Power Electronics Engineer - 1397

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

SARA, Inc. High Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) is looking for a remarkably talented, motivated, and imaginative Power Electronics Engineer to support research and development activities and transition innovative technologies to the DoD, DoE, and their contractors in Colorado Springs, CO. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers. Our small group will allow the candidate to experience, contribute, and collaborate in a multidisciplinary nature from conception all the way through to operation. The candidate must be a high-performing engineer with a substantial technical pedigree in the areas of Applied Research, Pulsed Power, and Directed Energy technologies, systems, components, and missions.

Candidates must be strong team participants, have excellent communication skills, be resourceful and creative, and willing to contribute to a multidisciplinary and fast-paced engineering environment. Candidates must also be capable of detailed design and analysis of high-power solid-state switching, power systems, power conditioning, power conversion, high voltage, power magnetics, battery systems, SPICE simulation, and protection & filtering circuits.

Core Responsibilities:

• Designing, developing, testing, and analyzing complex high-power solid-state switching systems and devices, gate-drive circuits, snubber circuits, and protection circuits
• Executing SPICE, thermodynamic, and electromagnetic models and simulations of complex high-power solid-state switching systems
• Writing detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive project documentation
• Assisting technical leadership with the development of Applied Research, Pulsed Power systems, Directed Energy systems, and measures of effectiveness of such systems
• Supporting highly-technical engineering and scientific teams on field test activities when and if necessary (moderate travel is required on occasion)

Key Competencies:

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Excellent decision-making and leadership capabilities
• Conflict resolution experience
• Adaptability to work in a fluid, fast-paced team environment

Requirements:

• 5+ years’ experience with a BS or 3+ years’ experience with a MS (excluding education) in Power Electronics, Pulsed Power, High Power Solid-State Switching, Power Conditioning, DCDC & ACDC Power Conversion, High Voltage (1s to 100s of kilovolts), Protection Circuits, High-Speed Communication Circuits, and Digital and Analog Controls, Power Magnetics, Gate Drives, I/O Interface Circuits and Control Hardware
• Experience using basic data acquisition equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, voltage probes, current probes, and spectrum analyzers
• Experience with data processing software including Excel, MATLAB, Python, Mathcad, and Origin
• Experience with circuit design and layout software including DipTrace, P-SPICE, LTSPICE, PLECS and/or PSim
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
• Light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated, moderate physical hazards may exist
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years’ experience with a MS in Power Electronics for Pulsed Power and Directed Energy applications
• Active DoD Top Secret or DoE Q clearance
• Experience in pulsed power, capacitor chargers, electromagnetics, microelectronics, and thermal design is a plus
• Mature experience using COMSOL Multiphysics software platform for power electronics applications, specifically with thermodynamic- and electromagnetic-coupled applications

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range:

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $80,000 to $137,000 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA’s total compensation package for employees.

Application Deadline: December 11, 2024

EEO Commitment

We’re an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer that empowers– no matter their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.