration with other experts in the Power Electronic Division which will complement your work from an electrical system perspective. You will model loss densities in the power electronic components, optimize and design thermal interfacing as well as cooling structures with new substrate materials and work on 3D cooling integration to enable the most compact inverter and converter designs (see project example below). Your simulation work will range from steady-state thermal simulations up to very complex CFD analysis and cooling system optimization having all mechanical CAD design options for the prototype always in your hands. Collaborating with scientists from many different fields will enable you to optimize, design and build the most compact prototypes achieving highest power densities. 
• In the Innotract project you will work on:
  • Implementing highly efficient converter designs for 12V and/or 48V onboard networks to maximize energy utilization and minimize losses.
  • Novel connector technologies and passive device integration techniques to enable HV DC-bus up to 1500V, revolutionizing automotive power distribution system.
  • Enhancing power density through innovative packaging approaches and substrate materials in traction inverter technologies, optimizing wide bandgap power device utilization for increased performance in electric vehicles.

Your profile

• Master's degree + 4 years of work experience OR PhD Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with mechanical CAD tools or mechanical/thermal simulations. 
• Experience of mechanical manufacturing processes.
• Experience with CAD design for manufacturing is a plus.
• Knowledge of mechanical manufacturing tools is an advantage. 
• Experience of working with multicultural teams. 
• Leading sub-tasks or work packages of larger projects. 
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Important Facts about SAL

• End of the application period: 17 October 2024
• Earliest date of employment: 7 January 2025
• Diverse research activities with many technical challenges.
• State-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
• Internal and external training opportunities for career development.
• Home office in Austria (max. 40%) and work from anywhere in the European Union possible (< 25%).
• Family & children friendly - actively shaping the compatibility of family and career.
• “Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
• € 4 per day meal allowance in restaurants or € 2 per working day in supermarkets.
• Public transport initiative (subsidy for the “Klimaticket”)

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA) starting in occupational group E (E 3 salary = EUR 4.135, paid 14 times a year) based on 38,5 hours per week). For this position we offer competitive salaries and additional benefits based on your experience and qualifications, starting with a minimum salary of EUR 65.000 (annual, based on an All-in contract and bonus).

About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future. 

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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