Electrical Engineer – Power Electronics Designer

CFD Research Corporation; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CFD Research Corporation seeks an Electrical Engineer with deep expertise in power electronics, schematic capture, PCB layout, and EMI/EMC compliance. This role focuses on designing high-performance, high-reliability electronic systems for military and aerospace applications, where precision, ruggedness, and standards adherence are essential.

The ideal candidate is analytical, hands-on, and experienced in integrating hardware and firmware with advanced simulation, modeling, and problem solving

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering.
• Strong background in power electronics, converter topologies, switching devices, magnetics, and control techniques.
• Schematic capture and PCB layout using Altium, Mentor, KiCad, etc.
• EMI/ESD, grounding, shielding, filtering, and noise control methods.
• Experience with SPICE circuit simulation tools.
• Familiarity with military/aerospace design documentation, testing, and compliance workflows.
• Hands on testing with oscilloscopes, power analyzers, electronic loads, function generators, network analyzers, multimeters, and soldering/rework tools.
• U.S. Citizen and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced power electronic circuits and subsystems
• Perform schematic capture and oversee PCB layout using industry CAD tools
• Utilize simulation tools such as SPICE based simulators for circuit analysis and optimization
• Apply electromagnetic simulation using Ansys or similar tools for EMI, thermal, and field modeling
• Implement EMI/ESD mitigation strategies to meet MIL and aerospace compliance requirements
• Support qualification and compliance efforts to aerospace and military standards including AS9100, MIL STD 461, MIL STD 464, MIL STD 810, MIL STD 704 , and related specifications
• Generate high quality documentation and design artifacts aligned with AS9100 quality management system expectations
• Conduct design reviews, root cause analysis, prototype development, and hands on testing
• Prepare comprehensive documentation including design reports, analyses, test plans, and review packages
• Collaborate with mechanical teams; occasional use of SolidWorks for enclosure or packaging integration (preferred)

Skills

Power electronics

PCB layout

EMI/ESD

SPICE simulation

Embedded C/C++

High reliability electronics

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Altium

Mentor

KiCad

SolidWorks

Ansys

Job description

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

We are seeking a highly capable Electrical Engineer with deep expertise in power electronics, schematic capture, PCB layout, and electromagnetic compliance. This role focuses on designing high performance, high reliability electronic systems for military and aerospace applications, where precision, ruggedness, and compliance to stringent standards are essential.

The ideal candidate is an analytical thinker and hands on designer who thrives in a fast paced R&D environment—tackling complex design challenges, integrating hardware and firmware, and leveraging practical engineering skills along with advanced simulation, modeling, and problem solving capabilities to produce robust, high quality electronics for mission critical applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced power electronic circuits and subsystems
• Perform schematic capture and oversee PCB layout using industry standard ECAD tools
• Utilize simulation tools such as SPICE based simulators (LTspice, PSpice, etc.) for circuit analysis and optimization
• Apply electromagnetic and simulation using Ansys or similar tools for EMI, thermal, and field modeling
• Implement EMI/ESD mitigation strategies to meet MIL and aerospace compliance requirements
• Support qualification and compliance efforts to aerospace and military standards including AS9100, MIL STD 461, MIL STD 464, MIL STD 810, MIL STD 704 , and related specifications
• Generate high quality documentation and design artifacts aligned with AS9100 quality management system expectations
• Conduct design reviews, root cause analysis, prototype development, and hands on testing
• Prepare comprehensive documentation including design reports, analyses, test plans, and review packages
• Collaborate with mechanical teams; occasional use of SolidWorks for enclosure or packaging integration (preferred)

Required Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering
• Strong background in power electronics, converter topologies, switching devices, magnetics, and control techniques
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout using industry CAD tools (Altium, Mentor, KiCad, etc.)
• Solid understanding of EMI/ESD, grounding, shielding, filtering, and noise control methods
• Experience with SPICE circuit simulation tools
• Familiarity with military/aerospace design documentation, testing, and compliance workflows
• Hands on experience using electronic lab equipment for testing, validation, and troubleshooting, including oscilloscopes, power analyzers, electronic loads, function generators, network analyzers, multimeters, and soldering/rework tools
• Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and possess the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with focus on power electronics or electromagnetics
• Experience using Ansys or other EM simulation tools
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar MCAD modeling software
• Experience with wire harness design, routing, connector selection, and integrating harness interfaces into power electronic systems
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other mission critical hardware development
• Experience in high voltage design, thermal analysis, reliability engineering, or ruggedized electronics
• Firmware or embedded systems experience, including microcontroller programming, hardware software integration, and low level driver development (C/C++, embedded toolchains)
• Experience with embedded testing tools, such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, JTAG, in circuit debuggers, or real time monitoring systems

Desired Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Clear communication and technical writing ability
• Ability to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams
• Passion for innovation and mission oriented engineering

Multiple locations: This role can be based at our CFD Research office in Dayton, OH (PREFERRED location), or our office in Huntsville, AL and Hollywood, AL will also be considered. This role is 100% onsite.

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories