Principal Applications Engineer - Power Electronics We are seeking an experienced Principal Applications Engineer with deep expertise in power MOSFETs and high-performance power converter design. This is a senior individual contributor role serving as a technical authority for customer designs utilizing 150-650V high-performance MOSFETs in demanding applications up to 10 kW and beyond. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with 3-phase motor drives, traction inverters, PSFB converters, LLC resonant converters, totem-pole PFC, and other high-frequency power conversion topologies. This position will work directly with Tier-1 customers, develop reference designs, support complex applications, influence new product development, and represent the voice of the customer internally. The position reports to the Vice President of Applications Engineering.
Key Responsibilities:
Serve as the primary technical interface for strategic customers designing with high-voltage MOSFET products.
Develop, document, and support high-efficiency reference designs up to 10 kW and beyond.
Design and support applications including:
- Traction inverters and on-board chargers for EV/HEV applications
- Industrial and servo motor drives3-phase inverters and motor drives
- Phase-shifted full-bridge (PSFB) isolated DC-DC converters
- Half-bridge and full-bridge LLC resonant convertersTotem-pole bridgeless PFCOther high-frequency power conversion topologies
Perform detailed power-loss modeling, thermal analysis, efficiency optimization, and system-level performance analysis.
Utilize simulation tools such as PLECS, LTspice, Mathcad, SIMetrix/SIMPLIS, and PSIM.Design and optimize high-performance gate-drive circuits for fast-switching applications, including:
Low-inductance designs
Negative-voltage turn-off
Active Miller clamping
Short-circuit protection
Desaturation protectionSoft shutdown and dv/dt control
Conduct customer training, technical design reviews, application support, and on-site debugging.
Develop application notes, white papers, evaluation board documentation, competitive teardowns, and other technical materials.
Collaborate with IC design, reliability, product, and marketing teams to define next-generation MOSFET products based on customer requirements and market needs.
Support field applications engineers and distribution FAEs globally.
Serve as a technical resource for complex customer design challenges and product applications.
Required Qualifications:- MSEE or PhD in Electrical Engineering/Power Electronics, or BSEE with 10+ years of relevant experience.8+ years of hands-on experience designing switched-mode power supplies, motor drives, or power conversion systems using high-performance HV MOSFETs and/or wide-bandgap devices.
- Proven production-design experience with several of the following:3-phase motor drives/inverters, preferably 10 kW or higher
- Phase-shifted full-bridge convertersLLC resonant convertersTotem-pole bridgeless PFCEV traction inverters or on-board chargers
- Expert knowledge of:
- Si and SiC MOSFET switching behavior
- Body-diode characteristics and third-quadrant operation
- High-speed, low-inductance PCB layout
- Si/SiC switching and power integrity considerations
- Advanced gate-driver design
- Desaturation and short-circuit protectionSoft shutdown and dv/dt control
- High-frequency transformer and resonant inductor design
- Proficiency with power electronics simulation and modeling tools, including PLECS, SIMetrix/SIMPLIS, LTspice, or PSIM.Strong laboratory experience with high-bandwidth oscilloscopes, double-pulse test equipment, power analyzers, and calorimetric efficiency measurements.
- Experience creating and validating SPICE models is a plus.
- Excellent customer-facing communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
- Willingness to travel approximately 10-25%, including domestic and international travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with SiC MOSFETs or GaN HEMTs.
Previous experience working for a leading power semiconductor, MOSFET, SiC, or GaN manufacturer.
Published technical papers, patents, or industry contributions in power electronics.
Familiarity with AEC-Q101 and automotive or industrial semiconductor qualification requirements.
Experience with digital control platforms such as TI C2000, STM32, or Microchip dsPIC.Experience developing motor-drive or resonant-converter control systems.
Strong understanding of automotive, industrial, and high-performance power conversion applications.
What We Offer:- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
- Equity participation
- Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) plan
- Paid time off
- Opportunity to work with next-generation semiconductor technology
- Direct impact on products serving rapidly growing markets
- Collaborative, technically focused work environment
- Exposure to Tier-1 customers and advanced power electronics applications
- Opportunity to influence next-generation product development and converter technologies
