Senior Power Electronics Engineer

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in satellite technology is seeking a Senior/Mid-Level Power Electronics Engineer to design and optimize power systems for Low Earth Orbit satellites. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in power electronics and experience with satellite systems. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, ensuring compliance with mission standards, and contributing to innovative solutions for space environments.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in power electronics design and development.
• Experience with thermal management and high-reliability electronics.

Responsibilities

• Develop power electronics systems for LEO satellites.
• Collaborate with teams for integration and testing of power systems.
• Optimize power systems for efficiency and reliability.

Skills

Problem Solving

Analytical Skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SPICE

MATLAB/Simulink

Altium

Cadence

Job description

AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.

Summary:

We are seeking a skilled Senior/Mid-Level Power Electronics Engineer to join our team focused on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite projects. This role involves designing, developing, and optimizing power electronics systems to ensure the reliable operation of satellite subsystems in space. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in power electronics and some experience with satellite systems, bringing a practical approach to problem-solving and innovation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Design and Development:

• Develop and refine power electronics systems including DC-DC converters, power distribution units, and battery management systems for LEO satellites.

• Design and validate power regulation and control systems to ensure reliable performance under space conditions.

• Produce and review detailed circuit schematics, PCB layouts, and perform simulations to verify design performance.

Integration and Testing:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate power electronics into satellite subsystems.

• Execute ground-based and space-like environmental tests to validate power system performance and reliability.

• Analyze test data to identify issues and implement design improvements.

Optimization and Troubleshooting:

• Optimize power systems for efficiency, reliability, and thermal management in the satellite environment.

• Diagnose and resolve technical issues related to power electronics during design, testing, and operational phases.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Ensure designs comply with space mission standards and industry regulations.

• Prepare and maintain documentation including design reports, test plans, and performance evaluations.

Support and Collaboration:

• Provide technical support for satellite assembly, integration, and testing phases.

• Work closely with other engineers and stakeholders to address technical challenges and project requirements.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on advancements in power electronics and satellite technology.

• Contribute to the development of new techniques and technologies to enhance power system performance and reliability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering, with emphasis on Power Electronics.
• 3-7 years of experience in power electronics design and development, with a focus on space or aerospace applications preferred.
• Proficiency in designing power conversion circuits and systems.
• Experience with thermal management and high-reliability electronics for space environments.
• Familiarity with satellite power systems and space mission requirements.
• Proficient in simulation tools (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink) and PCB design software (e.g., Altium, Cadence).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal.
• Capable of working effectively in a team-oriented, multidisciplinary environment.
• U.S Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, with emphasis on Power Electronics.
• Knowledge of space radiation effects and mitigation strategies.
• Understanding of industry standards and regulatory requirements for space missions.
• Experience with LEO satellite power systems or similar space missions.

AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.