Job Title: Electrical Engineer - Power Electronics
Job Description
This role focuses on designing and developing advanced power electronics systems and hardware from concept through production. You will work on cutting-edge, high-power, high-efficiency converter designs, create and layout PCBs, develop packaging and thermal solutions, and validate proto@type performance. The position offers the opportunity to influence product architecture, support manufacturing, and contribute to continuous improvement in a dynamic startup environment with potential for bonuses, relocation support, and equity participation.
Responsibilities
Develop power electronics and systems using digital control for high-current, high-power converter applications.
Design analog and digital electronic circuits, with a focus on power supply design and motor control.
Create PCB schematics and perform complete PCB layouts using professional electronic design automation tools.
Develop electronics packaging and thermal management solutions for complex high-power boards to ensure reliability and performance.
Analyze controller and power converter solutions for permanent magnet electric machines, including AC-DC and DC-DC converters.
Perform detailed system-level analyses to evaluate and select power semiconductor devices for target applications.
Define power semiconductor components and optimize gate driver circuits and busbar designs for high voltage and high current operation.
Conduct high voltage tests up to approximately 1,000 V and high current tests up to approximately 1,000 A on proto@types and systems.
Validate proto@type performance against design requirements and support finalization of product designs.
Develop and execute test plans, test procedures, and test solutions for power electronics hardware.
Document design reports, test results, and failure analyses in a clear and traceable manner.
Assist in planning and testing new products to meet required standards and compliance criteria.
Provide engineering support to production, including troubleshooting, design-for-manufacturability input, and process improvements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to move designs from concept to architecture, detailed design, and full product life cycle.
Actively contribute to the continual improvement of internal engineering and product development processes.
Apply knowledge of magnetics, including modeling and characterization of inductors and transformers, to optimize power conversion designs.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
At least 3 years of industry experience in electronics hardware design.
5-10 years of experience in analog design, digital design, power supply design, PCB layout, and Altium or similar PCB design tools.
In-depth understanding and hands-on experience with switching power converters.
Ability to design AC-DC and DC-DC converters for high power (greater than 200 kW) and high efficiency/high power density applications.
Proven ability to take designs from concept through architecture, detailed design, prototyping, and validation.
Strong knowledge of power conversion topologies and the ability to simulate and model designs.
Experience with power supply design, including both analog (approximately 70%) and digital (approximately 30%) design work.
Proficiency with EDA and simulation tools such as Ansys IcePak, LTspice, Altium, RapidHarness, MATLAB, and Python.
Experience with PCB layout for high-power, high-voltage applications.
Ability to develop comprehensive test plans, procedures, and test solutions for power electronics hardware.
Solid understanding of magnetics, including inductor and transformer modeling, magnetization inductance and current, leakage inductance, intra-winding and inter-winding capacitance, self-resonant frequency, and high-frequency behavior.
Knowledge of magnetic core characteristics and limitations, including core saturation, core loss, high-frequency losses, and winding techniques for optimized magnetics.
Experience across the full life cycle of power electronics products, including AC-DC conversion and AC motor control.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Firmware development experience for the TMS320 microcontroller family.
Familiarity with electric power component procurement and vendor interaction.
Understanding of printed circuit board manufacturing, assembly, and test processes.
Knowledge of metallic and plastic materials machining processes for electronic packaging.
Familiarity with finish coating materials and processes for electronic assemblies.
Experience authoring or contributing to patents and technical publications.
Industry experience in aerospace or defense applications.
Technical leadership experience, including guiding projects or mentoring other engineers.
Experience with high-power motor control systems and permanent magnet electric machines.
Interest in working in a fast-paced startup environment with opportunities for growth and ownership.
Work Environment
The role is based in a fast-paced startup environment focused on innovative power electronics and high-power conversion systems. You will work with modern EDA and simulation tools such as Ansys IcePak, LTspice, Altium, RapidHarness, MATLAB, and Python, and support the full hardware life cycle from design through lab testing and production support. The position involves hands-on work in laboratory and production areas, including high-voltage and high-current testing of proto@types and systems. The organization offers a collaborative culture with opportunities for technical leadership, continuous process improvement, and direct impact on product direction. A sign-on bonus, relocation support, and the possibility of an equity stake are available as part of a competitive overall package.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Goleta, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $170000.00/yr.
We value our employees' time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive compensation and an extensive benefits package including paid time off, medical, dental
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Goleta,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
