Senior Electrical Engineer - Motors & Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)

About the role

At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions. Pentair is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer with strong expertise in electric motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to support the development of industry-leading water pump systems. This position is based in Delavan, Wisconsin and plays a critical role in selecting, integrating, validating, and supporting motor and drive technologies used in residential and commercial water applications.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical subject matter expert for electric motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) used in water pump applications; select, evaluate, and specify AC induction motors, permanent magnet motors, and motor drive systems; develop motor and VFD performance requirements, specifications, and validation plans; evaluate motor efficiency, thermal performance, reliability, acoustics, and application suitability; troubleshoot motor and drive system issues in laboratory, manufacturing, and field environments; work directly with motor and VFD suppliers to define requirements and resolve technical issues.
• Lead electrical system development for new products and major product enhancements; translate customer needs into product requirements and engineering solutions; support system architecture decisions involving motors, drives, controls, sensors, and electrical components; participate in design reviews, DFMEA activities, and structured product development processes.
• Develop and execute validation plans for motors, drives, and integrated pump systems; analyze performance, reliability, thermal, efficiency, and durability test data; identify root causes and implement corrective actions for product and field issues; support regulatory and compliance testing activities.
• Partner with product management, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and testing teams; support pilot builds, production launches, and continuous improvement initiatives; provide technical guidance to internal teams and mentor less experienced engineers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of engineering experience developing electrical or electromechanical products.
• Demonstrated experience with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), motor controls, or motor-driven systems.
• Experience selecting, integrating, testing, or troubleshooting electric motors and drive systems.
• Strong understanding of AC induction motors, motor performance, and motor control principles.
• Experience analyzing electrical, thermal, and system-level performance.
• Ability to independently lead technical projects and drive solutions across multiple functions.

Qualifications

• Experience with water pumps, HVAC equipment, industrial equipment, or other motor-driven products.
• Knowledge of permanent magnet motors (PMSM/PMM), brushless DC motors, or advanced motor technologies.
• Experience with power electronics, inverter technology, or drive programming.
• Familiarity with IEC, NEMA, UL, CSA, or related electrical standards.
• Experience working with motor manufacturers, VFD suppliers, or contract manufacturers.
• Experience leading new product development programs and design reviews.
• Prior patent, invention disclosure, or innovation experience.

Skills

Strong expertise in electric motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs); hands‑on experience with AC motors, VFDs, motor controls, power electronics, and electromechanical system integration; ability to analyze electrical, thermal, and system‑level performance; technical leadership and cross‑functional collaboration.

Benefits

• Health benefits
• Generous 401(k)
• Employee stock purchase program
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Accident insurance

Pay

Anticipated annualized base pay range: $95,500 – $177,300 per year. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, training, education, licensure, certifications, work location, and business needs. This position may be eligible for an annual incentive bonus.