About us
Windworks develops actively controlled vertical-axis wind turbines for clean, local and affordable energy production. We pioneered an advanced technology control system for wind turbine blades, using sensors, control software and proprietary actuation technology to dramatically increase our machine performances .
Our turbines are designed for on-site power generation in commercial, industrial and community applications, especially where conventional wind turbines are difficult to deploy.
Based in the Lausanne area, Windworks combines aerodynamic research, experimental testing, mechanical design, electronics, control and field validation to bring a new generation of wind turbines to market.
Role description
You will participate to the definition, integration and validation of the turbine’s electrical architecture, contributing directly to a technology that must perform reliably over time in harsh conditions. This role offers a high level of ownership and impact, with the opportunity to shape key parts of the system architecture and see your work move quickly from concept to testing and deployment.
You will collaborate closely with a small multidisciplinary team, iterate rapidly, and contribute to making a technically ambitious product reliable and scalable.
Main responsibilities
The applicant will have about 5 years of experience in electrical architecture, automation systems (PLC-based, including industrial communication protocols), motor sizing and selection, generator sizing and integration, the dimensioning of components and integrated circuits (custom or off-the-shelf), along with a solid understanding of signal acquisition and processing.
1. Electrical Architecture
- Design, prototype, and validate the overall electrical system comprising sensors, motors, generators, drivers, AC/AC and AC/DC converters, inverters, rectifiers
- Grounding / earth connection experience
- Surge / lightning protection
2. Automation & Communication Systems:
- Implement PLC-based automation (e.g., Beckhoff, Siemens etc.) and EtherCAT architectures.
- Integrate sensors and actuators via CAN, Modbus, EtherCAT, etc.
- Develop telemetry, data acquisition, and remote monitoring.
3. Motor Dimensioning, Selection & Control:
- Dimension and select motors for blade actuation and auxiliary systems based on torque, speed, duty cycle, environmental constraints and lifetime.
- Define drive architecture and requirements of power stage.
- Implement and validate motor control strategies (position, speed, torque control).
- Ensure compatibility with mechanical loads, power electronics, and safety constraints.
4. Safety, Standards & Documentation:
- Implement electrical safety systems.
- Ensure compliance with International Electrotechnical Commission standards (e.g., IEC 61400).
- Ensure compliance with CE requirements
- Produce structured technical documentation.
5. Grid Integration:
- Manage grid connection, anti-islanding, synchronization, relays, and protection.
- Size HV/MV cables and design electrical cabinets.
6. Generator Selection & Control:
- Dimension and select the generator technology based on power rating, speed range, efficiency, and grid requirements.
- Define electrical interface and integration with rectifier/inverter stages.
- Implement and validate generator-side control strategies (MPPT, torque control, speed regulation, power optimization).
Nice to have
1. Experience with outdoor equipment, industrial machinery or safety-critical systems.
2. Experience with energy systems (wind power, hydro power, …)
3. PCB Design (schematic and layout to bring-up and EMC considerations)
4. Firmware Development (drivers, communication protocols)
Your profile
- About 5 years of experience in electrical engineering, power electronics or industrial automation.
- Comfortable working autonomously in a small engineering team.
- Team player
- Experience working on systems exposed to real-world constraints (e.g. noise, EMC, environmental conditions, reliability, safety).
- Comfortable managing engineering partners and technical procurement activities, including identifying and selecting suppliers, defining technical specifications, reviewing datasheets and validation documents, coordinating technical exchanges, and supporting supplier qualification.
- Produce structured technical documentation
- Elaborate systematic testing and verification
- Clear and pro-active communication within the team; provide structured reporting on progress and issues, expresses technical needs early.
- Well-organized with strong planning skills, able to define clear steps, anticipate resource.
Details
- Starting date: Immediate
- Location: Renens, VD, Switzeland