Power System Engineer

About Us

JivaJet is pioneering dual-use plasma technologies across two frontier tracks. For more information visit, Website: www.jivajet.com.

Pay: $94,078.30 - $153,298.61 per year

Job description:

*US CITIZENS ONLY*

Objective

Design, prototype, and validate flight-relevant high-voltage power processing units (PPUs) and pulsed power circuits for Magneto Plasma Dynamic (MPD) and HyABET (Hypersonic Air Breathing Electric Thruster). The engineer will be responsible for developing power systems capable of handling W-kW-class loads, integrated into a CubeSat-class satellite bus, and optimized for thrust performance, electrical safety, and EMI/thermal constraints. This is a hands-on, lab-based contract role requiring hardware delivery through multiple design-test-integrate cycles.

Scope of Services

A. PPU and High Voltage Circuit Design

• PCB Design, simulate, prototype, and test high-voltage, pulsed PPU systems, mixed signal, analog, and switching circuits
• Build energy storage and delivery modules for plasma discharges (capacitor banks, gate drivers, IGBT/MOSFET circuits)
• Design flyback, boost, and/or custom DC-DC converter topologies
• Create circuit protection schemes: overvoltage, arc suppression, crowbars, snubber circuits, and thermal cutoffs
• Optimize for mass, efficiency, satellite bus compatibility, and mission duration

B. System Integration and Spacecraft Compatibility

• Ensure proper interface with spacecraft EPS and onboard avionics (3.3V, 5V, 12V, and 24 V rails)
• Prepare electrical harnessing plans and interface control documents (ICDs)
• Ensure compatibility with propulsion structural design, thermal sinks, and EMI shielding

C. Test Infrastructure and Validation Support

• Assemble test hardware for vacuum-compatible operations
• Support thrust testing campaigns of ABPT and MPD systems with PPU in the loop
• Build and support data acquisition tools, waveform capture, and a GUI for diagnostics
• Support EMI, bakeout, thermal/vibe, and TVAC testing of PPU boards
• Maintain design logs, BOMs, test procedures, and risk assessments
• Follow best practices for ITAR/EAR compliance and electrostatic safet
• Concept and subscale circuit validation for MPD pulsed power (~10 W–3 kW)
• Full PPU prototype with thermal/EMI shielding for MPD integrated with thruster testing and CubeSat
• Support flight-hardware-ready PPU for MPD and HyABET

Required Experience and Tools:

• MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field
• 3 years in high-voltage circuit design (preferably in aerospace, EP, or plasma systems)
• Proficiency with LTspice, KiCaD, Altium, SolidWorks or equivalent tools
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC mitigation, high-voltage safety standards, and vacuum-compatible hardware and materials
• Hands-on lab skills with HV circuits, soldering, probes, HV safety, and oscilloscope diagnostics
• Experience with embedded coding (C/C /Python), Microcontrollers, RF comms
• Hands-on experience with hardware debugging, serial protocols, and real-time systems
• Familiarity with AI/ML models for control systems
• Familiarity with RF and Microwave modelling (optional)
• Familiarity with high-temperature materials and control algorithms
• Familiarity with MIL-STD-1512/1540/1541, NASA GEVS, IPC-2221

Additional Preferred:

Involvement in DARPA, AFRL, NASA, or commercial flight demo programs. Background in both R&D environments and fast-paced space startups.

To Apply: Send resume, GitHub profile (if available), and availability to careers@jivajet.com with subject: “Senior Power Electronics Engineer – MPD Thruster PPU”

Job Type: Contract

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance