Thesis Work (Exjobb) - Electrical Engineering

Welcome to a rapidly growing international company, thriving at the forefront of cutting edge technology. Westermo develops and manufactures advanced devices for industrial data communication, used in mission critical installations and harsh industrial environments. The very robust and secure communication networks built with our products provide a high value for our customers. Our Headquarters are in Västerås, where we are about 120 people working, primarily within R&D.

Within our four Software teams, we develop our own Operating System, WeOS. We also work with a configuration tool called WeConfig. We run nightly tests, and a team works on developing our own automated test system. Our Hardware team works on both new- and redesign of our products, in both mechanical and electrical aspects.

We are passionate about taking advantage of the growth opportunities in our market. The work environment is very dynamic with great loyalty and team spirit. It is expected to take initiative and our flat organization creates efficiency and provides the opportunity for those who are closest to the task of solving it.

For the spring semester of 2026, we are looking for final year students to conduct the following thesis topics:

1. PCB Signal Integrity Investigation - Simulation vs. Reality

Westermo utilizes advanced simulation tools to support signal integrity in electronic design. This thesis will investigate the accuracy of these tools by comparing simulation results with real-world measurements on actual PCB designs. The study will involve setting up simulations, conducting physical measurements, and analyzing discrepancies between predicted and observed behavior.

Purpose or desired outcome: 

• Evaluate how closely signal integrity simulations align with real-world measurements.

• Identify potential sources of deviation between simulation and reality.

• Propose improvements to simulation methodologies, tool configurations, or design practices to enhance predictive accuracy.

Required skills and education level:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or similar

• Familiarity with PCB design and ECAD tools

• Basic understanding of signal integrity principles and measurement techniques

2. Enhancing PCB Layout for Electromagnetic Compatibility

Westermo develops products for harsh industrial environments, where high levels of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are essential. This thesis aims to deepen the understanding of how PCB design influences EMC performance. A particular focus will be placed on the Power Distribution Network (PDN)—the system of power planes, traces, vias, and components that deliver power across the PCB. A well-optimized PDN minimizes voltage drops, reduces noise, and ensures stable power delivery.

The study will explore how component selection, placement, and PCB routing strategies affect EMC behavior. Simulations and practical measurements will be used to evaluate design choices and propose improvements.

Purpose or desired outcome: 

• Investigate how PCB layout and PDN design impact EMC performance.

• Identify best practices for component placement and routing to improve EMC.

• Propose design guidelines or tool enhancements to support EMC-conscious development.

Required skills and education level:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or similar

• Familiarity with PCB design tools and workflows

• Basic understanding of EMC design principles

3. Tuning of Middlebrook criteria in Power Designs

The Middlebrook stability criterion is a widely used method for analyzing and ensuring the stability of power electronic systems, particularly in switching regulators and power distribution networks. This thesis will explore how the criterion can be practically applied and tuned in real-world power designs to improve system robustness and performance.

The work will involve theoretical analysis, simulation, and experimental validation of power stages and control loops. The goal is to understand how tuning parameters—such as loop gain, impedance ratios, and compensation networks—affect stability margins and dynamic behavior.

Purpose or desired outcome: 

• Investigate the applicability and limitations of the Middlebrook criterion in modern power designs.

• Develop a methodology for tuning the criterion to optimize stability and performance.

• Validate findings through simulations and measurements on actual hardware.

• Propose design guidelines or tool enhancements for improved power system design.

Required skills and education level:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or similar

• Solid understanding of power electronics and control theory

• Familiarity with simulation tools (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink) and PCB design

General Requirements:

• Studying at a Swedish University
• Having a Swedish Social Security Number (personnummer/samordningsnummer)
• Can do their thesis during the spring semester of 2026.

Apply with the following attachments:

• CV/Resumé
• Transcripts of grades/courses
• Application letter where you specify which area you would like to write your thesis about
• If you want to apply with a fellow student; please make your own applications, and add the information about your friend.

Additional Information:

Last day to apply: 2025-11-10, but recruitment is on-going and students can be selected before last date.

Location: Kopparlunden, Västerås

For further Information, please contact Recruiter Elin Sandell at elin.sandell@westermo.com

Varför ska man jobba hos er? Vad har ert företag att erbjuda framtida kollegor? Den här texten är jätteviktig för vilken typ av kandidater ni lockar. Lyft upp det typiska för er företagskultur och det ni är stolta över.