Power Electronics Engineer

NewOrbit Space Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering aerospace company in Reading seeks an experienced Power Electronics Engineer to design and test power systems for satellites. Responsibilities include developing circuits and conducting simulations. You will have ownership of the entire development cycle, contribute to innovative space technology, and enjoy competitive salary and equity options, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Equity and competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Private health insurance with dental and optical coverage

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in power electronics design.
• Strong fundamental knowledge of analog and digital circuits.
• Proficiency in relevant circuit simulation tools.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Power electronics design

DC-DC converters

Analog circuits

Digital circuits

Reliability analysis

Education

Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

LTSpice

TINA-TI

PLECS

Job description

Overview

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 the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the 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 developing 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 electro-magnetics (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.