Senior Electrical Engineer
Job description
About the role
The Senior Electrical Engineer at Mainspring Energy serves as the lead power electronics architect for the company's pioneering Linear Generator technology, owning the full lifecycle of high-voltage power conversion hardware development. This role is defined by the responsibility to translate abstract energy requirements into robust electrical architectures that enable fuel-flexible operation across diverse customer sites. You will own the design, analysis, and validation of the core power modules that define system efficiency and regulatory compliance. The position requires deep engagement with cross-functional teams to ensure that electrical solutions are manufacturable, testable, and aligned with stringent field deployment timelines. You will guide critical decisions regarding semiconductor selection, circuit topology, and protection schemes that safeguard both personnel and equipment. This role directly influences the reliability and performance of hardware that supports critical infrastructure for data centers and utilities. Your expertise will ensure that Mainspring's energy solutions continue to meet the highest standards of durability and emissions control in demanding commercial environments.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Define the architectural blueprint for power modules and manage their validation process while ensuring alignment with project timelines and system-level objectives.
- Design power circuits capable of processing variable fuel inputs and transient operating conditions while strictly adhering to predefined emissions targets and efficiency metrics.
- Coordinate extensively with mechanical engineering teams to resolve thermal management challenges and ensure seamless integration of electrical components within generator enclosures.
- Implement and refine control firmware strategies to maintain stable electrical output during rapid load transitions and unpredictable field scenarios.
- Conduct comprehensive testing of generator subsystems to identify root causes of faults and validate performance against rigorous reliability and safety criteria.
- Partner with manufacturing teams to translate complex design rules into practical test procedures that ensure consistent quality in high-volume production environments.
- Utilize advanced instrumentation to capture precise electrical waveforms across full operating ranges, enabling detailed analysis of dynamic system behavior.
- Lead schematic reviews and design iterations, guiding junior engineers to uphold company standards for robustness, safety, and regulatory compliance.
- Optimize electrical solutions to achieve an optimal balance between cost constraints, long-term durability, and adherence to evolving industry regulations.
- Drive the development of validation protocols that confirm hardware readiness for deployment in utility-scale and enterprise applications.
- Document design decisions and test results with clarity and precision to support continuous improvement and knowledge transfer within the engineering organization.
- Act as the primary technical authority for power electronics within the linear generator program, influencing strategic hardware roadmap decisions.
- Ensure that all hardware verification activities are executed methodically, using data-driven insights to de-risk production scale-up.
- Foster a culture of proactive collaboration by sharing expertise and aligning with cross-functional stakeholders to resolve complex technical challenges efficiently.
Requirements
- Bring a minimum of five years of hands-on experience developing power electronics for demanding applications in high-stakes operational environments.
- Demonstrate the ability to read intricate technical data sheets and accurately translate electrical limits into precise component and circuit choices without ambiguity.
- Exhibit proficiency with industry-standard tools used for schematic capture, system simulation, and iterative layout design to support rapid design convergence.
- Manage multiple concurrent engineering tasks with precision, maintaining unwavering accuracy even when operating under aggressive project deadlines.
- Apply a solid understanding of safety standards and regulatory requirements relevant to generator hardware deployed in commercial and utility-scale installations.
- Show a history of delivering hardware solutions that comply with emissions regulations while maintaining exceptional levels of energy conversion efficiency.
- Communicate technical concepts clearly to both engineering peers and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment on risk, trade-offs, and implementation strategies.
- Operate effectively within a fast-paced, mission-critical environment where adaptability and ownership are essential for project success.
Nice to have
- Experience collaborating with utilities on interconnection procedures and compliance documentation to streamline project approval and integration efforts.
Practical notes
- Location is restricted to Menlo Park, California, for this role.
- Engagement is full-time with salary-based compensation.
- Visa sponsorship considerations may apply based on role and candidate eligibility.
- The compensation range is fixed between 180,000 USD and 240,000 USD for this position.