Principal Power Electronics Engineer

JOB PURPOSE:

At H3X, we are developing advanced electric propulsion systems to enable sustainable aviation. Our first product is a 250kW (330HP) integrated motor drive in a 18kg (40lb) package. It combines the electric motor, inverter, and gearbox into a single unit, resulting in an ultra-high-power density solution for electric aircraft. We have over $100M in LOIs for this unit already and are ready to hit the ground running.

The HPDM-250 includes an integrated Silicon Carbide inverter for high frequency, precise motor control. We are looking to hire a Principal Power Electronics Engineer who will be in charge of overall inverter development and taking the design from prototype to production. You should be experienced in the entire product development cycle from requirements definition to design and analysis to test and validation. You will be a key part of the core engineering team and will have a direct impact on the trajectory of the company.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

REQUIREMENTS / CONCEPT

• Requirements definition based on DO-160G and internal/customer specification
• Explore new architectures/technologies that will improve performance, safety, and reliability

DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

• Schematic and PCB design in Altium
• Circuit simulation and thermal modeling in PLECs, MATLAB/Simulink, LTSpice
• Low inductance DC Link capacitor and laminated busbar design and analysis
• Design for EMC (Y capacitors, EMI filter, grounding)
• Design for DO-160G

PROTOTYPE AND MANUFACTURING

• Supply chain management for DC link capacitors, busbars, PCBs, power modules, sensors, EMC filter, and connectors
• Bill of Materials documentation management
• Create assembly files and build instructions for manufacturing team/partners

TESTING AND VALIDATION

• Create Design Validation Plan and Report (DVP&R) for sub-systems as well as completed system
• Execute inverter testing and characterization on H3X in-house dynamometer
• Post process test results, identify root-cause of potential issues and make design recommendations to meet the highest level of reliability and performance
• Testing for EMC and DO-160G
• Inverter reliability and partial discharge testing

INTEGRATION

• Support pilot customers with first builds and integration into vehicles. Travel and on-site visits will be required.

OTHER

• Hardware design process development for certification in airborne systems according to DO-254
• Hire other world-class engineers to support your team
• Maintain prototype and testing equipment in H3X lab

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High intelligence, high energy, and high integrity
• Masters or higher in Electrical Engineering
• 5+ years of professional experience with power electronics
• High level of proficiency with Altium, MATLAB, and PLECS/LTSpice
• Excellent written and verbal communicator to effectively share knowledge and build the collective mindshare of the company
• Organized and obsessive attention to detail: no room for oversight when designing flight critical systems
• Humble and open mind: willingness to accept feedback and learn, consistently improve upon yourself and the product you will be responsible for
• A high degree of emotional intelligence: ability to collaborate closely with coworkers in a respectful and empathetic manner
• Fundamentally curious and motivated my first principles
• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export-controlled data.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with taking an inverter from concept to production in automotive or aerospace
• Experience with DO-160G / DO-254 / FAA Part 33 qualification
• Experience with EMI noise mitigation and testing
• Understanding of Field Oriented Control and PMSMs
• SolidWorks proficient

COMPANY BENEFITS:

• Employee equity incentive plan
• Flexible hours (deliverable-based goals)
• Flexible-time off (just need manager approval)
• Health insurance: Medical, vision, and dental
• Mental health coverage
• Relocation package
• Epic/ICON Ski & Snowboard Pass
• Gym membership stipend
• Weekly company happy hours

THE COMPANY:

H3X is a venture-capital backed startup company. In April 2021, we closed a $4M seed round led by Metaplanet, Y Combinator, Liquid 2 Ventures, Soma Capital, and other top VCs around the world. We are well-funded, with significant runway, and are continuing to grow our world-class team. We're looking for top 1% engineers who are the best in their field and know how to move fast and get things done.

H3X is an equal opportunity-affirmative action employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, past or present military service or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.