Power Electronics Design Engineer

About the role

The Space Science Electronics Group at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory builds instruments and electronics systems that generate data used in scientific research. We work closely with engineers and scientists across the Laboratory to develop instruments for spaceflight missions. Examples of our work include the instrument suite on the MESSENGER spacecraft, instruments for Europa Clipper, imagers on DART, and many other missions. We are currently developing instruments for Dragonfly and NOAA SOLAR missions.

Responsibilities

• Designing, simulating, and testing analog electronics for spaceflight instrumentation, including isolated DC/DC power converters, low- and high-voltage power supplies, detector bias supplies, custom magnetics design, power conditioning, motor control electronics, and related support circuitry.
• Optimizing magnetic components, compensation networks, control loops, filtering, protection circuits, and EMI/EMC mitigation features for spaceflight power systems.
• Overseeing breadboarding, testing, fabrication, and space qualification of analog, power, and mixed-signal electronics.
• Designing, testing, and integrating engineering model and flight model electronics.
• Hands-on laboratory testing and troubleshooting of power, analog, or mixed-signal electronics.
• Preparing for and presenting at design reviews.
• Generating test plans and technical documentation.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent technical field, with 2+ years of experience in analog power electronics design.
• Experience with common power converter topologies and design electronics for EMI/EMC considerations.
• Basic scripting knowledge, preferably including the ability to script automated measurement sequences.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design and circuit simulation tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Qualifications

• You will meet our minimum requirements if you have...
• An M.S. in Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical experience, with 5+ years of experience in power electronics, analog electronics, and mixed-signal circuit design.
• Experience designing space-qualified electronics, including custom magnetic component design, part selection, de-rating, and worst-case analysis, radiation considerations, and design margin assessment.
• Worked with sensitive analog and mixed signal circuit; optimized power supplies for biasing detectors, minimizing noise and cross talk, and tuning for stability over large load/temperature ranges.
• Relevant spaceflight hardware experience.
• Leadership and organizational capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and mentor early-career engineers.

Skills

As a Power Electronics Design Engineer, you will need to possess the following skills:

• Experience with power converter topologies and design electronics for EMI/EMC considerations.
• Basic scripting knowledge, preferably including the ability to script automated measurement sequences.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design and circuit simulation tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience designing space-qualified electronics, including custom magnetic component design, part selection, de-rating, and worst-case analysis, radiation considerations, and design margin assessment.
• Worked with sensitive analog and mixed signal circuit; optimized power supplies for biasing detectors, minimizing noise and cross talk, and tuning for stability over large load/temperature ranges.
• Leadership and organizational capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and mentor early-career engineers.

Benefits

At APL, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. We also provide a healthy work/life balance and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work.

Pay

Minimum Rate: $85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate: $195,000 Annually

Schedule

Full-time position