Why This Role Exists
Lead designers are spending 20+ hours per week on spillover tasks—schematic reviews, simulation reruns, PCB layout support—instead of critical-path architecture work. This displacement delays the 800V inverter program and creates a single-point-of-failure risk in the engineering org. This role takes ownership of next-generation high-voltage hardware design, freeing lead engineers to focus on system-level architecture and program execution.
Role Summary
The Senior Electrical Engineer owns the design and validation of high-voltage power electronics for Allocortech’s 800V inverter program. You will architect circuit topologies, perform WCCA and SPICE simulations for safety-critical circuits, design mixed-signal systems with optimized power and thermal budgets, and drive hardware-software integration for motor controller platforms.
Core Responsibilities
- Architect and design high-voltage power electronics circuits for the 800V inverter program, including topology selection, component derating, and protection schemes.
- Perform Worst Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA) and SPICE simulations for safety-critical circuits, documenting analysis results for design review.
- Design complex mixed-signal systems with attention to power/thermal budgets, noise isolation, and signal integrity.
- Manage impedance-controlled PCB layouts and high-speed signal integrity (SI) analysis for multi-layer power electronics boards.
- Drive hardware-software integration for motor controller systems, collaborating with firmware engineers on register configuration and timing requirements.
- Conduct design reviews (schematic, layout, WCCA) and present trade studies to engineering leadership.
- Support prototype bring-up, bench testing, and qualification testing for new hardware designs.
- Maintain design files, simulation models, and test reports in the engineering document control system.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in power electronics design, with emphasis on high-voltage (400V+) inverter or converter systems.
- Expert-level proficiency in schematic capture and simulation tools (Altium, LTspice, MATLAB/Simulink, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated experience with WCCA methodology for safety-critical or high-reliability circuits.
- Strong knowledge of PCB design for high-voltage and mixed-signal systems, including impedance control, creepage/clearance rules, and thermal management.
- Experience with EMI/EMC design techniques and pre-compliance testing.
- BSEE or equivalent; MSEE preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing to aerospace or automotive standards (DO-160, AEC-Q, MIL-STD-810).
- Background in SiC or GaN-based power stage design.
- Familiarity with functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262) as applied to power electronics.
- Prior experience with 800V-class automotive or aerospace traction inverter programs.
