Power Electronics Engineer

Starcloud; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Starcloud, Inc. in Redmond, WA seeks a Power Electronics Engineer to design and optimize advanced power conversion systems for space-based data centers, spanning low to high voltage applications.

You will lead design, analysis, testing, PCB layout, and system integration with cross-functional teams to deliver robust hardware capable of surviving harsh space environments. A bachelor’s degree and hands-on experience are required. This role offers strong compensation and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related STEM field.
• Minimum 1 year of professional experience in power converter development.
• Preferred advanced degree and extensive modeling/simulation experience.
• Experience with DC-DC topologies and space-grade design considerations.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and testing of DC-DC power converters for space environments.
• Perform system-level trades and develop rigorous verification testing.
• Collaborate with design, test, and production teams to deliver hardware.
• Develop efficiency, mass, and cost models and optimize topologies.
• Oversee PCB layout, board bring-up, and validation campaigns.

Skills

Power electronics

Circuit design

Modeling & simulation

Analog control

Discrete logic design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PCB layout

Schematic capture

Power electronics testing

Job description

Company Overview:

Starcloud is building a network of data centers in space, starting at kilowatts and scaling to gigawatt capacity. Falling launch costs allow us to take advantage of the abundant energy, radiative cooling techniques, and ability to rapidly scale in space. Join our team, push the boundaries of the space economy, and be part of this pioneering effort to redefine the future of energy.

Position Overview:

As a Power Electronics Engineer at Starcloud, you will play a critical role in designing and optimizing advanced power electronics systems for our space-based data centers. This dynamic and challenging position demands a highly skilled and innovative individual with deep expertise in power generation and converter development. You will work on a wide range of applications, from low voltage to high kV, powering a range of distinct systems.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Development:

• Lead the design, analysis, and testing of DC-DC power converters tailored for harsh space environments.
• Conduct electrical power system and sub-system level design trades and develop comprehensive requirements.
• Define and perform rigorous electrical power system verification testing and analysis.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of design, test, and production engineers to create groundbreaking power electronics hardware.

Optimization and Analysis:

• Develop and optimize designs for power conversion systems, ensuring peak efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Address and resolve EMI/EMC challenges in power adaptors to ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards.
• Perform advanced modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics to validate and refine designs.

System Integration and Support:

• Lead schematic capture and PCB layout design, ensuring robustness, manufacturability, and compliance with design specifications.
• Oversee board bring-up, execute comprehensive test campaigns, and propose effective solutions to design challenges.
• Develop efficiency, mass, and cost models for power electronics designs, exploring and implementing various topologies to enhance performance.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related STEM discipline.
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in power converter development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Strong expertise in analog control and discrete logic design.
• Extensive experience in modeling, simulation, and testing of power electronics.
• Proficient in voltage and current mode control and compensation design.
• Strong understanding of DC-DC topologies, with the ability to select optimal architectures and components.
• Familiarity with failure mode effects and criticality analysis.
• Experience designing wire wound and planar inductors and transformers.
• Proficiency in power supply testing and packaging for harsh environments.
• Familiarity with spacecraft electrical power systems and knowledge of radiation effects.
• Experience designing and working with solar arrays as input power sources.
• Knowledge of lithium-ion battery handling, safety, and usage.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits:

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Potential for stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Starcloud is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.

Join Starcloud and shape the future!

Embrace the challenge, push technological boundaries, and contribute to solving the global energy challenge.

We receive many applications, and so we apologize that we may not be able to respond to every applicant.