Senior Electrical Engineer, Aircraft Power Systems

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

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

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.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.