Power Distribution Engineer

i3; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 103,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent insurance coverage

401(k) match

Generous PTO

Health and wellness incentives

Tuition reimbursement

Certification reimbursement

Job summary

i3 is seeking a Power Distribution Engineer to design and implement reliable power architectures for complex electronics and test systems. You will own power sequencing, PCB-level distribution, and relay/contactor control to ensure safe bring-up, robust operation, and clean shutdown across electro-mechanical assemblies.

This role blends analog power, digital control, and system integration. You will perform schematic and PCB work, debug with lab instruments, and collaborate with firmware and

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience designing power distribution and sequencing for multi-rail electronics (startup/shutdown timing, dependencies, fault behavior).
• PCB schematic capture & layout for power and mixed-signal boards.
• Hands-on relay/contactor or load-switch control and protection (inrush, fusing, current limiting, isolation).
• Strong debugging with standard lab tools; diagnose intermittent and transient power issues.

Responsibilities

• Design power distribution and sequencing architectures for multi-rail systems (define rail order, timing, dependencies, and safe-state behavior).
• Develop relay/contactor control logic and interlocks to support controlled power-up/down, fault isolation, and emergency-off behaviors.
• Create schematics and PCB layouts for power distribution, load switching, and protection circuits (fusing, current limiting, TVS/ESD, reverse polarity, inrush control).
• Select and integrate power components (DC/DC converters, LDOs, hot-swap/controllers, power monitors, relays/contactors, connectors, harnessing).
• Implement and validate power health monitoring: voltage/current sensing, sequencing status, fault flags, and telemetry for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Perform bring-up and debug using lab instrumentation (oscilloscope, DMM, current probes, power analyzers, electronic loads); characterize transients, inrush, droop, and EMI contributors.
• Define and execute verification plans for sequencing and safety requirements; develop test procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Support system integration: grounding/bonding strategy, cable/harness design, connector pinouts, and environmental/field readiness considerations.
• Document designs and changes clearly: schematics, layouts, timing diagrams, logic truth tables/state machines, and troubleshooting guides.

Skills

Power distribution

Power sequencing

PCB design

Relay control

Lab debugging

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Overview

We're seeking a Power Distribution Engineer to design and implement reliable power architectures for complex electronics and test systems. You will own power sequencing (voltage rail order, timing, and interlocks), PCB-level power distribution, and relay/contactor control logic to ensure safe bring-up, robust operation, and clean shutdown across electro-mechanical assemblies.This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys practical design ownership - requirements to schematic/PCB, build and debug - and who is comfortable working across analog power, digital control, and system integration.Pay Range $103,000 - $181,000The pay range for this position is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, geographic location, and any applicable laws.

Responsibilities

• Design power distribution and sequencing architectures for multi-rail systems (define rail order, timing, dependencies, and safe-state behavior).
• Develop relay/contactor control logic and interlocks (hardware + firmware/logic as applicable) to support controlled power-up/down, fault isolation, and emergency-off behaviors.
• Create schematics and PCB layouts for power distribution, load switching, and protection circuits (fusing, current limiting, TVS/ESD, reverse polarity, inrush control).
• Select and integrate power components (DC/DC converters, LDOs, hot-swap/controllers, power monitors, relays/contactors, connectors, harnessing).
• Implement and validate power health monitoring: voltage/current sensing, sequencing status, fault flags, and telemetry for troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
• Perform bring-up and debug using lab instrumentation (oscilloscope, DMM, current probes, power analyzers, electronic loads); characterize transients, inrush, droop, and EMI contributors.
• Define and execute verification plans for sequencing and safety requirements; develop test procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Support system integration: grounding/bonding strategy, cable/harness design, connector pinouts, and environmental/field readiness considerations.
• Document designs and changes clearly: schematics, layouts, timing diagrams, logic truth tables/state machines, and troubleshooting guides.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience designing power distribution and sequencing for multi-rail electronics (startup/shutdown timing, dependencies, and fault behavior).
• PCB design experience (schematic capture + layout) for power and mixed-signal boards.
• Hands-on experience with relay/contactor or load-switch control and protection (inrush, fusing, current limiting, isolation).
• Strong debugging skills with standard lab tools; ability to diagnose intermittent and transient power issues.
• Comfort working with requirements, producing documentation, and collaborating with firmware/test/mechanical teams.

Nice to have

• Experience with power management ICs (PMICs), sequencing controllers, and power monitors.
• Firmware or programmable logic experience for relay control and power state machines (embedded C/C++, FPGA/PLC, or scripting).
• Experience with high-current / higher-voltage distribution (e.g., 28 VDC, 48 VDC, or kV) and safety standards/practices.
• EMI/EMC awareness for power systems (layout practices, filtering, grounding/shielding, conducted emissions mitigation).
• Experience with configuration control and manufacturing test bring-up; writing procedures and work instructions.

Security requirements

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI

About i3

i3 is a technically diverse, 100% team member owned business, headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama specializing in missile and aviation systems engineering and logistic services, electronic warfare and electromagnetic effects analysis, UAS system integration and flight operations, full lifecycle C5ISR engineering services, cybersecurity and IT/IA innovative solutions and virtual training, simulation & serious game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and capabilities collectively providing decades of experience supporting the full complement of DoD military services, Missile Defense Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of other Government organizations and private industry customers.

Perks of being a team member owner include:

• Long-term financial security
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater job security
• Personal and professional growth
• Great company culture

Other outstanding benefits:

• Excellent insurance coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Health and wellness incentives
• Tuition and certification reimbursement

Countless opportunities to give back to the community through i3 Cares

We work hard. We compete hard. We play hard.