Research & Development Engineer

Research & Development Engineer 📍 Cadro (Lugano), Switzerland🕓 Permanent full-time contract (100%)About us:Centiel SA is a Swiss technology company that designs, manufactures, and delivers industry-leading power protection solutions for critical infrastructure.Our class-leading, high-efficiency UPS systems provide maximum availability and reliability, developed by the innovators of the first transformerless UPS and the world’s first three-phase modular UPS.Centiel operates in over 50 countries, with more than 80 partners and 8 subsidiaries worldwide. This rapidly expanding network delivers best-in-class power protection solutions across the globe.Note: In line with our strategic growth, we are proactively collecting applications for this position as part of a forward-looking recruiting initiative. This means we are evaluating candidate profiles today to anticipate future hiring needs aligned with our development plans.Who we are looking forTo strengthen our product innovation, we are seeking a Research & Development Engineer with solid expertise in power electronics control and embedded systems for high-reliability industrial products (UPS or similar). You are a hands-on engineer with strong analytical skills and lab practice, able to design, implement, and validate control algorithms and embedded firmware/hardware, collaborating closely with Production, Quality, and After-Sales to deliver robust features to market. Workplace: Cadro (Lugano), SwitzerlandReporting to: Head of R&DWorking rate: 100%Role purposeThe Research & Development Engineer will contribute to the design, development, and validation of Centiel’s UPS technologies, focusing on power conversion control, development of power HW for converters, development of electronic boards and the engineering of the entire system (UPS). You will play a key role in advancing our UPS platform architecture by implementing new technologies for converters, supporting hardware/firmware implementation, and ensuring robust system performance through laboratory testing, simulation, and field-issue analysis.Your work will directly support product innovation, industrialization, and continuous improvement across the company.Key responsibilitiesDesign, model, and tune control algorithms for AC/DC, DC/AC and DC/DC power convertersDevelopment of power HW for convertersCollaborate on the design and improvement of control electronics and associated peripheralsExecute laboratory testing, simulation, and validation of power conversion systemsPerform root-cause analysis (RCA) and support resolution of field and production issuesEnsure design for reliability, manufacturability, and serviceability (DfX)Create and maintain technical documentation, test reports, and release notesSupport industrialization and product lifecycle maintenance for existing platformsWork cross-functionally with Production, Quality, After-Sales and Product ManagementEnsure compliance with internal quality processes, safety standards, and EMC best practicesQualifications & experienceDegree in Electrical / Electronic Engineering (or equivalent technical field)Experience in power electronics for industrial or high-reliability systems (UPS, drives, converters, energy storage, power systems)Knowledge of power converter topologies (AC/DC, DC/AC, DC/DC), modulation and protection strategiesExperience with laboratory measurement equipment (oscilloscope, power analyzers, electronic loads)Familiarity with simulation environments (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent)Understanding of electronics design fundamentals, schematics and PCB basicsExperience in debug, validation and problem-solving on hardware/firmware systemsAbility to produce technical documentation, test reports and validation proceduresStrong analytical mindset and structured engineering approachFluency in English; Italian or another European language is an advantageEligible to work in Switzerland / EUNice to haveHands-on experience with DSP/MCU-based real-time control and C/C++ embedded programmingExperience with EMC considerations, safety standards and certification processesKnowledge of CAN / Modbus / Ethernet-based protocolsExperience in industrialization or DfX (design for manufacturing/serviceability/reliability)Skills & competenciesStrong analytical and problem-solving mindset with attention to technical detailAbility to work methodically in a lab environment and validate solutions experimentallyStructured and autonomous approach to engineering tasks and documentationAbility to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Production, Quality, After-Sales)Clear and effective technical communication, written and verbalProactive, curious, and improvement-driven attitudeAbility to prioritize tasks and manage deliverables within defined timelinesHands-on, pragmatic, and solution-oriented approach under pressureCompany values & behavioural competenciesAt Centiel, our values guide both our decisions and our daily behaviour.They define who we are and how we act — shaping the way we work together, serve our customers, and drive innovation.Safety, integrity, respect, teamwork – act with honesty and care for people and the environment.Own it – act with urgency – take responsibility, make things happen, and deliver with commitment.Foster a customer-first mindset – listen, anticipate needs, and create lasting value through service excellence.Lead by example – drive continuous improvement – challenge the status quo and share knowledge to grow together.Think big and execute – combine ambition and discipline to turn ideas into tangible results. Every Centiel employee is expected to embody these values through proactive problem-solving, transparent collaboration, and a continuous desire to learn, improve, and contribute positively to our culture and brand.Expected results in the first 6-12 monthsDemonstrate successful lab validation of converters used in UPS, and of control electronics and associated peripheralsSupport resolution of field and production technical issues through corrective actionsProduce clear and complete technical documentation (test plans, reports, release notes) ready for auditCollaborate effectively with Production, Quality, and After-Sales to support product reliability and deploymentContribute to performance improvements and feature enhancements on existing UPS platformsContract details Permanent full-time contract (100%)Start date: TBDWhat we offerCompetitive salary aligned with responsibilitiesHigh degree of autonomy and trustInclusive and dynamic work environmentFree parking, showers, and locker roomsClose to public transport and nature trailsSupport for work-life balance and wellbeingHow to applyIf you identify with this role and are interested in joining us, please send your application, indicating “Research & Development Engineer” in the subject line, and include your CV and relevant certificates to:hr@hq.centiel.com.