Chicago, 60607 About Influit Energy Influit Energy is pioneering the future of energy storage with our revolutionary nanoelectrofuel (NEF) flow battery technology. Our rechargeable fuel system combines the rapid refueling of combustion engines with the clean efficient performance of electric batteries, offering a transformative solution for heavy-duty transportation, grid storage, and mobile power applications. Founded as a spinout from Illinois Institute of Technology and Argonne National Laboratory, and backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA, and leading investors. We are scaling a breakthrough technology that delivers high energy density, rapid refueling in minutes, non-flammable operation, and indefinite storage without degradation. Based in the Chicago area, our team of world-class engineers and scientists is moving from R&D to commercialization, and we are building an exceptional team to help reshape how the world stores and delivers energy. Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Power Electronics Engineer to own the electrical design and implementation of battery energy storage and power conversion systems for prototype and demonstration units. In this hands-on role, you will work alongside a small, cross-functional engineering team to develop high-power battery energy storage and power conversion systems from initial concept through physical assembly, testing, and field demonstration. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing electrical designs, selecting components, working with suppliers and contractors, and physically assembling, wiring, testing, and troubleshooting hardware in the lab. You will be responsible for making practical engineering decisions throughout the development process, from electrical architecture and component selection through prototype assembly, testing, and field deployment. What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities)
Prototype & Sub-System Design:
Design and integrate AC/DC power distribution systems and electrical sub-systems for prototype and demonstration units. Apply engineering judgment to evaluate system requirements and determine when to select, configure, and integrate commercially available solutions versus developing custom electrical solutions.
Component Selection & Sizing:
Evaluate system requirements and select appropriate electrical components and solutions, including fuses, contactors, connectors, cables, conductors, busbars, and protection devices. Size and specify components based on electrical, thermal, mechanical, safety, availability, and application requirements.
Hands-on Assembly, Integration & Testing:
Physically assemble, wire, integrate, test, and troubleshoot high- and low-power hardware in the lab. Build test setups, safely operate hand and electrical test equipment, troubleshoot systems at the component and subsystem levels, and develop safe procedures for energized equipment testing and live demonstrations.
Contractor & Vendor Liaison:
Work with external electrical contractors, panel shops, fabricators, component suppliers, and testing organizations as prototype systems mature toward production and deployment.
DC Power Architecture & Design:
Own the design of DC distribution systems from battery modules through external interfaces. Specify high-current components, conductors, connection systems, and protection devices appropriate for the system voltage, current, and application.
Safety & Compliance:
Implement comprehensive electrical protection strategies, including arc suppression, fault detection, isolation monitoring, grounding, overcurrent protection, and rapid shutdown, with consideration for applicable UL, IEC, and industry safety standards.
Thermal & Interface Engineering:
Identify and resolve thermal challenges associated with high-current applications, including conductors, busbars, connectors, contactors, fuses, and other power-path components.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner with team members on battery management system (BMS) integration, communication protocols, control logic, mechanical packaging, thermal management, and system validation.
Sourcing & Execution:
Research engineering solutions, source high-power components, request and evaluate vendor quotes, and stay current on emerging battery energy storage, power conversion, and microgrid technologies.
Field Testing & Demonstration:
Support commissioning, troubleshooting, and demonstration of prototype systems in laboratory and field environments. Qualifications & Experience Required (Must Have)
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent practical experience.
Experience:
5+ years designing, integrating, testing, or commissioning industrial or commercial high-power DC distribution, battery energy storage, power conversion, or closely related electrical systems.
Technical Proficiency:
Strong ability to read, create, and maintain complex electrical schematics using CAD software. Deep understanding of high-current DC challenges, including thermal management, arc suppression, fault protection, isolation, and grounding. Proven track record taking electrical designs from concept through physical assembly and testing. Hands-on proficiency in specifying high-current conductors, cables, wiring harnesses, connectors, busbars, and overcurrent protection devices such as fuses and breakers. Strong understanding of AC/DC and DC/AC power conversion, including 3-phase rectification and inversion, and experience interfacing with commercial power conversion equipment.
Engineering Judgment:
Demonstrated ability to evaluate ambiguous or evolving system requirements, develop practical electrical solutions, and make sound engineering tradeoffs without relying on fully defined specifications.
Hands-On Skills:
Comfort working directly with physical hardware, using hand tools and electrical test equipment, and safely executing electrical test setups on-site. Nice to Have (Highly Valuable) Background in EV charging infrastructure, microgrids, renewable energy, or utility-scale battery systems. Experience with PLC programming or back-panel control assembly. Knowledge of battery chemistry and its impact on power-system design. Experience with DC system modeling and thermal analysis tools. Experience taking custom prototypes through formal certification, including UL, IEC, or CE requirements. Experience working with electrical contractors, panel shops, component suppliers, or testing/certification organizations.
Location & Work Requirements On-Site Requirement:
100% on-site in Chicago, IL, required for hands-on laboratory development, physical prototyping, assembly, and testing.
Work Authorization:
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Physical & Travel:
Ability to safely maneuver and install heavy laboratory equipment and electrical hardware. Occasional travel to suppliers, partners, testing facilities, and field locations may be required. What We Offer Competitive salary range of $125,000 to $145,000 per year. We also offer the following benefits: medical, dental, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, Ventra, flex spending and 401K. Equity participation as an early, impactful team member. Opportunity to shape the commercialization of a cutting-edge battery technology and work with industry leaders. A collaborative environment bridging engineering, science, and business strategy. Significant growth potential in the rapidly expanding energy storage sector.
Pay:
$125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance