Senior Electrical Engineer, Aircraft Power Systems

Who You Are

Astro Mechanica is looking for a Senior Electrical Engineer to model the electrical power system of our aircraft. The aircraft has an HV bus (e.g. 800V DC) and a low voltage DC bus. These buses connect HV batteries, 1 MW-class generators and engine loads, inverters, DC-DC converters, chargers and actuators, and the loads vary widely across the mission.

• You will build time-domain models of this system and use them to make sure both buses stay stable in all operating conditions, including large load steps.
• You will use the models to set requirements for each source and load on the buses, and you will check the models against bench, ground and flight test data.
• You will work closely with the power electronics, controls, avionics and propulsion teams.

Your work at Astro Mechanica will be fast-paced in a dynamic startup environment and will have a direct impact on our mission.

If necessary, we will adjust the job level to suit your experience and responsibilities. The qualifications below are just that - desired - if you feel you're highly qualified for this role but are missing a few of the below line items, we encourage you to apply anyway.

What You’ll Do

• Build and maintain time-domain models of the HV and LV power system, from component models (batteries, generators, inverters, DC-DC converters, chargers, actuators) up to the full aircraft
• Analyze bus stability, including the interaction between source and load impedances and the negative incremental impedance of tightly regulated converter loads
• Simulate transients from large load steps, load dumps and faults, e.g. a 1 MW load step or a generator trip, and measure how far the bus voltage deviates and how quickly it recovers
• Derive requirements for converters, generators and batteries from the models, e.g. output impedance, control bandwidth, DC link capacitance, current limits and voltage transient limits
• Perform system trades on bus architecture, energy storage sizing, power management and load shedding
• Correlate models with component characterization, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), ground test and flight test data
• Work closely with other engineering disciplines to design, develop and optimize high-power propulsion and generation systems

What We’re Looking for

• BS, MS, or PhD in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems or power electronics
• 5+ years of experience modeling and analyzing power systems with power electronic sources and loads, e.g. aircraft, electric vehicle, ship or DC microgrid power systems
• Proficiency in time-domain simulation of power electronic systems (Simulink/Simscape Electrical, PLECS, or equivalent) and in scripting (Python, MATLAB)
• Strong understanding of DC bus stability: small-signal analysis, impedance-based stability criteria (e.g. Middlebrook) and constant power load behaviors
• Experience with both switching and averaged converter models, and with choosing the model fidelity each analysis needs
• Working understanding of batteries, electric machines, motor drives and converter control loops
• Experience correlating models with hardware test data
• Ability to develop component and system trade studies through high degrees of ambiguity
• Experience with high voltage (up to 1000 V) and/or high power (>100 kW) systems
• Experience with real-time simulation for HIL testing (e.g. Typhoon HIL, OPAL-RT, Speedgoat) is a plus
• Familiarity with aircraft power quality standards (e.g. MIL-STD-704, RTCA DO-160) is not required but is a plus

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
• Flexible work environment

Additional Information

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.