Current positions in the electrical industry

Senior Development Engineer, Dead Tank Circuit Breakers (DTB)

High Voltage Power Equipment | Research & Development | Zürich, Switzerland

Egret Consulting has been retained to identify a Senior Development Engineer specializing in Dead Tank Circuit Breakers (DTB) for a global manufacturer of electrical power equipment and advanced high-voltage technologies.

Our client is part of a major international industrial organization with more than 75,000 employees worldwide and an established presence in power generation, transmission, distribution, and electrical infrastructure. Its specialized engineering and research operation in Switzerland focuses on developing next-generation high-voltage equipment and technologies that will support the continued modernization and expansion of electrical networks around the world.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished engineer with extensive experience in dead tank circuit breaker design and development to play a significant technical role in advancing the next generation of high-voltage switching equipment.

The Senior Development Engineer will lead and contribute to research and development programs involving dead tank circuit breakers and related high-voltage technologies. Working alongside experienced engineers and researchers in Switzerland and across the organization’s international operations, this individual will take ownership of complex engineering challenges, from initial concept and design through simulation, validation, and type testing.

Responsibilities will encompass the mechanical and electrical design of critical circuit breaker components, including interrupting chambers, operating mechanisms, insulation systems, and associated assemblies. The successful candidate will apply advanced engineering analysis and simulation tools to evaluate dielectric performance, arc interruption, electrical behavior, thermal characteristics, mechanical stresses, and overall equipment reliability.

A significant aspect of this position involves analyzing engineering simulations and test results to identify performance improvements, investigate technical challenges, and develop innovative solutions. This includes conducting parametric studies, evaluating alternative designs, and applying advanced numerical modeling techniques to support new product development.

The organization is also exploring the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven engineering methods to improve analysis, performance prediction, and design efficiency. The Senior Development Engineer will have the opportunity to contribute to these initiatives while helping advance the technical capabilities of the broader engineering organization.

This individual will also play an important role in ensuring compliance with applicable international standards, including IEC 62271, IEEE C37, and ANSI requirements. Responsibilities include supporting design qualification, preparing for and evaluating type tests, and ensuring new technologies meet the demanding performance and reliability expectations of the global utility market.

Beyond technical development, the position offers opportunities to mentor developing engineers, collaborate with international research organizations and universities, participate in customer-facing technical discussions, and represent the organization at industry conferences and technical working groups, including CIGRE, IEC, and IEEE.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A minimum of eight years of hands-on engineering experience in high-voltage circuit breaker design and development, including direct experience with dead tank circuit breaker platforms.
  

• Demonstrated expertise in the design, development, and qualification of interrupting chambers, operating mechanisms, insulation systems, or related DTB components.
  

• Strong knowledge of high-voltage switching technologies, dielectric performance, arc interruption, mechanical design, and electrical insulation principles.
  

• Experience utilizing advanced simulation and analysis tools, including finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, electromagnetic modeling, and thermal or mechanical stress analysis.
  

• Practical experience with circuit breaker type testing and a thorough understanding of IEC 62271, IEEE C37, and applicable ANSI standards.
  

• Proficiency with engineering programming or scripting tools, such as Python, for simulation, data analysis, or engineering automation. Experience with AI or machine learning applications is advantageous.
  

• A demonstrated ability to lead technical development initiatives, independently resolve complex engineering challenges, and mentor other engineers.
  

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  

• Strong communication skills, including proficiency in English, and the ability to collaborate effectively with international engineering teams and technical stakeholders.
  

Direct experience with dead tank circuit breaker design and development is essential. Our client is particularly interested in engineers who have been actively involved in bringing new breaker designs from concept through qualification and type testing, rather than individuals whose experience has been limited primarily to equipment applications, field service, or maintenance.

This is a highly technical position for someone who enjoys engineering challenges, takes ownership of their work, and wants to influence the development of new technologies rather than simply maintain established products.

Location: Zürich, Switzerland, with international collaboration and occasional international travel. If the right candidate is unable to relocate to Switzerland, there is an opportunity to work from a US office in Atlanta.

Compensation: Highly competitive and commensurate with technical expertise and experience.

For an experienced dead tank circuit breaker engineer seeking the opportunity to contribute to advanced research and product development within a global electrical equipment organization, this position offers substantial technical responsibility, international exposure, and the ability to make a meaningful contribution to the future of high-voltage power systems.