The role includes schematic capture, PCB layout, component selection, hardware bring-up, and cross-functional integration with power electronics, software, and system engineers. This is a hands-on, lab-focused role with a critical impact on the development of the control core of a fusion energy system.
Key Responsibility Areas:
o ARM, DSP, and/or FPGA/SoC based controller boards
o ADC/DAC interfaces, digital I/O, sensor front-ends
o Gate driver boards and opto-isolated switching logic
• Generate schematics and PCB layouts with a focus on signal integrity, high-current and/or high-voltage handling, and isolation.
• Develop interface circuitry between embedded controllers and the power stage: current/voltage sensing, PWM outputs, fault inputs, and communication buses.
• Select and source components based on performance, reliability, and availability.
• Build and test prototypes, perform hardware bring-up, debugging, signal probing, and validation under operating conditions.
• Collaborate with embedded firmware developers to ensure hardware/software compatibility and deterministic real-time behavior.
• Work closely with power electronics engineers to ensure optimal mechanical, thermal, and electrical integration.
• Implement EMI/EMC mitigation techniques, isolation strategies, and power integrity best practices.
Ideal Experience & Skillsets:
Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in embedded hardware design for power systems, control systems, or instrumentation.
• Expertise in:
o Analog and mixed-signal circuit design
o High-speed digital interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, RS-485, CAN, Aurora)
o Signal conditioning for sensors and actuators
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools: Altium Designer or OrCAD
• Hands-on experience with:
o Oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and multimeters
o Board-level debugging, rework, and signal probing
• Strong understanding of PCB stackups, thermal design, creepage/clearance, and layout for high-current environments
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience working on control electronics for power supplies, motor drives, or magnet systems
• Knowledge of gate driver design, isolation techniques, and fail-safe circuitry
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC compliance standards and mitigation techniques
• Exposure to RTOS- or FPGA-based control systems and real-time embedded integration
Tools & Platforms:
• Design Software: Altium Designer, OrCAD, LTSpice, PLECS (for co-design)
• Lab Tools: Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, logic analyzers
• Interfaces: UART, SPI, I2C, RS-485, RS-232, CAN, FlexRay, Aurora, PWM, ADC/DAC
Company Benefits:
- Salary range $110,000-$150,000
- Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)
- Employee equity stock options
- 20 days PTO
Requirements:
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time.
- Willingness to occasionally travel or work required nights/weekends/on-call.
- Ability to work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years experience in embedded hardware design for power systems, control systems, or instrumentation
- Experience with analog and mixed-signal circuit design
- Experience with high-speed digital interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, RS-485, CAN, Aurora)
- Signal conditioning design for sensors and actuators
- Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools (Altium Designer or OrCAD)
- Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, board-level debugging and signal probing
- Strong understanding of PCB stackups, thermal design, creepage/clearance, and layout for high-current environments
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs and perform extended periods of typing/standing/sitting
- Willingness to occasionally travel and work nights/weekends/on-call
- Ability to work in facilities with industrial hazards (high voltage/current, strong magnets, cryogenics, etc.)
- Experience working on control electronics for power supplies, motor drives, or magnet systems
- Knowledge of gate driver design, isolation techniques, and fail-safe circuitry
- Familiarity with EMI/EMC compliance standards and mitigation techniques
- Exposure to RTOS- or FPGA-based control systems and real-time embedded integration
What We Do
Thea Energy is a fusion energy company dedicated to creating a limitless source of zero-emission energy for a sustainable future. By reinventing the stellarator using arrays of mass-manufacturable magnets and dynamic software controls, they aim to commercialize scalable and economical fusion power systems, transitioning from scientific research to practical, commercial operations.
