Automotive Electronics Engineer Jobs in California

Job Overview 

As a key technical leader on the Electrical Engineering team, the Power Electronics Engineer will drive the architecture, design, validation, integration, and testing of High Voltage (HV) components and systems for Harbinger's vehicles. You will own the end-to-end lifecycle of critical power systems, bridging the gap between high-level architectural strategy and hands-on laboratory testing.

We are industry-agnostic for this role; whether your background is in automotive, aerospace, grid storage, renewables, or heavy industry, the core requirement is a proven track record of delivering high-power (100kW+ to Megawatt scale) power electronics projects from concept through validation.

We are open to hiring at the Sr. or Principal level.

What You'll Do:

• Architect and Lead: Drive the architecture, component selection, analysis, and design of high-power (100kW to MW class) power electronics aimed at high performance and cost optimization, including on-board chargers, DC-DC converters, and traction inverters.
• End-to-End Testing: Lead the testing and bring-up of power electronics components, seamlessly integrating them with powertrain components and the broader charging ecosystem.
• Advanced PCB Design: Oversee and execute the design of complex circuit boards (PCBs), optimizing for low-cost, high-reliability, and high-performance based on IPC standards.
• Reliability & Analysis: Lead DFMEA, worst-case circuit analysis (WCCA), thermal analysis, and other critical system-level evaluations.
• Validation Leadership: Direct testing and validation efforts on high voltage components and systems, setting the standard for test protocols within the team.
• Hands-on Bring-Up: Architect test bench setups and provide hands-on support for board-level, component-level, and vehicle-level bring-up at in-house facilities and external test sites.
• Cross-Functional Troubleshooting: Collaborate with and mentor cross-functional teams to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve complex electrical and EMI issues as they arise.
• Strategic Sourcing: Engage strategically with suppliers and the sourcing team to identify, evaluate, and procure cutting-edge components. Support design releases and modifications based on vendor capabilities.
• Technical Communication: Generate comprehensive technical reports and present critical design reviews to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Who You Are:

• High-Power Experience: You have a proven track record of designing, building, and testing high-power electronics projects. Experience in the 100s of kW range is required, with Megawatt (MW) scale experience being highly desirable.
• Industry Flexible: You have 10+ years of hands-on electrical engineering experience. We are open to backgrounds in automotive, robotics, aerospace, grid-scale energy storage, marine, rail, or renewables-as long as you have worked at these demanding power levels (100kW+).
• Deep Technical Expertise: Strong, authoritative background in analog/digital electronics, power conversion, and energy storage technology (including power electronics, control theory, motor drives, and battery systems).
• Design & Test Master: You are equally comfortable at a CAD workstation as you are in the high-voltage lab. You possess strong hands-on capabilities for testing and troubleshooting complex electrical components and systems.
• Education: Strong academic background (BS/MS/PhD) in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or closely related fields with a focus on high voltage systems.
• Mixed Signal & Tools: Extensive experience with the electrical design of mixed-signal PCBs for traction inverters or on-board chargers. Highly proficient with Altium Designer (or similar schematic/layout tools) and circuit simulation software like LTspice.
• EMI/EMC Expert: Proven experience troubleshooting and resolving complex EMI/EMC related issues.
• System Integration: Familiarity with software, digital communication specifications, and embedded firmware development is a strong plus.
• Mechanical Familiarity: Experience with CATIA to support design releases is a strong plus.
• Leadership: Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to effectively communicate, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate dynamically within a fast-paced team environment.