Power Electronics Engineer

Actalent; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite position in Pittsburgh

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer to design, integrate, troubleshoot, and sustain advanced IPS for U.S. Navy surface combatants, including DDG 51 and DDG 1000 platforms.

The role blends hands-on shipboard work with system-level modeling, documentation, and support across warfare centers and fleet sites. Responsibilities include developing high‑reliability converters, supporting HED integration, PCB development, and EMI/EMC compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering required.
• Extensive hands-on power electronics and naval systems experience.
• Experience with Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) and shipboard power.
• Proven ability to analyze, design, and integrate high‑power systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-reliability power conversion systems for naval propulsion and loads.
• Lead analysis, optimization, and integration of HED and power distribution.
• PCB development for embedded power control systems and BOM management.
• Model, simulate, and evaluate power electronics using LTspice, PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink.
• Troubleshoot and maintain DDG-class equipment and test gear.
• Support failure analysis, obsolescence resolution, and qualification activities.
• Prepare technical deliverables like power flow diagrams and interface docs.
• Assist shipboard installations and verification with warfare centers.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders and drive design decisions.
• Ensure EMI/EMC, MIL-STD compliance, safety, and environmental regs.

Skills

Power electronics

Naval / defense experience

EMI/EMC knowledge

Systems engineering

Troubleshooting

PCB development

Modeling & simulation

Security clearance

US citizenship

Travel readiness

Education

B.S. in Electrical/Computer Engineering

Tools

LTspice

PLECS

MATLAB/Simulink

PCB design tools

Job description

Job Title: Power Electronics Engineer Job Description This role focuses on the design, integration, troubleshooting, and sustainment of advanced Integrated Power Systems (IPS) for U.S. Navy surface combatants, including DDG 51, DDG 1000, and future DDG(X) platforms. The Power Electronics Engineer collaborates closely with NAVSEA, warfare centers, and shipboard teams to deliver reliable, mission-ready naval power systems that support propulsion, auxiliary loads, and shipboard electrical distribution. The position combines hands-on shipboard work with system-level design, modeling, and documentation to ensure high-reliability power conversion and control solutions throughout the lifecycle of naval vessels.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-reliability power conversion systems, including AC/DC converters, DC/DC converters, motor controllers, and energy storage interfaces that support naval propulsion and auxiliary loads.
• Provide engineering leadership in the analysis, optimization, and integration of Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) systems and shipboard power distribution components.
• Lead or support printed circuit board (PCB) development for embedded power control systems, including managing bills of materials (BOMs), layout, and integration with shipboard electrical architectures.
• Conduct system-level modeling, simulation, and performance evaluation of power electronics and IPS components using tools such as LTspice, PLECS, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Perform hands‑on troubleshooting and maintenance of DDG-class equipment, including circuit breakers, relays, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and related test equipment.
• Support failure analysis, obsolescence resolution, and component qualification activities, including mean time between failure (MTBF) analysis, derating studies, and compliance testing.
• Prepare, review, and refine technical deliverables such as power flow diagrams, interface control documents, system specifications, and validation reports.
• Assist with shipboard installations, operational verification, troubleshooting, and certification of IPS hardware and control systems in coordination with warfare centers and fleet support teams.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders to review and redline technical documentation, provide engineering input, and drive design decisions through the development lifecycle.
• Ensure designs and implementations comply with EMI/EMC requirements, applicable MIL-STD standards, shipboard safety guidelines, and environmental regulations.
• Support the construction and lifecycle sustainment of U.S. Navy ships and related test sites, focusing on advanced electrical power and propulsion systems.
• Contribute to the integration of improvements for multiple ship classes, including the DDG-1000 Class Integrated Power System (IPS) and DDG-51 Class Flight III platforms.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• 58 years of hands‑on professional experience in power electronics, electrical system integration, or embedded controls, preferably in a defense or maritime environment.
• Proven experience designing and integrating high‑power systems such as Hybrid Electric Drive (HED), propulsion converters, or advanced battery systems.
• Strong troubleshooting experience with circuit breakers, relays, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other electrical test equipment.
• Experience with system‑level modeling, simulation, and performance evaluation using tools such as LTspice, PLECS, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC requirements and MIL-STD compliance, including standards such as MIL-STD-1399, IEEE 45, and NAVSEA standards.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with government stakeholders, review and redline technical documentation, and lead engineering efforts through full development lifecycles.
• Ability to attain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20% of the time to locations such as Mississippi, San Diego, and Hawaii for shipboard and test‑site support.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with Integrated Power Systems (IPS) for naval or similar large‑scale platforms where propulsion and ship service loads share common power sources.
• Experience supporting the construction, testing, or lifecycle sustainment of complex electrical power and propulsion systems.
• Familiarity with shipboard safety and environmental standards relevant to naval electrical power systems.
• Experience supporting failure analysis, obsolescence management, and component qualification for high‑reliability power electronics.
• Ability to prepare clear power flow diagrams, interface control documents, system specifications, and validation or certification reports.
• Comfort working in multidisciplinary teams that include warfare centers, shipboard crews, and engineering support organizations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Experience with embedded power control systems and integration of PCB‑based control hardware into larger shipboard architectures.

Work Environment

The role supports advanced electrical power and propulsion systems for U.S. Navy ships and associated test sites, with engineering support closely aligned to a major naval warfare center. You will work with Integrated Power Systems (IPS) where common electric power sources supply both propulsion and ship service loads, enhancing survivability and continuity of electrical power under demanding conditions. The environment combines office‑based engineering work, including modeling and documentation, with hands‑on shipboard and test‑site activities involving DDG‑class platforms such as DDG‑1000 and DDG‑51 Flight III. You will regularly use tools such as LTspice, PLECS, MATLAB/Simulink, and a variety of electrical test equipment including multimeters and oscilloscopes. The role involves approximately 20% travel to shipyards, test facilities, and operational ships in locations such as Mississippi, San Diego, and Hawaii. Work is highly collaborative, involving coordination with warfare centers, fleet support teams, and other engineering organizations, with a strong focus on reliability, mission readiness, and lifecycle support of critical naval power systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pittsburgh, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $49.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pittsburgh,PA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.