Senior Director of Power Systems Engineering

Posted Yesterday
Be an Early Applicant
Santa Barbara, CA, USA
In-Office
250K-408K Annually
Senior level
Semiconductor • Manufacturing
The Role
Lead design, implementation, and validation of high-power AC/DC and DC/DC converters (kW to hundreds of kW) for data center architectures. Drive topology innovation, hardware development, custom magnetics, digital control firmware, EMI/EMC compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-efficiency, high-density power solutions.
Summary Generated by Built In

Senior Director of Power Systems Engineering

Location: Santa Clara, CA (On-site / Lab-focused)

Role Overview

This hands-on role involves the design, implementation and validation of high-efficiency AC/DC and DC/DC converters for next-generation data center architectures working with a stellar team of systems and applications engineers. This position focuses on delivering high-power density solutions ranging from kilowatt (kW) rack-level systems to hundreds of kW cluster-level architectures. The ideal candidate will blend hardware topology design/architecture with advanced digital control implementation to power cutting-edge AI, GPU, and CPU hardware. This is a senior role with high visibility that involves extensive interaction with management and cross-functional teams, such as Device Engineering, System Applications, and Packaging
Core Responsibilities

  • High-Power Design: Architect and build AC/DC front-ends and DC/DC converters handling kilowatt to hundreds of kW power blocks.
  • Topology Innovation: Design high-efficiency, high-density topologies (e.g., interleaved PFC, LLC, dual active bridge, phase-shifted full bridge, ISoP converters) to meet the stringent and increasingly challenging specifications for next generation data center power delivery
  • Hardware Development: Component selection, thermal-conscious schematic capture, and multi-layer PCB layout optimization. Interaction with applications engineering for debug, simulation and validation of converter specs.
  • Custom Magnetics Engineering: Design and model both discrete and planar in-PCB magnetics for high-frequency operation. Partner with magnetics vendors to specify, iterate, and manufacture custom magnetic components.
  • Digital Control Implementation: Develop, code, and tune digital control loops for real-time power conversion and telemetry.
  • Compliance & Validation: Direct EMI/EMC mitigation strategies and validate systems against grid and safety standards.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Master’s or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering with a power electronics specialization.
  • Experience: 5+ years in high-power switch-mode power supply (SMPS) design or grid-tied conversion.
  • Semiconductor Expertise: Deep hands-on design experience using SiC (Silicon Carbide) and GaN (Gallium Nitride) wide-bandgap devices, and their corresponding gate-drivers, isolators and sensing circuits.
  • Digital Control Platforms: Proven experience programming microcontrollers for power electronics (e.g., TI C2000, STM32, or FPGA).
  • Simulation Tools: Expert utilization of PLECS, Simplis, MATLAB/Simulink or LTspice for system-level analysis of the AC/DC and DC/DC converters.
  • Advanced Architecture: Knowledge of 48V and 800V/±400V DC bus distribution frameworks common in hyperscale environments.
  • Standards: Familiarity with OCP (Open Compute Project) power specifications and 80 Plus Titanium efficiency requirements.

This role may require additional duties and/or assignments as designated by management.

The posted salary range is what Wolfspeed reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual pay for a hired applicant will be determined based on the individual’s job-relevant qualifications, experience, and other determinative factors. In the event it is determined that a different job level upon hire is warranted then that range will be communicated to the hired applicant as soon as reasonably practicable.

Compensation Range:

$250,000 - $385,000

To put it legally - Wolfspeed is an equal opportunity employer.

We recruit, employ, train, compensate and promote regardless of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation and other protected status as required by law.

The posted salary range is what Wolfspeed reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual pay for a hired applicant will be determined based on the individual’s job-relevant qualifications, experience, and other determinative factors. In the event it is determined that a different job level upon hire is warranted then that range will be communicated to the hired applicant as soon as reasonably practicable.

Compensation Range:

$297,000.00 - $408,000.00

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Skills Required

  • Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with power electronics specialization.
  • 5+ years in high-power SMPS design or grid-tied conversion.
  • Hands-on design experience with SiC and GaN wide-bandgap devices, including gate-drivers, isolators, and sensing circuits.
  • Proven experience programming microcontrollers/firmware for power electronics (e.g., TI C2000, STM32) or FPGA.
  • Expert utilization of PLECS, Simplis, MATLAB/Simulink or LTspice for system-level analysis.
  • Knowledge of 48V and 800V/±400V DC bus distribution frameworks used in hyperscale environments.
  • Familiarity with OCP power specifications and 80 Plus Titanium efficiency requirements.
  • Experience in high-power topology innovation, component selection, thermal-conscious schematic capture, and multi-layer PCB layout optimization.
  • Experience designing and modeling custom magnetics (discrete and planar/in-PCB) and working with magnetics vendors.
  • Experience directing EMI/EMC mitigation strategies and validating systems against grid and safety standards.

Cree Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Cree and has not been reviewed or approved by Cree.

  • Fair & Transparent Compensation Pay is often described as fair or decent in technician and operator roles. Compensation in some project management and security supervision roles is characterized as good.
  • Healthcare Strength Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage with HSA, FSA, and HRA options, plus EAP support. Wellness resources are highlighted alongside core health plans.
  • Parental & Family Support The package includes six weeks of paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Leave applies to new birth, adoption, and foster placement.

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The Company
HQ: Racine, WI
2,773 Employees
Year Founded: 1987

What We Do

Cree | Wolfspeed is the global leader in silicon carbide technology and production, leading the worldwide transition from silicon to silicon carbide. Our product portfolio provides disruptive technology solutions that support a more efficient, sustainable future including electric vehicles, fast charging, 5G, power supplies, renewable energy and storage, as well as aerospace and defense. Our people are dedicated to driving a significant shift in the technology sector and creating a global semiconductor powerhouse. For additional product and Company information, visit www.cree.com.

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