Job Description

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

Are you passionate about space?

Do you like contributing to space flight missions?

If you are looking for meaningful work in spacecraft power electronics, we’d love to have you join our team! 

We are seeking a Power Electronics Engineer to help us develop power electronics hardware for space flight missions.  You will contribute to missions like Dragonfly (https://dragonfly.jhuapl.edu/) and IMAP (https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/destinations/missions/imap).  You will join a hardworking team of engineers that conceive, develop, test, launch and fly spacecraft power components and systems.  We strive to foster an environment of collaboration, mentoring, diversity and acceptance.

As a Spacecraft Power Electronics Engineer...

• Your primary responsibility will be to design, analyze, and test space flight power electronics.
• You will define and develop ground support equipment products to support flight hardware verification.
• You will perform technical trade studies.
• You will develop and verify hardware requirements.
• You will generate fabrication drawings and support production.
• You will characterize performance of your hardware designs.
• You will document hardware verification activities.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Have 6+ years of experience developing high reliability power electronics hardware.
• Are skilled in the design, production, and test of power electronics.
• Have experience performing circuit simulation, worst-case analysis, and derating analysis.
• Have experience developing and executing test procedures.
• The ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

You 'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Hold a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Have experience developing electronics hardware for spacecraft applications.
• Have experience leading an electrical hardware development team.
• Have experience developing motor control electronics and algorithms.
• Are familiar with radiation tolerant and space-qualified parts.
• Have experience designing power magnetics.
• Have experience using Mentor Graphics Expedition.

Spacecraft Power Engineering Group (SEP) Mission Statement

SEP’s mission is to design, test, and deliver reliable spacecraft power systems for APL’s space sector and broader space community that enable the tools to expand our knowledge of the universe. Our diverse team aims to create an accountable and collaborative environment where individuals feel empowered to seek out critical challenges, to make discoveries, and to develop advancements in power electronics.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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