Hardware Engineering Technical Lead

About Aptiv

Aptiv is a global technology company focused on safer, greener and more connected mobility. Aptiv Connection Systems’ Chennai Engineering Center supports end-to-end product development, from concept and detailed design through prototype build, verification and validation, for global automotive OEMs.

Role Purpose

Serve as the technical authority for the architecture, design, analysis and verification of automotive high-voltage power-electronics hardware, including 400 V and 800 V on-board chargers (OBCs), high-voltage-to-low-voltage DC/DC converters and integrated power-conversion systems. This is a hands-on individual-contributor role focused on circuit-level technical leadership, design quality, customer and supplier engagement, and cross-functional engineering delivery. It does not include direct people-management responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Own hardware architecture and circuit design for 400 V/800 V power-conversion products, including 6.6 kW, 11 kW and 22 kW OBCs and 3 kW to 5 kW HV-LV DC/DC converters.

• Develop and review power stages, gate-drive circuits, current and voltage sensing, auxiliary supplies, protection, isolation, communication and control interfaces.

• Evaluate relevant architectures and technologies such as bidirectional OBC, PFC, LLC/CLLC, phase-shifted full bridge, dual-active bridge, silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN) and integrated X-in-1 solutions.

• Perform worst-case circuit analysis, component-tolerance analysis, derating, thermal and loss calculations, Six Sigma/capability studies and circuit simulations using Maple, SPICE-based tools or equivalent simulation environments.

• Convert system and customer requirements into hardware requirements, block diagrams, interface definitions, design specifications and verification criteria; maintain requirements and traceability in Polarion or equivalent tools.

• Lead schematic design, component selection, design reviews and release activities in accordance with the V-model and Automotive SPICE practices.

• Collaborate with systems, embedded software, mechanical, thermal, ECAD, EMC, manufacturing, quality, sourcing and program teams to optimize performance, packaging, manufacturability, cost and schedule.

• Define hardware verification and validation plans, support prototype builds, supervise laboratory testing and resolve issues identified during DV/PV, production launch and field operation.

• Support DFMEA, design reviews, root-cause analysis and corrective actions for hardware, manufacturing, warranty and customer issues.

• Assess OEM requirements and engineering-change requests, including impact on circuit performance, safety, EMC, validation, timing and cost.

• Engage with component, PCB and PCBA suppliers for technical evaluation, sourcing, prototype readiness, design-for-manufacturing and issue resolution.

• Prepare high-quality design documentation, analysis reports and technical presentations; clearly communicate design decisions and risks to customers and internal stakeholders.

• Mentor engineers, allocate technical work, establish review discipline and drive timely closure of design and validation deliverables.

Aptiv Connection System

Confidential | Hardware Engineering Technical Lead Job Description | Page

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Power Electronics or a related discipline.

• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant automotive electronics or power-electronics experience, including demonstrated technical or team leadership.

• Strong capability in analog, digital and mixed-signal circuit design, embedded hardware, microcontrollers, sensing, protection and automotive communication interfaces.

• Hands-on experience with schematic design, component selection, tolerance analysis, simulation, design review, prototype bring-up and laboratory debugging.

• Practical understanding of automotive OBC, DC/DC, X-in-1, EV/HEV electrical architecture, CAN/LIN, diagnostics and high-voltage safety concepts.

• Working knowledge of Automotive SPICE hardware development, requirements engineering, configuration/change management and design verification.

• Working knowledge of ISO 26262 functional-safety concepts, including safety requirements, hardware metrics, dependent-failure considerations and safety analyses.

• Experience with EMC-conscious design, thermal design, creepage/clearance, isolation coordination, derating, DFMEA and root-cause analysis.

• Ability to work effectively with global OEMs, suppliers and cross-functional engineering teams; strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Production development of 400 V/800 V OBC, HV-LV DC/DC converters or integrated power-conversion products.

• SiC/GaN power-stage design, high-frequency magnetics, liquid-cooled packaging, bidirectional power flow or 12 V/48 V output architectures.

• Model-based development, control-loop analysis, embedded-control software or automated verification methods.

• Experience supporting supplier localization, cost optimization and design-to-value activities.

Technical Leadership Attributes

• Acts with ownership and urgency while maintaining sound engineering judgment and design discipline.

• Leads by example, makes evidence-based decisions and raises risks early with practical mitigation plans.

• Collaborates across functions and cultures, communicates complex technical topics clearly and constructively challenges assumptions.

• Builds team capability through coaching, structured reviews and continuous learning.

• Balances customer needs, technical robustness, functional safety, quality, cost and timing.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and benefits.

• Learning, development and innovation opportunities.

• Exposure to global automotive programs, customers and technical experts.

• An inclusive environment that values collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.

Privacy Notice - Active Candidates: https://www.aptiv.com/privacy-notice-active-candidates

Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.