Senior Principal R&D Engineer (f/m/d)

Senior Principal R&D Engineer (f/m/d)

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

As a Senior Principal R&D Engineer (f/m/d), you will serve as a recognized technical expert driving innovation and technology development for High Voltage Power Semiconductor device platforms. In this highly influential role, you will define future technology directions, lead complex development projects, solve critical technical challenges, and mentor engineering teams across multiple semiconductor disciplines. You will collaborate closely with Product Engineering, Operations, Quality, Marketing, and Applications teams to advance next-generation power semiconductor technologies and support the strategic growth of the business.

We also accept applications from other European countries.

About the Position:

• Drive the definition of technology roadmaps and long-term strategies for High Voltage Power Semiconductor device platforms.
• Identify emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive opportunities.
• Assess and influence the alignment of device technologies with customer and application requirements.
• Generate intellectual property through patents and technical publications.
• Serve as the company's technical expert for critical device and technology challenges.
• Lead complex technology development projects from concept through production release.
• Utilize TCAD and other modeling tools to develop innovative device architectures.
• Define, evaluate, and develop novel device concepts and technology platforms.
• Resolve complex process integration and manufacturability challenges.
• Solve critical yield, reliability, and process-related issues.
• Lead technical problem-solving workshops and design reviews.
• Provide technical reviews and guidance for strategic development projects.
• Establish best practices for power semiconductor development and technical problem solving.
• Mentor and develop R&D engineers across multiple semiconductor device disciplines.
• Support teams developing next-generation device concepts and technologies.
• Build organizational capability in device physics, TCAD simulation, and power semiconductor technologies.
• Provide strategic technical direction for technology investment decisions.
• Collaborate closely with Product Engineering, Quality, Marketing, Applications, and Operations teams.
• Communicate technical progress, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support strategic customer engagements involving advanced technology evaluations and technical discussions.

About You:

• PhD in Semiconductor Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of R&D experience within a high-volume semiconductor manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience with high-voltage (>1000V) IGBT and MOSFET technologies; experience with wide bandgap semiconductor technologies is highly desirable.
• Deep expertise in device physics, TCAD simulations, process integration, reliability, and characterization.
• Proven ability to lead complex technology development activities and solve challenging technical problems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and organizational levels.
• Passion for innovation, technical excellence, and mentoring engineering talent.

For this position, we offer a gross annual salary of approximately €120,000 to €160,000. The final compensation package will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, and technical expertise.

LI-DR

At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities.

About Us

Our humble roots date back to 1927, where, in the back of a garage on Chicago’s northside, our founder, Edward Sundt, developed a small, fast-acting, protective fuse for use in sensitive test meters. Sundt wanted to call his new company producing these small fuses, “Little Fuse,” but wasn’t allowed to trademark two such common words. So, instead he went with the one-word, misspelled “Littelfuse.”

For more than 95 years, Littelfuse has pioneered innovative products that help empower a sustainable, connected, and safer world. With the ever-evolving electrification and electronification of customer applications, our product technologies are closely linked to sustainable applications such as electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy and energy storage, factory automation, power management and more.

Throughout our history, our people have been the foundation of our success — and that remains true today. Now more than ever, our bright and talented people are a strategic advantage for the company. From the production line to the engineering lab, the office or distribution center, Littelfuse people are an important part of a diverse, talented team of the best and brightest in the industry. While Littelfuse has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, we still maintain a small-company, entrepreneurial approach where your efforts will drive our culture, our business, and the overall success of the organization. No matter where you work or what you do, your contributions will make a difference at Littelfuse — everywhere, every day.

Littelfuse is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, and/or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.