What Is Power Electronics? (+ How to Start a Career in It)

What is power electronics?

Power electronics is a multidisciplinary branch of electrical engineering. It focuses on processing, controlling, and converting electric power. Power electronics utilises high voltages and currents to deliver power to electrical equipment and devices. These devices range from air conditioning systems in homes to industrial machinery. By 2030, it's anticipated that up to 80 percent of electric power worldwide will rely on power electronics in some capacity [1]. 

How do power electronics work?

Power electronic systems convert electrical energy from one form to another. This process may involve modifying the voltage, current, or frequency. It ensures the flow of electricity is suitable for user loads. Power electronics aim to achieve maximum efficiency and reliability at the lowest possible cost, weight, and size. Here are a few power electronics components:

• Power diodes. A diode is a semiconductor device. It enables the flow of electric current in one direction by having low resistance to current in one direction and extremely high resistance in the other. Diodes are used as voltage regulators, signal modulators, and to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). 

• Transistors. Transistors are also semiconductor devices that amplify and switch electronic signals and electrical power. 

• GTO. A Gate-Turn-off Thyristor, or GTO, is a high-powered semiconductor switching device characterised by its gate-turn-off capability. GTOs can also turn on the main current with a gate drive circuit. 

Power electronics applications and examples

Power electronics applications are prevalent in daily life. You've most likely used a device that relies on power electronics engineering today. The chart below outlines a few industries that use power electronics with examples.

Careers in power electronics

Jobs in electrical engineering are projected to grow steadily, with 46,000 new jobs available by 2027 [2]. Factors contributing to job growth in engineering include growing interest in areas like robotics and renewable energy. 

Power electronics engineering

If you’re interested in starting a career in power electronics, you may consider becoming a power electronics engineer. Power electronics engineer is a broad title that encompasses several specialisations. Specific job duties vary depending on the industry, but the responsibilities below apply to most power electronics engineering roles:

• Design and test circuits for use in power electronic systems.

• Enhance existing mechanical designs.

• Perform research to develop solutions for known issues like power loss and overall inefficiency.

• Maintain documentation of designs and specifications.

• Collaborate with other engineers and departments for testing and development.

Related roles and job titles

• Test engineer, power electronics

• Power electronics design release engineer

• Electrical engineer, power electronics

• Research and development (R&D) engineer, power electronics

• Power electronics manufacturing engineer

• Electrical design engineer, power electronics

Power electronics engineer salary

The average base salary for a power electronics engineer in the UK is £36,042 per year, ranging from £31,000 to £42,000 [3]. Your salary can fluctuate depending on your location, experience, skill set, and the company you work for. 

How to get a job in power electronics

Working in electrical engineering requires a degree, some of which might be accredited by a professional body such as the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET). Relevant areas of study include electrical engineering and computer engineering. One example of a degree aspiring optical engineers can pursue is a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. 

DID YOU KNOW? The University of Colorado Boulder also offers a nine-month online Power electronics graduate certificate, which can be used as degree credit towards a master’s degree.

Gain the essential skills.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of technical and workplace skills for power electronics engineers. Consider using it to identify areas of focus for building your expertise. 

• Strong knowledge of power electronics systems and principles like AC/DC conversion, AC converters, DC-DC converters, and grid-connected converters

• Experience with power electronics equipment such as variacs, power analysers, and oscilloscopes

• Understanding of safety procedures for working with hazardous voltage and current levels

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• High-level analytical skills

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment

• Experience with design and real-time simulation (RTS) tools such as MATLAB

• Capability to translate operational specifications into hardware requirements

Enhance your CV. 

There are many methods for ensuring recruiters notice your CV. For example, consider matching the words you use to describe your skill set to the language employers use in job postings. 

Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems enable recruiters to filter CVs and applications via keywords to process candidates quickly. You have a higher chance of selection when your terms match the terms employers have input in their ATS. 

Stay current with the industry. 

You can demonstrate your expertise to employers while staying up-to-date with industry trends by engaging with the power electronics community. Following industry leaders on social media and subscribing to relevant YouTube channels and blogs are excellent ways to get started. For more information regarding experts in the power electronics field, you might check the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) website. 

Learn more about power electronics with Coursera.

Ready to continue expanding your knowledge of power electronics? Enrol in the Power Electronics Specialisation offered by the University of Colorado Boulder today.