Principal Electrical Engineer

Physics World; Lake Forest (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and sick time

Equity participation

Job summary

TAE Technologies seeks a senior electrical leader to design, develop and operate large multi-MVA distribution systems, from grid connection to high‑power generation.

You will lead a small electrical team, coordinate with vendors, oversee grounding, protection schemes, and grounding; expect to work on utility-scale projects and future 50 MW generation. The compensation reflects market norms for California roles.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in ground-up multi-MVA installations in utility, nuclear or large industrial settings.
• Experience liaising with vendors, and designing grounding systems for substations or large facilities.
• Ability to work independently and with scientists and engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development and operation of multi-MVA electrical systems from grid connection to high power packages.
• Procure and install large utility-scale systems; commissioning and monitoring.
• Design grounding systems and protection schemes; address EMI/EMC concerns.

Skills

Ground-up multi-MVA power install

Liaison with electrical vendors

Independent and collaborative work

Rapidly learn new electrical loads

EMI/EMC awareness

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Professional Engineer status

10+ years in utility distribution / large systems

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks Electrical

SKM / ETAP or similar

Grounding system design tools

Job description

Job Details

TAE Technologies is a leader in commercial fusion energy, founded in 1998 with a mission to deliver clean, sustainable energy to the world. Using our proprietary Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) technology, we are advancing toward the commercialization of aneutronic hydrogen-boron fusion. As we transition from the Norm to the Da Vinci commercial prototype, we seek dedicated professionals to support our critical experimental operations. Responsible for leading a small electrical team and contributing to the design, development, procurement and operation of utility grade electrical distribution and future electrical generation.

About The Job

• The design and development of large distributed electrical systems from suitable grid-connection, transformation and connection to high power systems
• Specification, procurement, and installation of large MVA electrical utility systems
• Commissioning, operation, and monitoring of large MVA electrical utility systems
• Design and implementation of grounding systems and techniques for both for AC and experimental systems
• Future power generation at about 50MW level

About You

• Design and development of multi-MVA installations and liaison with power grid utilities.
• Analysis and planning of multi-MVA installations and interfacing with complex power supplies and systems
• Instrumentation and monitoring of distribution systems and boards for power quality and transient recording
• Experience in the design of grounding systems for substations or large facilities

Project Experience

• Project leadership from concept to completion
• At least 10 years' experience of ground-up multi-MVA power installation and operation gained either in utility, nuclear or very large industrial systems
• Liaison with electrical system vendors, custom equipment and suppliers

Software Knowledge And Skills Required

• Simulation of distributed loads and interactions with bus, transformers and utility connections using SKM, ETAP or similar
• Design and simulation of graded protection systems, breakers and fusing
• Transient analysis of large loads during abnormal conditions

Other Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Use of AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical etc. for design and documentation of electrical systems
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with other scientists and engineers
• Accuracy and the ability to identify and correct shortcomings in proposals and designs
• Ability to rapidly gain new knowledge of unique electrical loads and systems
• Awareness of EMI/EMC issues caused by large electrical loads and grounding issues

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related power utility engineering discipline or at least 10 years' experience of utility electrical distribution, large MVA loads and power generation equipment, Professional Engineer status

At TAE Technologies, we consider a wide range of factors when making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and job-related knowledge, training; licenses and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The total compensation package for this position is $175,000 - $220,000 may also include other elements depending on the position offered.

About Us

Imagination, skill, and will

We are a diverse team of over 500 engineers, scientists, professionals, Maxwell Prize winners, and big thinkers from more than 40 countries with a track record of delivering on the innovative ways science can lead humanity into a brighter era. We are not afraid to envision a future where fusion and science can transform our world.

What You'll Get With Us

• Generous benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 (K) with company match, paid vacation + sick time, companywide December holiday, wellness program, parental leave
• Payment rewards: For referring talent, novel research, and patents
• A collaborative environment: An organization where talents and interests can plug in to different groups throughout the organization
• Potential for equity participation
• HQ in Southern California
• A commitment to upholding and growing an inclusive organization

TAE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

We ensure all individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us [e-mail] to request accommodations or request more information.