Principal Power Engineer

Cowboy Space Corporation; San Carlos (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings

Paid time off

10 holidays per year

Parental leave

Relocation assistance

Daily lunch and snacks

Job summary

Cowboy Space Corp. is seeking a Principal Power Engineer to lead design of high‑voltage, high‑power DC/DC systems for terrestrial and orbital data center infrastructure. You will shape architecture, drive power delivery innovation, and mentor engineers in a fast‑moving space/compute agenda.

The role covers solar and alternative power inputs, transformer/inductor design, and robust power networks for GPU clusters in ground and orbital environments. Excellent scope for leadership and impact.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Power Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of professional experience in power electronics design and development.
• Demonstrated expertise in DC/DC converter design, topology selection, and control strategies.
• Strong background in magnetic component design including transformer and inductor design, material selection, and optimization.
• Proficiency in PCB design and layout for power applications, including high‑speed signal routing and thermal management.
• Deep expertise in power integrity analysis, including PDN design, component optimization, and control theory.
• Hands‑on experience with power supply design for GPU or high‑performance computing systems.
• Proficiency with circuit simulation tools (SPICE, PSpice, LTspice) and thermal simulation software.
• Experience with high‑voltage (>48VDC) and high‑power (>1kW) converter design.
• Proven track record of taking power electronics designs from concept through volume production.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in fast‑paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize high‑voltage, high‑power DC/DC converter topologies for solar and alternative power sources to GPU power distribution systems in terrestrial and space environments (multi‑kW to MW scale)
• Develop end‑to‑end power conversion architecture from solar/alternative power input through multi‑stage distribution to GPU compute nodes, with consideration for both ground and orbital operational requirements
• Lead design of custom magnetic components including transformer and inductor designs for optimal efficiency and thermal performance
• Conduct power integrity analysis and design robust power delivery networks for high‑current GPU power rails
• Own PCB design and layout for power conversion stages, ensuring signal integrity, thermal management, and manufacturability
• Specify and integrate GPU power supply modules, working closely with GPU supplier on power delivery requirements and validation
• Perform circuit simulation, thermal analysis, and validate prototypes through bench testing and field deployment
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to optimize overall power system performance
• Establish design standards, best practices, and technical roadmap for power electronics platforms
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous technical advancement of the power systems team

Skills

Power electronics

DC/DC design

PCB layout

Thermal management

Power integrity

GPU power

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree

PhD preferred

Tools

SPICE

LTspice

PSpice

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Power Engineer to lead the design and development of cutting‑edge power conversion and distribution systems for next‑generation terrestrial and space‑based data center infrastructure. This role focuses on architecting high‑voltage, high‑power DC/DC conversion systems that efficiently distribute solar‑generated and alternative power sources to GPU clusters and advanced computing hardware in both ground‑based and orbital environments. As a senior technical leader, you will drive innovation in power delivery optimization, system architecture, and enable our mission to deliver sustainable, high‑performance computing infrastructure across multiple operational domains.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize high‑voltage, high‑power DC/DC converter topologies for solar and alternative power sources to GPU power distribution systems in terrestrial and space‑based environments (multi‑kW to MW scale)
• Develop end‑to‑end power conversion architecture from solar/alternative power input through multi‑stage distribution to GPU compute nodes, with consideration for both ground and orbital operational requirements
• Lead design of custom magnetic components including transformer and inductor designs for optimal efficiency and thermal performance
• Conduct power integrity analysis and design robust power delivery networks for high‑current GPU power rails
• Own PCB design and layout for power conversion stages, ensuring signal integrity, thermal management, and manufacturability
• Specify and integrate GPU power supply modules, working closely with GPU supplier on power delivery requirements and validation
• Perform circuit simulation, thermal analysis, and validate prototypes through bench testing and field deployment
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to optimize overall power system performance
• Establish design standards, best practices, and technical roadmap for power electronics platforms
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous technical advancement of the power systems team

Basic Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Power Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of professional experience in power electronics design and development
• Demonstrated expertise in DC/DC converter design, topology selection, and control strategies
• Strong background in magnetic component design including transformer and inductor design, material selection, and optimization
• Proficiency in PCB design and layout for power applications, including high‑speed signal routing and thermal management
• Deep expertise in power integrity analysis, including PDN design, component optimization, and control theory
• Hands‑on experience with power supply design for GPU or high‑performance computing systems
• Proficiency with circuit simulation tools (SPICE, PSpice, LTspice) and thermal simulation software
• Experience with high‑voltage (>48VDC) and high‑power (>1kW) converter design
• Proven track record of taking power electronics designs from concept through volume production
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in fast‑paced environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Power Electronics or equivalent advanced technical degree
• Experience with renewable energy systems integration and solar power applications
• Background in advanced converter topologies (multi‑level, resonant, or soft‑switching designs)
• Familiarity with GPU power delivery specifications and requirements
• Experience with GaN wide‑bandgap semiconductor devices
• Publications or patents in power electronics design
• Leadership experience in managing power electronics engineering teams
• Knowledge of data center infrastructure and hyperscale computing architectures

Compensation And Benefits

The salary range for this position is $155,000 - $245,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job‑related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Paid time off
• 10 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance if applicable
• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all‑inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or lo