Senior Pulsed Power Engineer

About Zap Energy

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

About the opportunity

Zap Energy is looking for a Pulsed Power Engineer to join our team in Everett, WA This is a full-time, on-location position.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-voltage pulsed power systems including capacitor banks, Marx generators, pulse forming networks with best practices and standards for reliable performance.
• Create simulation models and perform electromagnetic analysis using tools such as SPICE, ANSYS, or other to optimize energy storage and discharge characteristics
• Conduct high-voltage and high-current testing and analyze waveforms, rise times, and energy delivery performance
• Develop and implement diagnostic systems and measurement techniques for characterizing pulse parameters
• Troubleshoot system failures, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements to enhance reliability and performance
• Design insulation systems, shielding, and safety interlocks for high-voltage applications
• Research and evaluate new materials and technologies for advanced pulsed power systems
• Write technical documentation, test reports, and design specifications
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on system integration and product development
• Ensure compliance with high-voltage safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Mentor and guide other pulsed power engineers and support in their design and development.
• Follow established development processes and workflows and use industry best practices.

Qualifications
Required
BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics or similar

• 10-15 years experience with pulsed power/high voltage electronics design and testing
• Experience with high voltage pulsed power systems (50kV+, 100kA+, 10’s ns – 100us’s) and architectures including Marx generators, LTD, high energy capacitor banks
• Familiarity with typical pulsed power components such as spark gap switches, thyristors, capacitors and other high voltage, high current components and materials
• Deep understanding of energy storage, transmission line theory and impedance matching
• Understanding of pulsed power diagnostics such as Rogowski, high voltage probes, b-dot / magnetic probes
• Familiarity with 3D FEA modeling tools for electrostatic, transient dynamic, and circuit modeling
• Proficiency with Ansys Maxwell 3D
• Experience with high voltage safety equipment and procedures such as safing capacitor banks, discharge and grounding sticks, high voltage energy dump systems
• Knowledgeable in various insulating systems including vacuum, pressurized insulating gas like SF6, breakdown in air, and insulating materials like polymers and ceramics
• Demonstrated experience of strong troubleshooting skills and understanding of signal integrity, EMI, grounding and shielding.
• Competency with typical electronics bench tools such as oscilloscopes, probes, signal generators, high voltage power supplies, impedance analyzers

 Preferred: 

• Familiar with PCB development and tools such as Altium or KiCad, PCB manufacturing, and PCB testing
• Experience with control systems
• Programming in Python, C, or NI LabVIEW
• Familiar with power electronics and switch mode power supplies
• Experienced using solid modeling tools like SolidWorks

Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $140,000-200,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act.

Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.