Job Description
Job Description
Principal Applications Engineer - Power Electronics
Position Overview
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:
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Traction inverters and on-board chargers for EV/HEV applications
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Industrial and servo motor drives
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3-phase inverters and motor drives
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Phase-shifted full-bridge (PSFB) isolated DC-DC converters
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Half-bridge and full-bridge LLC resonant converters
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Totem-pole bridgeless PFC
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Other 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:
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Low-inductance designs
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Negative-voltage turn-off
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Active Miller clamping
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Short-circuit protection
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Desaturation protection
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Soft 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:
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3-phase motor drives/inverters, preferably 10 kW or higher
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Phase-shifted full-bridge converters
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LLC resonant converters
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Totem-pole bridgeless PFC
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EV traction inverters or on-board chargers
Expert knowledge of:
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Si and SiC MOSFET switching behavior
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Body-diode characteristics and third-quadrant operation
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High-speed, low-inductance PCB layout
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Si/SiC switching and power integrity considerations
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Advanced gate-driver design
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Desaturation and short-circuit protection
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Soft shutdown and dv/dt control
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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
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Experience with SiC MOSFETs or GaN HEMTs.
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Previous experience working for a leading power semiconductor, MOSFET, SiC, or GaN manufacturer.
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Published technical papers, patents, or industry contributions in power electronics.
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Familiarity with AEC-Q101 and automotive or industrial semiconductor qualification requirements.
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Experience with digital control platforms such as TI C2000, STM32, or Microchip dsPIC.
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Experience developing motor-drive or resonant-converter control systems.
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Strong understanding of automotive, industrial, and high-performance power conversion applications.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
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Equity participation
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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401(k) plan
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Paid time off
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Opportunity to work with next-generation semiconductor technology
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Direct impact on products serving rapidly growing markets
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Collaborative, technically focused work environment
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Exposure to Tier-1 customers and advanced power electronics applications
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Opportunity to influence next-generation product development and converter technologies
\nCompany Description
Protouch Staffing is a trusted staffing partner specializing in connecting skilled professionals with top employers. While we originally focused on healthcare staffing, we’ve expanded into legal and other domains to meet evolving workforce needs across industries.
Company Description
Protouch Staffing is a trusted staffing partner specializing in connecting skilled professionals with top employers. While we originally focused on healthcare staffing, we’ve expanded into legal and other domains to meet evolving workforce needs across industries.