Department 489 (D489) is part of the Integrated Power Systems (IPS) Directorate responsible for developing components for the COLUMBIA Class (CLB) and future platform electric drive main propulsion systems.  D489 is seeking engineers to support the programmatic and technical development of the present and future electric drive propulsion systems and components.  The D489 Advanced Electric Technology (AET) development team is continually integrating the lessons learned from the first generation CLB IPS electric drive propulsion system and is seeking engineers to support the enhancement of the present system/components and the programmatic/technical development of the next generation electric drive propulsion system.      

The AET development effort represents the evolution of the CLB IPS electric drive program through the evaluation and optimization of existing characteristics, integration of lessons-learned, working with leading vendors, internal modeling & analysis, EB IR&D, and scaled hardware development. The AET team supports everything from the deployment of advanced features to complete system upgrades featuring rotating and non-rotating machines, power electronic power conversion, and various electrical and mechanical components as part of an integrated system.  The primary components that are integral to this effort are:

• Main propulsion motor (MPM)
• Main propulsion motor drive (MPD)
• Main propulsion controller (MPC)
• Turbine generator (TG)

This work includes:

• Supporting design/performance/cost/ship trade studies,
• Interface development and establishing component requirements 
• Performing electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and thermal, analysis of key components (often via Finite Element Analysis, FEA)
• The development and use of next generation propulsion plant & electric plant (IPS) system integration models (Matlab/Simulink, SABER, etc.)
• Managing component vendor efforts such as developing scoping, reviewing vendor technical documents, and tracking their performance. 
• Presentation of technical findings to internal and outside organizations
• Working with Naval Nuclear Labs (NNL) and Naval Reactors (NR)
• Periodic travel to various customer and vendor facilities

Required:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics
• 0-4 years post-graduate engineering experience

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in engineering

• Electrical or mechanical experience or related education desired in the design, analysis, or test of power-electronic systems and electromagnetic machines (motors, generators, transformers)

• Experience with digital signal processing and non-linear, dynamic analysis

• Courses in electromechanical energy conversion, electric drives, digital controls, power electronics, and electric machines

• MATLAB/Simulink

• FEA modeling and scripted post-processing

• Coding to help develop new multi-discipline (electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and thermal) technology, component, and system performance models and tools.

• Vendor programmatic and technical management

• Propulsion component and system development and integration

   

Strong communication skills and high motivation in a technology design/ development environment are required.