Principal System Engineer - (DC/DC Converters)

Sterling Engineering; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer for its Power Electronics Division in San Jose, California. This senior role involves acting as a trusted advisor to advanced technology companies, focusing on pre-sales and system-level solutions.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in DC‑DC converters and excellent communication skills, engaging both technical teams and senior customers. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required, with a Master's preferred.

This position offers a competitive salary and 15% annual bonus.

Qualifications

• In‑depth knowledge of Low‑Voltage DC‑DC converters and Buck Converter technology is required.
• Experience in customer‑facing, pre‑sales, or technical advisory roles is essential.
• Strong system‑level thinking with the ability to evaluate tradeoffs and design custom solutions.

Responsibilities

• Act as a senior technical authority supporting pre‑sales and customer engagements.
• Partner closely with leading customers to understand system‑level requirements.
• Serve as a technical bridge between customers and engineering teams.
• Lead architecture discussions involving low‑voltage DC‑DC converters.
• Deliver high‑impact technical presentations and engage with stakeholders.

Skills

DC‑DC converters

Low‑Voltage Buck Conversion

Customer communication

System-level architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Compensation: $180,000–$205,000 base salary + 15% annual bonus

Reports to: Director of Global Applications Engineering

Overview

We are seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to join our Power Electronics Division. This is a senior, customer-facing, pre‑sales focused role for a highly experienced power electronics technologist. The position serves as a trusted technical advisor to some of the world’s most advanced technology companies, partnering closely with customers and internal engineering teams to shape next‑generation power system solutions.

This role is highly conceptual and systems-oriented. There is no lab or hands‑on testing component. Success in this position requires deep expertise in DC‑DC converters and low‑voltage buck conversion products, strong customer communication skills, and the ability to translate complex technical requirements into innovative, scalable architectures.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a senior technical authority supporting pre‑sales and customer engagements across major West Coast accounts
• Partner closely with leading customers to understand system‑level requirements and propose advanced power solutions
• Serve as a technical bridge between customers, applications engineering, product management, and design engineering teams
• Lead system‑level architecture discussions involving low‑voltage DC‑DC converters and voltage conversion (Buck Conversion) power units.
• Support strategic accounts, including hyperscale and advanced technology customers
• Influence product direction by providing customer‑driven technical insights to internal stakeholders
• Deliver high‑impact technical presentations, solution reviews, and executive‑level discussions
• Travel regularly to customer sites along the West Coast, primarily in San Jose and Seattle

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline (Master’s degree preferred)
• In‑depth knowledge of Low‑Voltage DC‑DC converters and Buck Converter technology (Subject Matter Expert)
• Background in applications engineering, field applications engineering, or systems engineering
• Proven experience in customer‑facing, pre‑sales, or technical advisory roles
• Strong system‑level thinking with the ability to evaluate tradeoffs and design custom solutions
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage both deeply technical teams and senior customer stakeholders
• Experience supporting large, sophisticated customers in data center, cloud, or advanced computing environments