What are the responsibilities and job description for the Product Architect – Motor Controller position at H55?
H55 is a leader in electric propulsion for aviation and the technological spin-off of Solar Impulse, the first electric aircraft to fly around the world.
We design and certify Electric Propulsion Units (EPU), Energy Storage Systems (ESS), and High-Voltage (HV) components that enable clean, safe, and efficient flight. Supported by global investors, H55 is expanding its engineering capabilities, production footprint, and North American operations.
Position Summary
The Product Architect (PA) for the Motor Controller (MC) operates within H55’s Design Organization (EASA Part-21J DOA) and is the technical authority for the complete MC product life cycle—from architecture definition to industrialization, testing, and certification.
The MC is part of a redundant dual-channel EPU architecture (CH1/CH2) designed to ensure resilience against OCI (One-Channel-Inoperative) events and avoid LOPC-E (Loss of Power Control – Electrical) at aircraft level.
The PA reports to the Chief Engineer (CE) and works closely with PMO, Supply Chain, Production, Test, and Compliance/Airworthiness teams.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership (TL) & Architecture Ownership
Define, own, and maintain the MC product architecture, including HW, SW, control strategies, HV interfaces, safety mechanisms, and dual-channel topology.
Make high-level design choices (HLD) ensuring compliance with H55 processes, certification norms (CS-23, ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-160), and technology standards.
Guide engineering teams (Power Electronics, Controls, FPGA/SW, Test) through the V-Cycle: requirements → design → integration → V&V → qualification.
Stakeholder Collaboration (X-FUNC)
Collaborate with CEs, System Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Procurement, Industrialization, manufacturing mangement, Production, and Quality to ensure full item readiness across design, procurement, assembly, and testing.
Support Make/Buy analysis, supplier technical evaluation, and DfM/DfA/DfT activities.
Program & Schedule Accountability (PM Interface)
Ensure schedule adherence for all MC development phases including prototyping, testing, qualification, and certification.
Provide inputs, risks, priorities, and technical KPIs to PMO, enabling efficient planning and resource allocation.
Risk, Safety & Certification Alignment
Classify and monitor Item-Level Risks (ILR) and lead mitigation plans.
Ensure MC compliance with Safety Assessments (FTA, FMEA, FHA) and support certification deliverables under ARP4754A/ARP4761.
Reviews, Rituals & Reporting
Organize and lead Technical Reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, QTP, QTR) and recurring team touchpoints.
Ensure proper configuration & change management (CM) through PRs/CRs, baselines, and traceability (CodeBeamer, DOORS, Polarion, or equivalent).
Lifecycle Support (Ownership)
Contribute from early design → prototypes → industrialization → production → testing → qualification → certification, including activities on experimental aircraft when required.
Support factory readiness, equipment qualification, and production ramp-up.
Required Qualifications
Master’s or Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, Controls, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
7 years experience in product development of power electronics, MCs, drives, inverters, or HV systems.
Background in HV architecture (300–1000 VDC), motor control (FOC, redundancy management), protection mechanisms, and real-time embedded systems.
Experience in highly regulated industries (Aerospace preferred; Automotive/EV/Defense acceptable, medical,...).
Strong understanding of requirements engineering, system architecture, integration, V&V, DfM/DfA/DfT.
Preferred Technical Skills
EASA Part-21J, DOA processes, certification and compliance.
Knowledge of CS-23/CS-25, ASTM F3230, ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-160, safety assessments.
Experience with redundant architectures, fail-operational systems, and safety-critical MC design.
Familiarity with IGBT/MOSFET/SiC-based inverters, thermal management, EMI/EMC mitigation.
Test planning (HIL, SIL, dyno), qualification testing, engineering reporting.
Soft Skills
Strong communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making.
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable plans.
Organized, structured, and proactive in risk mitigation and prioritization.
Team-oriented with the ability to influence without formal authority.
Solution oriented mindset & adaptability is required
Fluent in English; French is an asset.
What We Offer
A unique workplace in Sion, Switzerland, within a high-growth, multicultural environment.
Opportunities to shape the future of electric aviation with high technical autonomy.
Strong exposure across engineering, certification, and industrialization.
Career growth within a scaling aerospace organization.
Sounds Interesting, we look forward to meeting you!
H55 is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of nationality, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on competence, performance, and business needs.