We are seeking an experienced Senior Electronics Engineer to lead the end-to-end design of complex, high-current motor control electronics for low-voltage applications (currently up to 48V), working at the forefront of BLDC and inverter technology. You will own circuit architecture, schematic design, and component selection, and will take designs through to PCB layout, manufacturing release, and production support — either personally or in close collaboration with a layout specialist PCB Design Engineer to take ownership of complex, high-power motor control designs, working at the forefront of BLDC and inverter technology.
The role:
You will lead the end-to-end electronics design process — from circuit architecture and schematic design through component selection, PCB layout, manufacturing release, and production support — for low-voltage, high-current motor drives and inverters (currently up to 48V).
Key responsibilities include:
o Circuit design and topology selection for low-voltage, high-current motor drives and inverters, including MOSFET power stages, gate drive, sensing, and auxiliary supplies.
o Schematic capture, simulation, and design trade-off analysis, working closely with firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams.
o PCB layout (or close direction of a layout specialist) for high-speed MOSFET switching stages, gate drive loops, and parasitic minimisation.
o Ensuring compliance with EMC/ESD and relevant industrial standards (e.g. EN 61800).
o PCB stack-up definition, impedance control, and grounding strategy.
o Preparation of manufacturing data, BOMs, and support for DFM/DFT activities.
o Component selection, supplier engagement, and obsolescence management for critical parts.
o Design verification through calculation, simulation, and prototype evaluation.
Essential
· Degree in Electronics Engineering (or equivalent experience).
· Significant experience leading electronics design for power electronics systems, including schematic design, topology selection, and component engineering.
· Proficiency in Altium Designer (or equivalent)for schematic capture and PCB layout.
· Electronics Design
· Experience designing motor drives, inverters, or DC-DC converters from concept to release — ideally in low-voltage, high-current applications (eg 12V–48V battery systems). Higher-voltage experience welcome.
· Topology selection, power-stage design, and gate-drive design for fast-switching MOSFET systems.
· Analogue and mixed-signal circuit design — current sensing, feedback, protection, and auxiliary supplies.
· Component selection, derating, and reliability analysis for high-current applications — including MOSFETs, capacitors, magnetics, and current-sensing components.
· PCB Design and Layout
o Experience designing layouts for fast-switching MOSFET power stages, gate drive loops, and minimisation of parasitic inductance.
o Signal integrity, grounding, and EMC.
o Thermal and current density considerations.
o High-current layout practices — busbar/copper-pour sizing, via stitching, and thermal relief design.
o Analogue, digital and mixed-signal PCB layout.
o Knowledge of high-current PCB layout requirements and regulatory certification at PCBA and product levels, including EMC/ESD.
o To perform design calculations/simulations and creating prototypes as required to estimate performance, reliability and the identification/elimination of high-risk areas ensuring robust (high quality) designs requiring minimal re-design.
o Good knowledge of signal integrity aspects of PCBs including proper grounding, cross talk, current density / thermal design.
· Collaboration & Engineering Input
o Highly motivated and self-driven with good communication skills.
o Excellent written skills, able to work to specifications, request additional information where specification unclear and write clear reports on designs to enable assembly and test.
· Compliance & Standards
o Knowledge and experience of working to EN 61800 and related subsections.
· Manufacturing & DFM
o Good knowledge of design for manufacture principles in PCB design and ability to respond to manufacturing requests.
· Documentation & Release
o To ensure deliverables are to the agreed quality, specification and timescales including adherence to the industry standards.
o Support attainment of on-time delivery, cost and quality targets on projects.
Desirable
· Experience with motor drives, inverters, or DC-DC converters
· Understanding of FOC and motor control hardware (current sensing, feedback systems).
· Experience with simulation tools (eg SPICE).
· Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading small design teams.
· Exposure to functional safety standards (eg IEC 61508, ISO 26262) or product certification (CE/UKCA).
· Firmware/hardware co-design experience — working alongside embedded engineers on motor control algorithms.
What we can offer
· Competitive salary and benefits package.
· A dynamic work environment in the Heart of the Pennines at the cutting edge of motor control technology.
· Collaborative team culture with ample opportunities for professional growth.
Application Process:
Candidates keen to drive the future of motor control technology are invited to send their CV and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience to, with the subject line reading "Application for Senior Electronics Engineer Role." If you have any initial questions on the role or the process, we are happy to arrange calls with prospective candidates to cover any initial questions you may have.
What's it like working for Zikodrive?
At Zikodrive, nestled in the heart of stunning Cragg Vale, we pride ourselves on fostering an open and inclusive work environment. Every voice here matters, and we believe that true innovation arises when diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated. It’s not just the captivating views of the valley from our office windows that inspire us, but the core principles of honesty, integrity, and a staunch work ethic that serve as the bedrock of our operations.
Working at Zikodrive isn't just about pushing the boundaries of innovation, but also about being part of a community deeply rooted in its surroundings and values.
Job Types: Full-time ideal (Part-time considered), Permanent or Contract Options considered. Optional remote work considered. Please note we are unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without employer sponsorship.
Benefits:
· Company pension
· On-site parking
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Pay: £47,500.00-£52,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
