Your tasks

In this position, you will be working in an applied, industry-related research project at the interplay of optimization, system identification, and distributed feedback control for power converters that are interconnected on both the supply side and the industrial process side. You will address the issue of decentralized control, operational resilience, and optimal operation of a fleet of large variable frequency drives in power-based industrial segments.

You will directly collaborate with the innovation team at the Center of Expertise in ABB Motion Services, Switzerland. ABB Motion is the leading supplier of drives and drive systems for process industries, infrastructure, transportation, and the energy sector. The innovation team works on interdisciplinary application projects with system integrators and customers around the globe to provide innovative services to maximize performance, uptime and energy efficiency throughout the lifetime of electrical motion solutions (https://new.abb.com/service/motion/data-and-advisory-services/engineering-and-consulting). The team is also engaged in national research projects within the framework of the NCCR – Automation (National Center for Competence in Research). This will also include exchange with other NCCR researchers from FHNW, ETH, EPFL and EMPA.

The initial contract duration is 2 years with the possibility of renewal.

Your profile

The successful candidate will have recently finished a PhD in electrical or systems engineering with a focus on control systems or optimization and knowledge on power conversion systems, and be looking for an opportunity to step into an industrial environment while maintaining a connection to research. Alternatively, you already have substantial industrial experience and a strong interest in research topics. Experience with embedded systems is a plus. Additional requirements include research experience and a good publication track record in leading conferences and/or journals. Interest in working in a diverse environment and good communication skills in English are required. Basic communication skills in German or the willingness to quickly learn it are required as well.

Your prospects:

Our working environment at the Brugg-Windisch campus, combined with a high degree of flexibility in terms of working hours and location, provides a contemporary framework for our work. At the School of Engineering, a culture of dialog is cultivated that is characterized by appreciation and trust. We consider short decision-making processes, a lean administration and great personal freedom to shape and act as important framework conditions for our success.