Full Job Description
As a Power Electronics Engineer for Energy Storage, you will develop Redwood's next-generation Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). In this role, you will design advanced power converters that interface with battery packs, battery modules, photovoltaic (PV) systems, and the grid for large-scale energy storage applications, including AI datacenters. This role involves solving practical circuit- and system-level challenges in converter topology, power-stage component selection (e.g., MOSFETs and magnetics), PCB/PCBA design, thermal analysis, integration, and validation. In addition, you will work with a variety of cross-functional teams such as ME, FW/Control, System, Compliance, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams. At Redwood, we build high-efficiency, high-reliability, and low-cost BESS solutions using repurposed batteries, creative engineering approaches, and vertical integration. This creates a unique and rewarding set of technical challenges for engineers who enjoy solving complex power electronics problems.
Responsibilities
3 Design high-voltage (800V-1.5kVdc, 480-800Vac) and high-power (10kW-200kW) converters tailored for utility-scale BESS and industrial infrastructure.
3 Conduct comprehensive topology comparison and trade-off analyses evaluating efficiency, power density, cost, and manufacturability.
3 Perform power-stage component sizing and Si/SiC MOSFET selection based on loss modeling and thermal management.
3 Design robust gate driver circuits and dedicated gate driver power supplies to ensure safe, high-frequency switching operations.
3 Lead the design, modeling, and specification of custom magnetic components, including transformers and inductors utilizing Litz-wire or PCB-winding architectures.
3 Architect the low-voltage (LV) subsystem, including auxiliary power supplies, sensing circuitry (voltage/current/temperature), and hardware-level protection.
3 Design and optimize EMI filters, including differential-mode and common-mode inductors, X/Y-caps, and damping elements.
3 Drive high-voltage, high-power PCB/PCBA layout design, ensuring clearance/creepage rules and signal integrity under high-noise environments.
3 Review, define, and amend system requirements for power electronics products.
3 Work with the Mechanical Engineering team to optimize cooling methods and thermal stack-up analysis and product geometry.
3 Collaborate with the Control and Firmware teams to develop, simulate, and implement converter control algorithms.
3 Define test specifications and verification methodologies with the validation team.
3 Work with the Supply Chain team to identify alternative components for dual-sourcing and define technical requirements for critical components (e.g., MOSFETs, film capacitors).
3 Identify test scopes and technical specifications for mass production testers (ICT, FCT, EOL) in close collaboration with the Manufacturing team.
3 Provide component-level data and operational profiles to the Reliability team to support rigorous product life cycle and failure analysis.
3 Work with the Compliance team to achieve industry certifications (e.g., IEEE 1547, UL 1741).
Qualifications
3 MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on power electronics.
3 3-5 years of experience in electrical engineering, with a strong focus on power conversion or energy storage products, ideally for mass production.
3 Hands-on experience in high-voltage (up to 1.5kVdc and 480Vac) hardware design.
3 Experience with power semiconductor selection, gate drive design, and hardware protection circuits. Deep understanding of power electronics topologies and fundamentals (AC/DC, DC/DC).
3 Proficiency with circuit simulation, FEA simulation, and CAD tools (e.g., Simulink, LTspice, Ansys Maxwell/Q3D, Altium Designer).
3 Demonstrated ability to perform detailed layout of high-power, noise-sensitive PCBs in Altium or equivalent CAD software.
3 Proficiency with lab equipment, including oscilloscopes, impedance analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate across diverse cross-functional teams.
3 Foundational knowledge of control theory and embedded systems.
3 Strong analytical and systematic problem-solving skills.
3 Proven track record of rapid prototyping and hardware iterations based on cross-functional and supplier feedback.
3 Strong ability to select circuit components considering both electrical performance and manufacturability (DFM).
3 Experience mentoring test technicians to execute design verification, interpret test data, and define component maturity criteria.
The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.