Lead Power Systems Engineer

Lead Power Systems Engineer - Relocation to Southern California

Job Description

As the Lead Power Systems Engineer, you will own the end-to-end architecture, design, and qualification of the power systems for a next-generation planetary rover. You will lead the development of flight-critical power electronics-from solar input and battery management through regulated power distribution and fault protection-enabling ambitious missions on distant planetary bodies. This highly hands-on high level role is ideal for a seasoned power electronics engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, startup environment and wants to make mission-critical design decisions that will shape an entire rover system.

Responsibilities

* Own the complete vehicle power system architecture from a clean sheet concept through flight, defining how power flows through the entire rover and associated ground support equipment.

* Develop system-level power requirements, use cases, and integration strategies for solar power conversion, battery management systems, power distribution, load management, and voltage regulation.

* Design and implement complex power and analog PCBAs, including power converters, regulators, distribution boards, and battery interface boards.

* Perform schematic capture and PCB layout for power and analog circuits using Altium Designer, ensuring robust, manufacturable designs for flight hardware.

* Conduct detailed design analyses, including power budgeting, size and mass trade studies, Monte Carlo tolerance analysis, and reliability assessments.

* Plan and execute PCBA design verification testing, qualification testing, and system integration testing to validate performance and reliability under expected operating conditions.

* Bring boards into the lab to test under load, debug issues, and iterate designs based on test results and validation findings.

* Lead cross-functional design reviews with interdisciplinary teams, clearly communicating design decisions, tradeoffs, and test outcomes.

* Support manufacturing, system integration, and flight operations by providing technical guidance, troubleshooting hardware issues, and ensuring power system readiness for mission use.

* Collaborate closely with avionics, mechanical, software, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of power electronics into the rover and ground support equipment.

* Maintain ownership of the power subsystem throughout the product lifecycle, from ideation and prototyping through production and mission operations.

* Contribute to a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the avionics and power systems engineering teams.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.

* 10+ years of experience in power electronics design, including schematic capture, PCB layout, and hardware testing.

* Deep expertise in solar power conversion, voltage regulation, load management, fault protection, and power transmission.

* Strong experience in analog instrumentation and digital circuits as they relate to power systems.

* Proven ability to design and lay out complex PCBAs for power and analog applications.

* Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools, specifically Altium Designer.

* Skilled in performing circuit analyses using SPICE and Excel to evaluate performance, tolerances, and reliability.

* Hands-on proficiency with electronic lab equipment, including power supplies, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMMs), signal generators, and soldering equipment.

* Demonstrated success working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a high degree of ownership and autonomy.

* Experience owning or leading power subsystems for complex hardware systems such as satellites, rovers, space vehicles, or comparable platforms.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience owning the power subsystem on spacecraft, planetary rovers, or other mission-critical hardware systems.

* Experience in power system-level engineering, including solar power generation, energy storage, and battery management.

* Track record of taking power electronics from concept through production, including product ownership and lifecycle support.

* Familiarity with system-level design tools and documentation practices, including the use of tools such as Microsoft Visio for block diagrams and architecture documentation.

* Experience with battery management systems and battery interface hardware design.

* Exposure to qualification testing standards and processes for high-reliability or flight hardware.

* Ability to collaborate effectively in a highly interdisciplinary engineering team and communicate complex technical concepts clearly.

* Comfort working in a startup environment where initiative, problem-solving, and adaptability are critical.

Work Environment

This role is based in a fast-paced, startup environment that values autonomy, initiative, and hands-on engineering. You will work on-site in a…