Senior Power Electronics Engineer

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role & Team

In this position you will be a key member of the spacecraft team at Capella. The spacecraft team is responsible for the design, build and test of everything that ultimately goes into space. On the spacecraft team, you will be collaborating cross-functionally with electrical design, RF systems design, flight software, ground software, mechanical, and spacecraft operations teams. You will have significant responsibility and autonomy to deliver product while working on all phases of design, test, and production.

Capella is looking for an energetic, power electronics engineer with experience in designing, testing, and troubleshooting power electronics systems down to the component level. This role will include work across the entire PCBA design lifecycle, from requirements definition to topology trades, simulation, schematic design, layout, design verification testing, production, manufacturing acceptance testing, debug and integration into the system.

Qualifications – not all expected

• 4+ years of experience designing, testing, and troubleshooting power electronics systems in a hardware R&D lab environment
• Familiarity with various DC/DC power supply topologies for >1 kW systems
• Experience in magnetics design
• Understanding of hardware evaluation methodologies, including development of test cases/suites, performance analysis, test automation, and data analysis
• Extensive experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, thermal chambers, and other test equipment
• Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, etc.
• Experience designing modern analog and digital electronics
• Experience in PCB schematic capture & layout
• Experience with Altium designer tools or other similar electronic CAD tools
• Experience designing high reliability systems
• Knowledge of the PCBA fabrication and assembly process
• Excellent design and manufacturing documentation skills with attention to detail
• Experience working with contract manufacturers to procure components, work through issues, and successfully assemble PCBAs
• Strong technical communication skills to be used in a highly collaborative environment
• Ability to work autonomously by determining and evaluating different courses of action independently
• Experience with Li-ion batteries and battery management system is a plus
• Familiarity with photovoltaics and MPPTs is a plus
• Experience in C or Python or software in general is a plus
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Compensation 

• 5+ years of experience: $96,078 - $127,303
• 8+ years of experience: $120,089 - $159,118
• 12+ years of experience: $139,940 - $185,420

The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: 

• We offer up to 100% paid medical coverage, with robust vision and dental plans, comprehensive flexible spending accounts, and supplemental health plans 
• Equity 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement planning 
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Flexible Paid Time Off Policy 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly phone stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens.  
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!