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Variable Speed Drive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Copeland

Lead Project/Hardware Engineer

Sidney, OH

$114K - $151K/yr

Lead system integration activities between variable speed drives, motor controls, compressors, user interfaces, communication networks, and customer systems to ensure optimum performance and ...

Copeland

Lead Project/Hardware Engineer

Sidney, OH · On-site

$114K - $151K/yr

Lead system integration activities between variable speed drives, motor controls, compressors, user interfaces, communication networks, and customer systems to ensure optimum performance and ...

Copeland

Lead Motor Control Engineer

Sidney, OH · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Provide variable speed drive software product support to our customers * Play a highly independent technical firmware product engineering role in local and global work groups REQUIRED EDUCATION ...

Upwing Energy

Lead Controls Engineer

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Develop and maintain technical documentation for the variable speed drive and system interface designs. * Analyze motor and system performance data and make recommendations for improvements.

Copeland

Lead Motor Control Engineer

Sidney, OH · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Provide variable speed drive software product support to our customers * Play a highly independent technical firmware product engineering role in local and global work groups REQUIRED EDUCATION ...

Upwing Energy

Lead Controls Engineer

Cerritos, CA

$86K - $112K/yr

Develop and maintain technical documentation for the variable speed drive and system interface designs. * Analyze motor and system performance data and make recommendations for improvements.

ABB

Sales Proposal Engineer

New Berlin, WI · Hybrid

... where variable speed drive and motor equipment packages are required. And not only that; the successful candidate will also provide support in early stages of project sales cycles, resolve ...

Abb Holdings Inc

Sales Proposal Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

... where variable speed drive and motor equipment packages are required. And not only that; the successful candidate will also provide support in early stages of project sales cycles, resolve ...

ABB

Sales Proposal Engineer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

... where variable speed drive and motor equipment packages are required. And not only that; the successful candidate will also provide support in early stages of project sales cycles, resolve ...

Gonnella Baking Co.

Be Seen First

Maintenance Mechanic, $3,000 Sign On-Bonus

Hazle Township, PA · On-site

$32.75 - $36.50/hr

Support high speed production equipment, power transmissions, variable speed drives, servos, basic I/O, and machine controls. Perform building maintenance and other projects as assigned. Must ...

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All JobsVariable Speed Drive Jobs

Variable Speed Drive information

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$11

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$27

How much do variable speed drive jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for variable speed drive in the United States is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Variable Speed Drive vs Motor Technician?

AspectVariable Speed DriveMotor Technician
Primary RoleControls and adjusts motor speed and torque using electronic devicesMaintains, repairs, and installs motors and related equipment
Required CertificationsElectrical certifications, VSD-specific trainingElectrical or mechanical certifications, motor repair training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, control panels, electrical roomsFactories, maintenance workshops, on-site motor installations
Industry UsageManufacturing, HVAC, water treatmentManufacturing, energy, industrial facilities

While a Variable Speed Drive focuses on controlling motor operation electronically, a Motor Technician specializes in maintaining and repairing motors. Both roles often work together in industrial settings, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by Variable Speed Drive technicians during equipment installation and how can they be addressed?

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technicians often encounter challenges such as ensuring proper compatibility between the VSD and the motor, configuring control parameters accurately, and minimizing electrical noise interference. To address these, technicians should carefully review manufacturer specifications, follow recommended wiring and grounding practices, and perform thorough testing before commissioning. Collaboration with engineers and maintenance teams also helps in troubleshooting and optimizing system performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Variable Speed Drive Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Variable Speed Drive Technician, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, motor controls, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a technical diploma or equivalent experience in industrial automation. Familiarity with programming software for drives, use of diagnostic tools, and relevant certifications like those from Siemens or Rockwell Automation are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help technicians work safely and efficiently with clients and teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring reliable equipment operation, minimizing downtime, and supporting industrial productivity.

What is a Variable Speed Drive?

A Variable Speed Drive (VSD) is an electronic device used to control the speed and torque of electric motors by regulating the power supplied to them. VSDs help improve energy efficiency, process control, and reduce mechanical stress on motor-driven systems. They are commonly used in industries like manufacturing, HVAC, and water treatment to optimize motor performance and lower energy consumption. By adjusting the motor speed to match demand, VSDs can lead to significant cost savings and longer equipment life.
More about Variable Speed Drive jobs
What job categories do people searching Variable Speed Drive jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Variable Speed Drive jobs are:
Variable Speed Drive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Variable Speed Drive job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,967 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Lead Project/Hardware Engineer

Copeland

Sidney, OH

$114K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Copeland rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

175th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

About Us

We are a global climate technologies company engineered for sustainability. We create sustainable and efficient residential, commercial and industrial spaces through HVACR technologies. We protect temperature-sensitive goods throughout the cold chain. And we bring comfort to people globally. Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in compression, controls, software and monitoring solutions result in next-generation climate technology that is built for the needs of the world ahead.

Whether you are a professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring your first opportunity, or recent graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be challenged and make an impact. Join our team and start your journey today!

If you are an ENGINEERING Professional, Copeland's Controls Solutions business unit has an exciting opportunity to influence the next generation of variable speed drive products. We are looking for a highly motivated Lead Project/Hardware Engineer - Power Electronics to join our Global Power Electronics team. Reporting to the Director of Global Product Engineering - Power Electronics, the Lead Project/Hardware Engineer will utilize knowledge and experience of power electronics project/hardware design, development, modeling and simulation to support sourcing and qualification of variable speed drive products. Provide customer support and sustain appropriate life cycle of these products for growth and profitability.

As a Lead Project/Hardware Engineer - Power Electronics, you will:

  • Lead the design, development, qualification, and commercialization of Variable Speed Drive (VSD/VFD) products ranging from 11kW to 500kW for HVAC commercial and industrial applications.

  • Develop product requirements, technical specifications, system architecture, project schedules, design documentation, DFMEA, risk assessments, safety certification plans, and product release activities in collaboration with internal and external teams such as controls, firmware, mechanical, manufacturing, and quality.

  • Lead the design, analysis, testing, and validation of power electronics hardware with internal or external development teams.

  • Lead system integration activities between variable speed drives, motor controls, compressors, user interfaces, communication networks, and customer systems to ensure optimum performance and reliability.

  • Coordinate and execute design reviews, project reviews, qualification plans, reliability testing, compliance testing, and product validation activities.

  • Develop and maintain engineering design standards, test procedures, qualification requirements, and best practices for variable speed drive products.

  • Review and interpret agency and industry standards to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and customer requirements.

  • Lead Engineering Change Notices (ECNs), design updates, cost reduction initiatives, product enhancements, and obsolescence management throughout the product lifecycle.

  • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to field returns, manufacturing issues, supplier quality concerns, and customer-reported problems.

  • Work closely with suppliers to evaluate components, review technical capabilities, conduct supplier audits, support supplier qualification, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Perform competitive product benchmarking and technology assessments to support product roadmaps and next-generation drive platforms.

  • Provide technical leadership and support for customer applications, field installations, product commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.

  • Serve as the technical subject matter expert for Variable Speed Drive technologies, power electronics systems, motor-drive integration, and compressor-drive applications.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics Engineering, or a related field

  • Minimum of 7-10 years of engineering experience in power electronics, motor drives, or variable speed drive development or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Demonstrated expertise in the design and development of Variable Speed Drives ranging from 11kW to 500kW.

  • Strong technical knowledge of Power Electronics hardware design, IGBT and SiC technologies, motor control systems, inverter and converter topologies, gate drive circuits, DC bus systems, protection systems, and thermal management

  • Experience integrating variable speed drives with high-speed motors, compressor systems, industrial equipment, and embedded controls

  • Working knowledge of EMC/EMI design practices, electrical safety requirements, reliability engineering, and regulatory standards.

  • Experience leading product qualification programs, reliability testing, and certification activities.

  • Strong experience with laboratory test equipment.

  • Excellent project management, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with customers, suppliers, and global cross-functional teams.

  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced product development environment.

  • Ability and willingness to work with a global team and accommodate late evening meetings at least once a week

  • Skilled in organizing, prioritizing, and coordinating highly effective working relationships with all levels of personnel both inside and outside the engineering organization

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCES & SKILLS:

  • Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related discipline

  • 10+ years of engineering experience developing commercial and industrial Variable Speed Drive products.

  • Experience with HVAC systems, High-speed motor drive systems, Active Front End (AFE) technology, Regenerative drive systems, SiC-based power conversion platforms

  • Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and certification agencies including UL, VDE, CSA, CE, and IEC compliance organizations.

  • Experience with IEC 61800 series standards, IEEE 519, IEC 61000 EMC standards, and global regulatory compliance requirements.

  • Experience supporting supplier qualification, sourcing initiatives, and manufacturing transfers.

  • Proven ability to lead global engineering teams and influence stakeholders across multiple functions and regions.

  • Experience supporting field troubleshooting, customer support, and continuous product improvement programs.

  • Recognized technical expert in Variable Speed Drive technology, power electronics hardware, and drive-compressor-control system integration.

#LI-GR1

Our Commitment to Our People

Across the globe, we are united by a singular Purpose: Sustainability is no small ambition. That's why everything we do is geared toward a sustainable future-for our generation and all those to come. Through groundbreaking innovations, HVACR technology and cold chain solutions, we are reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in spaces of all sizes, from residential to commercial to industrial.

Our employees are our greatest strength. We believe that our culture of passion, openness, and collaboration empowers us to work toward the same goal - to make the world a better place. We invest in the end-to-end development of our people, beginning at onboarding and through senior leadership, so they can thrive personally and professionally.

Flexible and competitive benefits plans offer the right options to meet your individual/family needs: medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) and more. We provide employees with flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave, vacation and holiday leave.

Together, we have the opportunity - and the power - to continue to revolutionize the technology behind air conditioning, heating and refrigeration, and cultivate a better future. Learn more about us and how you can join our team!

Our Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging

At Copeland, we cultivate a strong sense of inclusion and belonging where individuals of all backgrounds, and with diverse perspectives, are embraced and treated fairly to enable a stronger workforce. Our employee resource groups play an important role in culture and community building at Copeland.

Work Authorization

Copeland 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 with OPT or CPT, H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: copeland.careers@copeland.com

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