Principal Electrical Engineer

This position is for a Circuit Design Engineer (analog and digital) who will work in the high voltage power supply group, reporting to the Electrical Engineering Manager. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, EMI filters, operational amplifiers, voltage references, microprocessors, DAC / ADC, optoelectronic devices; both commercial off-the-shelf and semi-custom / full-custom devices controlled by an ICD or Spec Control Drawing.

Responsibilities include working with the design engineering team to seek, source, specify, test, and evaluate circuitry aspects applicable for both new product designs and for sustaining current production product. Emphasis is on design of circuit architectures for generation and regulation of high voltage (up to 10 KVDC) and low current (under 1 mADC) power as used in portable battery-operated systems where power efficiency, stability, reliability, and miniaturization are critical. Knowledge of electronic materials, including PC board laminates, materials used for insulation and encapsulation (conformal coating, silicones, and epoxies), and electronic hardware packaging techniques that can be used to optimize fit in dense, irregular form-factors are a major plus.

The candidate’s knowledge of analog and digital circuitry and constituent materials will guide the team and assist from initial product concept and circuit topology, to breadboard proof of concept, to prototypes, and release to production. Bill of Material support may include circuit parts lifecycle and obsolescence management, counterfeit parts management, lead-free control, creation of ICD / Spec Control Documents, and electronic hardware stress, de-rating, and reliability analysis. The individual will be the technical interface with suppliers of custom devices and materials used in the design and will maintain industry awareness to alert the engineering team of new products applicable to the design needs. Basic knowledge of power supply design, analog circuitry, embedded systems, control loop design, electronic hardware properties unique to high-voltage / low current design, circuit miniaturization, and high-voltage insulation are desired.

This position requires strong communications skills (verbal and written), that are carried out in a timely manner, and that may include interaction with engineers at other ESA locations. The candidate may be required to prepare and maintain project schedules, and to supervise the activities of electronics technicians and interns. The individual will be expected to work in a hands-on manner and to provide mentoring of associates.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• BS Electrical Engineering or closely related field with 10+ years experience
• Working knowledge of passive and active electronics, especially as applied to their use, reliability, and limitations in high voltage, low power, battery operated systems
• Experience with high voltage, low current design topologies that feature highly dense electronics packaging of miniature electronics, including custom magnetics, high-voltage circuitry, and the manufacturing of said assemblies
• Experience with electronic materials, including PC board laminates, materials used for insulation and encapsulation, and electronics packaging techniques for optimal fit into dense, irregular form-factors
• Experience with design and electronic hardware lifecycle and obsolescence management, counterfeit parts management, lead-free control, creation of ICD / Spec Control Documents, as well as circuit stress, de-rating, and reliability analysis
• Experience working with suppliers of custom devices and materials and ability to maintain industry awareness to alert the engineering team of new products and methods applicable to the design needs
• Is able to specify, describe, and communicate requirements to suppliers
• Knowledge of devices and materials (how semiconductors and passive circuit devices work, basic device physics and materials properties)
  • Discrete semiconductors – resistors, capacitors, diodes, opamps, voltage regulators, magnetics, opto-electronics
  • Knowledge of breadboard and prototype construction
• Can conduct test and evaluation of circuitry devices both individually and as part of a functional breadboard with a full-up circuit design
  • Experience with analog circuit testing and measurement equipment; test setup and evaluation/reporting of test data and recommendations
• Understands needs that are unique and specialized for high voltage, very low current, and high-impedance circuits
• Understands needs for battery powered applications where circuit electronic hardware properties and design topology selection drive battery life
• Able to work as part of a cross functional team and effectively communicate with co-workers
• Capability to develop and conduct electrical tests for electronic hardware evaluation and troubleshooting
• MS Office skills; Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Visio
• Ability to obtain a Security Clearance

Preferred Skills:

• MS Electrical Engineering
• Strong awareness of design, application, and packaging of high voltage electronic hardware and topologies
• Experience with ECAD and analysis tools: SPICE/MATLAB/Cadence/Mentor/PADs/Ansys preferred