Principal Electrical Engineer

Brooks is a leading provider of automation solutions with over 40 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, offering precision robotics, integrated automation systems, and contamination control solutions that empower chip manufacturers worldwide. Our product portfolio includes a range of automation solutions, including robots, vacuum systems, and atmospheric robots for semiconductor manufacturing (www.brooks.com).  

Are you looking for a place where you can be part of a transformation? Join us at Brooks Automation and be a part of a dynamic organization that is shaping the future of technology.

Principal Electrical Engineer

Job Description

Position Summary

The Principal Electrical Engineer – Power Electronics will lead the design and development of low-cost, high-efficiency coil driver amplifiers for distributed motion control architectures.

This position focuses on current-controlled power electronics systems used to drive large arrays of electromagnetic actuators. The system architecture includes FPGA-based current loop control, PWM generation, and EtherCAT distributed communication networks.

The role will directly contribute to the development of a scalable distributed coil control platform, supporting applications such as levitation systems and next-generation robotic actuation platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Power Electronics Design

• Design and develop coil driver amplifiers using half-bridge and H-bridge topologies
• Support systems operating at DC bus voltages up to 200V
• Optimize for efficiency, cost, and reliability in high-volume applications
• Address observed prototype issues including:
  • PCB reliability and component failures
  • Noise in current feedback loops
  • Interconnect robustness and serviceability

Current Control System Development

• Develop and optimize closed-loop current control systems, including:
  • Precision current sensing (shunt + amplifier)
  • PI/PID control loops
  • Low-latency feedback control
• Ensure stable operation across:
  • Wide variation in coil inductance
  • Large numbers of independently controlled coils

FPGA and Digital Control Integration

• Implement or co-develop:
  • Current loop control algorithms on FPGA platforms
  • High-performance PWM generation
• Interface with multi-channel control architectures using:
  • Parallel or synchronous SPI communication

Distributed System Architecture

• Develop driver modules operating within a distributed EtherCAT control network
• Support scalable architectures capable of controlling:
  • Tens to hundreds of actuators per subsystem
• Collaborate with system teams on partitioning control between:
  • Central controllers and distributed driver nodes

Hardware Development and Validation

• Select and design:
  • MOSFETs, gate drivers, and current sensing circuits
  • Protection and filtering circuitry (snubbers, transient suppression)
• Lead PCB-level implementation including layout guidance for:
  • High-current switching paths
  • Noise-sensitive analog measurement circuits
• Define and execute design verification testing (DVT)

Cost and Reliability Optimization

• Design to meet aggressive cost targets:
• Drive design trade-offs balancing:
  • Performance
  • Manufacturability
  • Scalability
• Improve system KPIs including:
  • Standby power consumption
  • Thermal efficiency
  • Mean time between failures (MTBF)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Minimum 8 years of experience in power electronics design
• Strong expertise in:
  • MOSFET-based power stages (half/full bridge)
  • Medium voltage DC systems (up to ~200V)
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Current sensing techniques (shunt, differential amplifiers)
  • Control loop design (PI/PID)
• Experience designing systems for:
  • EMI/EMC robustness
  • Thermal performance
  • Reliability and failure analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FPGA-based control systems (e.g., Lattice, Xilinx, Zynq)
• Familiarity with:
  • EtherCAT or distributed real-time control networks
• Experience with:
  • Motor drives (BLDC, SRM)
  • Electromagnetic or multi-coil actuator systems
• Experience in:
  • High-channel-count control systems
  • Real-time embedded control architectures

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead complex hardware development efforts
• Cross-functional collaboration across electrical, controls, and system engineering
• Hands-on troubleshooting and debugging capability

Success Criteria

• Demonstrated stable current control across multi-coil systems
• Achievement of target cost per driver module
• Reduced noise and improved current feedback performance
• Successful hardware validation and scalability demonstration

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $132,456.81 USD to $179,206.28 USD

Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits

At Brooks, we offer the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Disability Insurance

• 401(k) Plan

• Exempt employees are provided company paid holidays and Flexible Vacation to enjoy personal time off and incidental sickness.

Have a question about our benefits and compensation package? Your recruiter can share more with you during the hiring process.

Work Location & Flexibility
At Brooks, we aim to foster a collaborative and engaging environment while offering flexibility where possible. Work arrangements may include a mix of in-office and remote work, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. Specific expectations will be shared during the interview process.

Brooks is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and proudly serves as an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Diversity enhances our innovative capabilities and strengthens our ability to serve our customers and communities effectively. At Brooks Automation, we celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives each individual brings, believing they are essential to our collective success. Join us in building a workplace where every team member is valued and can thrive.

For applicants with disabilities requiring accommodations, don't hesitate to get in touch with talentattraction@brooks.com or call +1 (978) 262-2400 to discuss your needs.

Review EEO Law & EEO Statement.

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