Internship in Power Electronics Reliability and Physics of Failure 80 - 100% (f/m/d)

The opportunity

The energy landscape is evolving rapidly, necessitating increasingly complex power distribution systems that are both resilient and highly reliable. To meet these demands, emerging technologies are integrating more converter-interfaced and time-varying renewable energy sources, electrifying new sectors such as transportation and industry, and presenting challenges for transmission and distribution system operators. Power electronics play a crucial role in the evolving energy landscape, particularly with the integration of renewable energy sources and the push towards electrification.

Our R&D team in Semiconductors Packaging and Reliability Engineering at Hitachi Energy Research Center is seeking an intern with expertise in electrical engineering, physics, or materials science who will assist in investigating the reliability of mission critical power electronic boards and understanding their failure mechanisms. You will work with a dynamic, multidisciplinary team that will provide supervision and guidance throughout the project.

How you’ll make an impact

• Conduct reliability tests on mission-critical power electronic boards as well as components and identify failure modes

• Build and upgrade test electronics and data acquisition software needed to run high-precision measurements for extended test time (up to 1 year of continuous measurement)

• Propose innovative solutions for gathering more insights from the experimental tests (e.g. implementing a sensor array)

• Perform root cause analysis to understand component degradation mechanism and physics of failure

• Document and communicate the solutions developed, to disseminate the gained knowledge within the team and the company

Your background

• Currently pursuing an M.S. degree in electrical engineering, physics, materials engineering, or a related discipline (official proof of enrollment is essential)

• Familiar with the design and construction of electronic systems, data acquisition, and automation tools

• Hands-on experience and familiarity with lab work, including the use of relevant equipment and techniques

• Understanding of power electronics is desirable

• Experience with LabView programming and knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Matlab, Python, C)

• Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory; additional language skills are a plus

• Strong communication and technical writing skills

• Motivated and eager to learn, and enthusiastic about joining a multidisciplinary research team focused on innovation

More about us

If you have a strong technical background, a drive to develop innovative solutions, and a goal-oriented mindset, this is your chance to contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable energy future.

Internship duration 6-12 months, 100%

Starting: March/April 2025

Location: Baden, Switzerland