Electrical Engineer - Power Electronics

Who is Elve?

Elve, Inc is a deep-tech startup in Davis, CA whose patent-pending technology enables 100x faster wireless internet access in urban settings and remote locations. Elve delivers a transformative approach to the design and manufacturing of high-efficiency lightweight millimeter-wave and near-THz RF power amplifiers in large quantities. Our solutions enable the next generation of wireless connectivity well beyond 5G as well as high-resolution imaging and radar. We are looking for electrical engineers specializing in power electronics to play key roles in bringing our technology to market. If you are passionate about the future of RF electronics, additive manufacturing, precision assembly, microfabrication, vacuum systems, advanced materials processing, and working on a small and energetic team - we can't wait to meet you!

Job Description

An electrical engineer specializing in power electronics at Elve will be responsible for the design, analysis, and testing of power electronic circuits and systems. This will include designing and optimizing power converters, gate drivers, and high-frequency power amplifiers. The electrical engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration of power electronic systems into the overall product. They will also be responsible for creating and documenting design specifications and test procedures. This is a full-time salaried position.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize power converters and related magnetic, analog and digital circuitry
•  Perform simulation, analysis, and modeling of power electronic systems
• Conduct hardware design, schematic capture, and PCB layout
• Perform testing, troubleshooting, and validation of power electronic systems
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful integration of power electronic systems in the overall product

Work Environment

May be a combination of the following but not limited to:

• Manufacturing facility
• ISO 5 - ISO 7 Cleanroom
• Laboratory
• Machine shop
• Warehouse
• Office

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or related field
•  Proficiency with power electronics circuit design, including converters, magnetics, analog and digital circuits
• Proficiency in simulation tools such as LTspice
• Experience with hardware design, schematic capture, and PCB layout
• Proficiency with testing and troubleshooting of power electronic systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
•  Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently

Good to have:

• Experience with high voltage systems > 5kv
•  Experience with embedded systems and microcontrollers
• Coding experience, particularly with Python or MATLAB
•  Experience with RF electronics and RF power amplifiers
• Experience with additive manufacturing and microfabrication

Minimum Qualifications

• 1-5 years of experience in power electronics or related field
• Hands-on electronics lab expertise
• Proficiency in PCB design software
• Understanding of basic electrical engineering principles

Benefits

Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary
• Health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• Vacation time
• A taste of the start-up life
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology in vacuum electronics, HV power electrics materials science, and additive manufacturing.
• Rubbing shoulders and brainstorming with multiple Ph.D. and masters-level engineers

What it’s like to work at Elve

We are a small team (for now!) on a mission to bring the next generation of high-speed wireless connectivity to a billion people worldwide. That kind of impact is not going to be achieved with incremental improvements- we are gunning for orders of magnitude advances in production capability, cost, size, and power in the mm-wave RF amplifier market. We ask “dumb” questions all the time because we always have something to learn. We work really hard, make sure to get good sleep, handle conflict intentionally, and expect great things from each other.

Unlike some bigger companies, at Elve, our interns work on problems and projects that directly impact our company's progress toward success. No made-up "intern projects" here. One of the great things about a company like Elve is that an internship can be as challenging and as educational as you want to make it. You are likely to experience widely varying task complexities, from the mundane to deeply technical pushing the limits of your comprehension. It's a small company; we all take out the trash, break down cardboard boxes, and vigorously discuss how magnetic field density impacts electron beam flight paths.