Senior Power Electronics Control Engineer

About the role

Senior Power Electronics Control Engineer, LTA Research and Exploration

LTA Research and Exploration is an aerospace start-up focused on developing an experimental vehicle that achieves lift through principles distinct from conventional aircraft. We are currently seeking a motivated Senior Power Electronics Control Engineer to join our team. The primary mission of this role is to assist in the design, fabrication, and testing of an electric airship. Our engineering philosophy centers on rapid iteration, summarized by the motto "build a little, test a little, learn a lot." This position provides the opportunity for direct, hands-on involvement across every stage of development, from initial concept through flight testing, working in close collaboration with firmware and broader system engineering groups.

The successful candidate will be an experienced and passionate engineer responsible for conceiving and implementing power control methods on the electronics and power electronics hardware specific to lighter-than-air flight vehicles. You will play a critical role in ensuring that power management systems function reliably within the unique constraints of an aerial platform. This role demands a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skill, allowing you to see a concept evolve into a robust, flight-qualified system.

Location and Engagement

The position is based in Sunnyvale, California, and is offered as a full-time engagement. The compensation package for this role ranges from $180,000 to $220,000 per year.

Key Responsibilities

Your daily responsibilities will bridge the gap between theoretical circuit design and the physical realities of an airship environment. You will be tasked with architecting the signal paths for power modules, all while adhering to strict mass budgets and safety protocols inherent in aerospace applications. A core function of the role involves designing power converters and protection schemes that must seamlessly communicate with a variety of sensors, actuators, and data links.

A significant portion of your effort will focus on coordination with firmware engineers. This partnership is essential to ensure that control loops are synchronized with system sampling rates and interrupt timing requirements. You will be responsible for implementing driver circuits, selecting appropriate filtering components, and making strategic layout choices. The goal is to ensure that prototype hardware meets stringent noise and reliability targets before it ever leaves the bench.

Testing is a pillar of this role. You will conduct initial tests under controlled bench conditions, followed by supporting outdoor validation flights. This field work is crucial for observing and refining the thermal and electrical behavior of the power systems in real-world conditions. also, you will be expected to document all procedures, schematics, and design changes meticulously. This documentation ensures that future iterations of the vehicle remain traceable and understandable, facilitating continuous improvement.

A key aspect of the position involves interfacing with external stakeholders. You will guide vendors and partners regarding part selections, interface definitions, and acceptance checks for production hardware. You will also be responsible for the physical integration of power stages with the airship's primary structure. This includes ensuring that the wiring harness and connectors are robust enough to withstand mechanical vibration and environmental pressure shifts encountered during flight.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical field. The ideal candidate will have accumulated between three and five years of hands-on experience with power electronics hardware in demanding operational environments. You must have a proven track record of designing and debugging power converters, controllers, or motor drives, utilizing schematics and measurement tools such as oscilloscopes and data acquisition systems.

You should be proficient in interpreting technical documentation, including datasheets, block diagrams, and layout guides, and be able to translate this information into concrete board-level decisions. Success in this role requires the ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team. You must be adept at aligning your electrical decisions with the competing constraints of the mechanical, firmware, and test engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, direct experience with lighter-than-air platforms, high-altitude systems, or participation in aerospace test campaigns would be highly advantageous. Familiarity with the specific challenges posed by the aerospace environment will allow you to contribute more effectively from the outset.

Skills and Tools

Proficiency with specific tools and methodologies is essential for this position. You should be comfortable using Solid Edge or similar CAD software for mechanical integration awareness. Scripting abilities in Python or C are required for automating tests and data analysis. Experience with electronic design automation software, specifically Altium or KiCAD, is necessary for PCB development. You will also be expected to use precision measurement equipment, such as that provided by Keysight or Tektronix, for validation and debugging tasks.