Key Skills

Job Description

Company Description maxwell+spark designs and manufactures advanced lithium-ion battery systems for industrial logistics applications, helping organizations transition away from diesel and lead-acid power. The company’s solutions support material handling, transport refrigeration, backup energy, and other high-utilisation environments where reliability and uptime are critical. With operations in South Africa, Europe, and the United States, maxwell+spark integrates engineering, manufacturing, field data, and service expertise to deliver practical, commercially viable products. Its systems are built around real-world needs such as long service life, fast charging, modular design, remote monitoring, and ease of maintenance. By deploying intelligent lithium-ion technology, maxwell+spark enables logistics operators to reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and build more resilient fleets. Role Description This full-time, on-site Master’s Thesis opportunity in Rotterdam focuses on power electronics and motor control within advanced lithium-ion battery systems for industrial logistics. The thesis candidate will work closely with the engineering team to design, model, and optimize power electronic converters and motor control algorithms for demanding applications such as material handling and transport refrigeration. Day-to-day tasks include system analysis, simulation, laboratory testing, data collection, and documentation of results to support both academic requirements and product development. The candidate will contribute to prototype development, participate in design reviews, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment with safety, performance, and reliability standards. The role offers hands-on experience in a real-world environment, supporting innovation in sustainable industrial energy solutions while completing an academic research project. Qualifications Enrollment in a master’s program in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Control Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field, with eligibility to complete a thesis at maxwell+spark. Foundational knowledge in power electronics, including DC/DC and DC/AC converter design, switching devices, and related circuit theory, suitable for industrial battery applications. Understanding of motor control principles, such as field-oriented control, PWM techniques, motor modeling, and performance optimization for high-utilisation environments. Experience with simulation and analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, SPICE or similar) and comfort working with technical data for design validation and optimization. Basic hands-on skills in laboratory environments, including test setup, measurement equipment use, safety procedures, and documentation of experimental results. Ability to conduct structured research, write clear technical reports, and present findings to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a methodical approach to experimental design and data interpretation. Collaborative mindset, with the ability to work in diverse teams, receive and integrate feedback,

Core Responsibilities

Design, model, and optimize power electronic converters and motor control algorithms for industrial lithium-ion battery applications. Conduct system analysis, simulations, laboratory tests, and data collection, and document findings while contributing to prototype development and design reviews.

Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant master’s program and be eligible to complete a thesis with the company. They should have foundational knowledge of power electronics and motor control, experience with simulation tools, basic laboratory skills, and the ability to conduct research, analyze data, and communicate findings.