Power Electronics Engineer

NewOrbit Space Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

NewOrbit Space Ltd is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer to design and test power systems for innovative satellites. Join a pioneering team focused on developing air-breathing propulsion technology, where you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact and enjoy a competitive salary along with equity in the company.

Benefits

Private health insurance with dental and optical coverage

Annual healthcare check-ups

Equity in the company

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in power electronics design, including academic research.
• Strong knowledge of multiple converter topologies like Buck, Boost, and Flyback.
• Experience with thermal modelling and electromagnetics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and prototype advanced power electronics circuits and PCB layouts.
• Develop DC-DC converters and power conditioners.
• Test and validate DC-DC systems against simulations.

Skills

Analog circuits

Digital circuits

Power electronics design

Proficiency in LTSpice

Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering

PhD in Power Electronics

Tools

LTSpice

TINA-TI

PLECS

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system, we can compensate for atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your Role

We are seeking an experienced Power Electronics Engineer to help us design, build, and test power systems for satellites. You'll be part of a team leading our development efforts. You should be capable of taking ownership of the full (end-to-end) development cycle of power electronics, ensuring the success of our upcoming satellite launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and prototype advanced power electronics circuits and PCB layouts.
• Develop DC-DC converters, power conditioners, and other power supplies.
• Conduct modelling, control design, and stability analysis for power electronic converters.
• Test and validate DC-DC systems against simulations, considering EMI/EMC, reliability, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to integrate power electronics into various satellite subsystems.

Fundamental Requirements

• Education: Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field.
• Experience: At least 1 year of experience in power electronics design (including academic research, e.g., PhD).
• Strong fundamental knowledge of analog and digital circuits.
• Proficiency in tools such as LTSpice, TINA-TI, PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with multiple converter topologies (e.g., Buck, Boost, Flyback).

Preferred Experience (a plus, but not required)

• Power electronics for space applications.
• High-voltage power electronics (up to 5kV).
• Thermal modelling and electromagnetics (design, test, and simulation).
• Development of power electronics for plasma.
• Reliability analysis, including stress analysis and FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis).
• Control architectures, algorithms, and power control for converters and drives.
• EMI/EMC compliance, control theory, and closed-loop feedback systems.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology- You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
• Unmatched Ownership and Impact- You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
• Equity and Competitive Salary- You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package- Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups, etc.