Principal Power Electronics Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 237,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health and finance workshops

Job summary

A nonprofit research and development company in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Principal Power Electronics Engineer to design and develop complex power system architectures. This role involves optimizing designs, managing technical risks, and mentoring less experienced engineers. Candidates should have at least a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, along with 7-10 years of experience in power systems. Competitive salary range is $95,000–$237,500, with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in power systems engineering required.
• Experience with isolated and non-isolated dc/dc power conversion.
• Strong understanding of applied math and physics.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and build power system architectures.
• Conduct research and development of hardware such as power conversion circuitry.
• Independently drive solutions to complex engineering problems.

Skills

Power conversion design

Battery management systems

Circuit simulation using Spice

Analytical and problem‑solving skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Draper

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description Summary

A Principal Power Electronics Engineer designs, specifies, develops, and tests power system architectures and requirements for a wide array of applications, including miniature power conversion and management circuitry, distributed power architectures, radiation hardened designs, novel battery management circuitry, small motor controllers, switched‑mode power conversion and precision feedback systems. They also perform a variety of engineering work in the initial planning and design phase of specifications and requirements of the systems.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and build power system architectures.
• Conduct research, design, development, and testing of hardware such as miniature power conversion and management circuitry, distributed power architectures, radiation hardened designs.
• Optimize system designs for reduced size, weight, and power.
• Design new products and develop technical specifications for their production.
• Analyze hardware configuration and processing solutions and test hardware conformance to specifications.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems – develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to perform advanced architectures and designs for complex power electronics.
• Involved in business development and proposal activities.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary tasks with multiple engineers and effectively communicate status to project leadership and customers.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time‑management skills to achieve program goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge in at least one of the following areas: isolated and non‑isolated dc/dc power conversion; rectification; inversion; battery management systems; motor controller design; system‑level power distribution design; system/board level grounding/shielding and EMC design techniques.
• Designing and troubleshooting power electronics.
• Proficient with schematic capture and printed circuit board layout.
• Ability to perform circuit simulation using Spice or other simulation tools.
• System modeling and analysis experience using MATLAB, Simulink, or other comparable tools.
• Understanding of applied math and physics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to write detailed documentation.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

7–10 years of experience in power systems engineering or related.

Additional Job Description

Applicants selected for this position will have a current in‑scope secret clearance.

Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Salary Range

US base salary range: $95,000.00 – $237,500.00.

Other Information

Connect with Draper for future opportunities: If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high‑performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].