Job Description
Role:Power Electronics Engineer
Location:San Francisco, CA.
On site. Full time.
About the job:
Advantra is partnering with an early-stage defense technology startup in San Francisco to hire a Power Electronics Engineer to design and prototype rugged battery and high-voltage systems for edge-deployed laser defense platforms.
About the role:
You will design, build, and validate battery management systems, high-voltage converters, diode drivers, and wire harnesses. You will prototype and test field-ready electronics, iterate quickly, and ensure reliability in harsh environments.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and validate battery packs and management electronics for effective thermal and power management.
- Design high-voltage DC/DC converters, rectifiers, inverters, diode drivers, and power distribution units.
- Create rugged wire harnesses and specify connectors, cables, and components.
- Prototype and assemble electronics systems for field testing.
- Execute electrical, vibration, shock, and environmental tests.
- Conduct design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews to optimize electronics for production.
- Collaborate with mechanical, optical, and robotics teams to integrate electronics into systems.
- Generate detailed schematics, BOMs, wiring diagrams, and assembly instructions.
- Ensure compliance with MIL-STD, ITAR, and relevant safety standards.
Core requirements:
- 3 to 8 years of experience in power electronics or electrical engineering roles in defense, aerospace, or robotics.
- Proficiency with SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, Altium Designer, or equivalent electrical design tools.
- Hands-on experience with battery management systems and high-voltage electronics.
- Experience designing and assembling rugged wire harnesses and electronics systems.
- Familiarity with thermal management, EMI/EMC considerations, and defense-grade specifications.
- Experience prototyping, testing, and validating electronics in harsh environments.
- BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field.
- Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
- Ability to iterate rapidly and work hands-on in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Nice to have:
- Experience with long-duration deployment of electronics in harsh environments.
- Familiarity with MIL-STD standards and ITAR compliance.
- Background in EMI/EMC design and shielding.
- Security clearance or eligibility for one.
- Experience in field-deployed defense systems.
How to apply:
Email careers@theadvantra.com with links to shipped work and a short note on what you owned. Company name shared after the intro.
About Us:
Advantra-Upstart Crew is a search program inside Advantra Consulting. We partner with early stage and high growth startups to hire the top 2% in Tech and GTM. We run end to end searches, from single role headhunts to full team build outs, using domain experts and a vetted network to deliver tight shortlists. We stay close to founders and candidates so the relationship lasts beyond the first hire.
Job Tags
Full time,