Tobias Kestler

Experienced engineer specialized in the R&D and test of power electronics and power modules. Proven track record in developing and commissioning systems as well  as components and applying test methods specific to power electronics.

Since Feb 2020: Principal System Design Engineer
National Instruments (NI), Wangen im Allgäu, Germany

• Concept, development and successful commissioning of an end-of-line test system for power modules for automotive power electronics, first system of this kind in the company
• Development, adaptation and commissioning of reliability test systems for static and dynamic life tests: Power Cycling/Intermittent operating life, (dyn.) H(3)TRB, HTGB, HTFB
• Design of electronic, electric and mechanical subassemblies as well as technical supervision of their development
• Customer acceptance tests
• Characterization of power semiconductors using double pulse testing, thermal impedance measurement and static parameter tests
• Support for the in-house test service for external customers and purchasing of test equipment
  Mentoring, knowledge transfer, sales support
• Company background: 03/2023 - Acquisition of SET GmbH (~100 employees) by NI (~7000 employees) 10/2023 - Acquisition of NI by Emerson (~73,000 employees)

Jan 2017 - Dec 2019: Research Assistant, Power Electronics
University of Bayreuth, Germany

• Collaborated on the SiCuM project (Partners: Infineon, Siemens). Project scope: Integration of 1700V SiC MOSFET modules into a next-generation modular traction converter platform. Main tasks: 
  - Drive cycle simulations for the dimensioning of converters
  - Thermal characterization of power modules
• Publications (among others):
  - Differences in dimensioning SiC MOSFETs and Si IGBTs for Traction Inverters
  - A plug and measure device for junction temperature monitoring in real converter environment

Skills: 

• Programming: Matlab/Simulink, LabVIEW, C (microcontrollers), Python
• PCB development: Pulsonix
• Mechanical CAD: Inventor, Creo Parametric
• Simulation (FEM):  ANSYS Mechanical, Inventor; ANSYS Maxwell (electromagnetic)

Master: Automotive Components Engineering and Mechatronics
Bachelor: Engineering Science (Focus Mechatronics)

Formula Student Electric Team: Annual development and production of a single-seater electric racing car and participation in international competitions. Head of the Electric team (2011) and Structure team (2013). Development of key components, including a wheel hub motor, a battery management system and a high-voltage battery