Research Scientist Domain Lead - Power Systems & Conversion
Vertiv · Columbus
Job Summary
As the Research Scientist Domain Lead for Power Systems & Conversion, you will serve as Vertiv's principal technical expert on advanced power research, provide strategic guidance on power conversion innovation initiatives, and coordinate research efforts across internal teams and external partners. You will contribute original research, help prioritize power systems projects within Vertiv's Horizon 3 portfolio, and ensure research activities align with both near-term product needs and long-term strategic positioning in next-generation data center and critical infrastructure power systems.
This role reports to the Advanced Research and Technology Leader and is based in Westerville, OH.
Research & Technical Strategy
- Lead or co-lead research projects in advanced power conversion and distribution, conducting original research in high-voltage DC systems, solid-state power architectures, or related power technologies.
- Evaluate and prioritize research initiatives against killer assumptions and technical feasibility.
- Provide expert technical assessment and recommendations on research programs spanning: high-voltage DC systems, solid-state transformers for DC/microgrids, ultra-high-frequency wide-bandgap converters (SiC/GaN), vertical GaN power transistors, and solid-state DC circuit breakers.
- Design, conduct, and validate experimental power conversion testing programs.
- Present research outcomes and technical findings to internal stakeholders, customers, and executive leadership.
- Contribute to Vertiv's intellectual property strategy by identifying patentable innovations and supporting patent development.
Cross-Functional Research Coordination
- Coordinate research efforts between internal teams (Thermal Systems, Materials, IT Infrastructure, Business Units) and external research partners.
- Identify technical dependencies and interfaces across research programs.
- Provide expert power architecture guidance and power strategy recommendations for Vertiv product evaluations and system designs.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and technical collaboration across Vertiv's power innovation initiatives.
- Coordinate with Vertiv Business Unit Advanced Technology & Strategy leaders to align research with product roadmaps.
External & University Partnerships
- Identify, evaluate, and recommend university and research institution partnerships to extend Vertiv's power systems capabilities.
- Represent Vertiv in technical collaborations, research consortia, and industry conferences.
- Build and maintain Vertiv's reputation as a thought leader in advanced power systems and energy conversion innovation.
PREFERRED AREA OF TECHNOLOGICAL FOCUS:
- High-voltage DC power systems
- Solid-state transformers and power conversion architectures
- Wide-bandgap semiconductor devices (SiC, GaN)
- Advanced energy storage integration
- Bi-directional power conversion and grid interaction
- Power distribution systems for data center infrastructure
Requirements:
- PhD in Electrical, Power Electronics, Power Systems, or related discipline
- 5+ years of experience in Power Conversion research or applied development.
- Strong publication or patent record preferred.
- Experience with cross-functional collaboration and external engagement.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Travel: 10% travel for research collaboration, conferences, and customer meetings
- Physical and Environmental Demands:
- Laboratory and office environment
- Ability to work with various cooling systems and test equipment
- May require work in data center environments
THE VERTIV OPPORTUNITY
The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv's Core Principles & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.
Our Core Principles: Safety | Integrity | Respect | Teamwork | Inclusion
Our Strategic Priorities
- High-Performance Culture
- Customer Focus
- Operational Excellence
- Innovation
- Financial Strength
Vertiv Behaviors
- Own it
- Act with urgency
- Foster a customer-first mindset
- Think big and execute
- Lead by example
- Drive continuous improvement
- Learn and seek out development
- Promote transparent & open communication
About Vertiv
Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers' vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today's data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extend from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 34,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.
Work Authorization
No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
- Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com.
- #LI-RB1
The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principles & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.
OUR CORE PRINCIPLES: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Inclusion.
OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
• High-Performance Culture
• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• Innovation
• Financial Strength
VERTIV BEHAVIORS
• Own it
• Act with urgency
• Foster a customer-first mindset
• Think big and execute
• Lead by example
• Drive continuous improvement
• Learn and seek out development
• Promote transparent & open communication
About Vertiv
Vertiv (NYSE: VRT) brings together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services to enable its customers’ vital applications to run continuously, perform optimally and grow with their business needs. Vertiv solves the most important challenges facing today’s data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial facilities with a portfolio of power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extend from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 34,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.
Work Authorization
No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com
The Research Scientist Domain Lead - Power Systems & Conversion will lead advanced research initiatives focused on next-generation power conversion and distribution technologies. This role drives technical exploration in high-voltage DC systems, solid-state power architectures, and advanced energy storage solutions aimed at increasing efficiency and density in critical infrastructure applications.