Power Electronics Engineer - 1720

SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. (SARA); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) match

ESOP

Discretionary bonuses

Job summary

SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS & RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. (SARA) is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer in Colorado Springs, CO to advance high-power switching, pulsed power, and directed energy systems for DoD/DoE programs. You will collaborate with engineers, physicists, and technicians on lifecycle stages from concept to operation.

The role requires deep technical pedigree, leadership, and strong communication skills in a fast-paced team. Moderate travel and DoD eligibility are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a relevant field.
• 10–12 years of experience in Power Electronics and related high-power systems.
• Experience with data acquisition equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, analyzers).
• Proficiency in data processing software: Excel, MATLAB, Python, Origin.
• Experience with circuit design/layout tools: DipTrace, P-SPICE, LTSPICE, PLECS, PSim.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; US citizen for DoD clearance.
• Ability to stand, lift up to 50 pounds; indoor, well-lit environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and analyze high-power solid-state switching systems and protection circuits.
• Run SPICE, thermodynamic, and EM models of complex switching systems.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and project documentation.
• Support Applied Research, Pulsed Power, and Directed Energy programs.
• Assist field tests and travel as needed; contribute to multidisciplinary teams.
• Apply critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Power Electronics

Pulsed Power

High Voltage

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Tools

Excel

MATLAB

Python

Origin

DipTrace

P-SPICE

LTSPICE

PLECS

PSim

COMSOL Multiphysics

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Directed Energy Full Time Colorado Springs, CO, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1720

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

SARA, Inc. High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Power Electronics Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation. The candidate must be a high-performing engineer with a substantial technical pedigree in the areas of Applied Research, Pulsed Power, and Directed Energy technologies, systems, components, and missions.

Candidates must be strong team participants, have excellent communication skills, be resourceful and creative, and willing to contribute to a multidisciplinary and fast-paced engineering environment. Candidates must also be capable of detailed design and analysis of high-power solid-state switching, power systems, power conditioning, power conversion, high voltage, power magnetics, battery systems, SPICE simulation, and protection & filtering circuits.

Core Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing, testing, and analyzing complex high-power solid-state switching systems and devices, gate-drive circuits, snubber circuits, and protection circuits
• Executing SPICE, thermodynamic, and electromagnetic models and simulations of complex high-power solid-state switching systems
• Writing detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive project documentation
• Assisting technical leadership with the development of Applied Research, Pulsed Power systems, Directed Energy systems, and measures of effectiveness of such systems
• Supporting highly technical engineering and scientific teams on field test activities when and if necessary (moderate travel is required on occasion)
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Excellent decision-making and leadership capabilities
• Adaptability to work in a fluid, fast-paced team environment

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant field
• 10 – 12 years of experience (excluding education) in Power Electronics, Pulsed Power, High Power Solid-State Switching, Power Conditioning, DCDC & ACDC Power Conversion, High Voltage (1s to 100s of kilovolts), Protection Circuits, High-Speed Communication Circuits, and Digital and Analog Controls, Power Magnetics, Gate Drives, I/O Interface Circuits, and/or Control Hardware
• Experience using basic data acquisition equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, voltage probes, current probes, and spectrum analyzers
• Experience with data processing software including Excel, MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and Origin
• Experience with circuit design and layout software including DipTrace, P-SPICE, LTSPICE, PLECS and/or PSim
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in relevant field
• 12 – 16 years of experience in Power Electronics for Pulsed Power and Directed Energy applications
• Active DoD Top Secret or DoE Q clearance
• Experience in pulsed power, capacitor chargers, electromagnetics, microelectronics, and thermal design is a plus
• Mature experience using COMSOL Multiphysics software platform for power electronics applications, specifically with thermodynamic- and electromagnetic-coupled applications

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: December 9, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.