Electrical Engineer, Power Electronics & EMI/EMC

Transmission & Distribution World

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 131,000 - 228,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Rancho Bernardo seeks a Senior Electrical Engineer to lead EMI/EMC and power electronics development for advanced payloads and space-related systems.

You will design, analyze, and test high-power electronic hardware, develop EMI/EMC plans, and mentor junior engineers while collaborating with mechanical, RF, software, and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

Extensive EMI/EMC engineering experience for complex electronic systems.
Strong background in power electronics, inverter/converter design.
Ability to lead test plans and risk management across lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Lead EMI/EMC design, analysis, and testing for high-power systems.
Develop EMI/EMC control plans including grounding, shielding, filtering.
Create and review schematics, PCB layouts for signal and power integrity.
Perform root-cause analysis using advanced test equipment.
Mentor junior engineers and coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

EMI/EMC engineering

Power electronics

Inverter design

System-level test

PCB design (Altium)

SPICE / LTSpice

HFSS / Ansys

Documentation

Education

Engineering degree (BS/MS/PhD)

Tools

Altium Designer

SPICE LTSpice

HyperLynx

Ansys HFSS

Oscilloscope

Spectrum analyzer

Network analyzer

Job description

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Electrical Engineer (EE) to join our Electrical Technologies team located in Rancho Bernardo. We are looking for someone with drive, talent, and experience in power electronics hardware development and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC). The successful candidate will lead and/or support the design, analysis, and test of advanced and high-power electronic systems on one or more projects, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and high reliability from concept through production, with an emphasis on R&D and first article prototype efforts.

This role is ideal for an engineer with extensive hands-on experience in EMI/EMC (including MIL-STD-461/464), power electronics and inverter design, system-level integration, and root-cause failure analysis, who enjoys working in a fast-paced R&D environment and providing technical leadership across multidisciplinary teams.

The successful candidate will report to an EE Design Team Manager and, alongside high-caliber staff, will be engaged in the engineering support and new development of laser and electro-optical sensors and payloads for space vehicles, space-based optical communications, nuclear instrumentation and control for space systems, command and data handling electronics, cutting-edge technology ventures into Defense and "NewSpace," and a variety of disruptive technologies in the expanding product portfolio of GA-EMS.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with GA-EMS Engineering staff and chief engineers in the concept development and prototype design, integration, and test, with an emphasis on EMI/EMC Engineering expertise, on one or more projects across electronic payloads, weapon systems, space systems, and power systems spanning GA-EMS’ portfolio.
With consultative direction, exercise considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and/or solutions for designated engineering systems, projects, and programs.
Lead or contribute to the design, analysis, and testing of advanced and high-power electronic systems to ensure compliance with EMI/EMC requirements across all phases of engineering development and product lifecycle, including concept development, architecture, detailed design, assembly, integration, test, and sustainment.
Develop and implement EMI/EMC control plans, including grounding, shielding, filtering, and bonding strategies at printed circuit board, module, and system levels.
Perform radiated and conducted emissions and susceptibility analyses and testing, including troubleshooting and mitigation of EMI/EMC issues.
Develop and execute EMI/EMC test methodologies and plans based on applicable standards (e.g., MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, NASA-STD-4003, and relevant regulatory requirements).
Design and develop inverter and converter power electronics, power distribution systems, and motor control hardware, with emphasis on reliability, EMI/EMC compliance, and manufacturability.
Guide designs from prototype through integration, verification, and production, including design improvements to legacy systems and development of new architectures.
Create and review schematics, PCB layouts, and high-power/high-speed board designs, ensuring good signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC performance.
Develop and execute test plans and procedures for functional verification, reliability, and EMI/EMC compliance, including lab, environmental, and, as applicable, flight-like testing.
Perform root cause and failure analysis of power electronics and system-level issues using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and other advanced test equipment.
Design and implement custom test fixtures and hardware to validate new and existing designs, support regression testing, and enable efficient troubleshooting in EMI/EMC.
Function as a technical lead or project lead on complex efforts involving space-based electronics, high-power drives, and EMI/EMC-critical systems.
Provide guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers in areas such as EMI/EMC design practices, power electronics, and system integration.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, systems, RF, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure robust, integrated solutions that meet performance, reliability, and compliance requirements.
Represent GA-EMS as a prime technical contact with customers, suppliers, and government representatives on EMI/EMC and power electronics topics, interacting with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations.
Develop and maintain technical documentation including requirements, design descriptions, EMI/EMC analyses, test plans, test reports, and compliance certifications.
Participate in and lead technical reviews (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) with a focus on EMI/EMC risk management, power electronics design maturity, and system integration readiness.
Stay current on industry trends and emerging technologies in EMI/EMC mitigation, power electronics, and system-level design; proactively recommend and implement improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; fifteen or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, thirteen or more years of experience with a masters degree, or ten or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance is required; TS/SCI clearance is highly desired and may be required for certain programs.
Extensive, hands-on experience in EMI/EMC engineering for complex electronic systems (preferably satellites, aerospace, or high-reliability industrial/defense systems), including: EMI/EMC analysis, design, test, and troubleshooting; practical application of MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-464, and familiarity with NASA-STD-4003 and other relevant standards.
Strong background in power electronics and analog/mixed-signal design, including: design and development of inverter and converter power electronics, power distribution, and motor control systems; experience with high-power printed circuit boards, high-speed circuit layouts, and system-level integration.
Proven experience in system-level test and integration, including: development and execution of test plans and procedures for EMI/EMC, reliability, and functional verification; use of oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and other advanced test and measurement tools.
Demonstrated ability to lead root cause analysis and failure analysis for complex electronic systems, and to implement effective corrective actions.
Experience guiding designs through development, integration, and production, including documentation and support for manufacturing and fielded systems.
Experience with PCB design tools such as Altium Designer or similar.
Proficiency with circuit and system simulation tools, such as SPICE/LTSpice and other analog/mixed-signal simulation tools.
Familiarity with signal and power integrity analysis tools (e.g., HyperLynx, Ansys SI tools) and EMI/EMC simulation tools (e.g. Ansys HFSS) is a plus.
Knowledge of standard communication interfaces (USB, SPI, I2C, CAN, JTAG, RS-232, etc.) and their EMI/EMC implications.
Experience with embedded control of power electronics and/or motor control is beneficial.
Strong documentation skills, including creation of procedures, datasheets, and test reports suitable for technicians, customers, and regulatory bodies.
Demonstrate technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with experience in project leadership.
Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving project environment.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively interface with other departments, customers, government representatives, and/or professionals.
Capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact.
Customer-focused and able to formulate plans based on the development of innovative new designs in resolving advanced technical engineering problems.
Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment.
Must be able to prepare and conduct detailed technical presentations and reviews for all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
Some travel and extended work schedules may be required.
The submission of a cover letter with resume is desired.