Freelance Power System Study Engineer Jobs in Alabama

Job Description GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: The Electrical Engineer (Power Systems) is responsible for the design, analysis, and documentation of power systems for engineered and integrated systems. These include RF, mechanical, networking, electromechanical, and networked/compute subsystems in both mobile and fixed architectures. This role develops power budgets, architects AC and DC power distribution, performs power-related trade studies, and routes power across integrated racks and components/networks. This role works with internal teams (RF, mechanical, software, networking, etc.) as well as customers, vendors, and subcontractors. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: * Develop and maintain detailed power budgets for systems that integrate RF, mechanical, networking, electromechanical, and compute subsystems. * Develop, update, and maintain electrical drawings and documentation related to power systems (schematics, wiring diagrams, harness drawings, layout drawings, and bill of materials). * Design power distribution for equipment racks (e.g., PDUs, bus bars, harnesses) and ensure proper load balancing, grounding, and fault protection. * Develop power integration schemes for ruggedized or mobile enclosures, including connectors, environmental considerations, and serviceability. * Work with mechanical and systems engineers to ensure that power hardware is physically integrated, accessible, and maintainable. * Coordinate with working groups to capture power requirements, constraints, and design changes. * Work with vendors to ingest and validate power requirements, start-up characteristics, and operating profiles for third-party components and subsystems. * Architect AC and DC power distribution schemes, including source selection, conversion stages, protection, and distribution topologies. * Perform trade studies to evaluate different power architectures, power types (e.g., AC vs. DC distribution levels) and generator options. * Maintain an overarching power budget that is synchronized with evolving system designs and configurations across all engineering disciplines. * Specify wire gauges, cable types, connectors, interlocks, interconnects, cam locks, and related hardware in accordance with electrical and safety standards. * Develop and maintain single-line diagrams, detailed wiring diagrams, panel schedules, and power distribution drawings for mobile and fixed assets. * Collaborate with customers to understand available power at different installation or test sites (voltage, phase, frequency, capacity, grounding, and reliability considerations). * Assist in troubleshooting power-related issues during integration, test, and field operations, including root-cause analysis and corrective actions. * Perform other related engineering duties consistent with the scope and level of this position, as assigned by management. * Travel to customer sites, field locations, and deployment sites as required, potentially including OCONUS locations (estimated 25-50%) SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. Experience and Skills KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: * Experience or coursework in power budgeting, load analysis, and basic power system modeling. * Proficiency with standard engineering and office tools (e.g., Microsoft Office; schematic capture and drawing tools such as AutoCAD Electrical, Visio, or equivalent). * Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements. * Communicate and interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and public, including maintaining respect for others, and following company policies. * Have a willingness and ability to learn and utilize company technology for company required purposes, including, for example training, reviewing, and signing policies and procedures, benefits enrollment, and changes, and more. * Ability to read, understand, and follow instructions. * Ability to work in a fast paced environment. * Ability to maintain knowledge, skills, and abilities as it pertains to your job. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Required Qualifications: * US Citizenship required. * Must be able to obtain/maintain security clearance at a level equivalent to Department of Defense (DOD) SECRET * MS Degree in Electrical Engineering / Physics or BS Degree in Electrical Engineering/Physics with 3-5 years' experience. * Basic understanding power design concepts (e.g., regulators, power distribution networks, filtering). Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with Altium and other electrical design and drawing tools. * Strong mathematical/analytical problem-solving skills. * Ability to work well with others in a dynamic environment. * Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Self-motivated to continually expand knowledge and skills related to this position. WORK ENVIROMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: * Office and/or manufacturing environment. * Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time. * Ability to perform repetitive mtion (keyboarding, mouse, phones). Job Benefits * Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage * Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance * 401(k) Savings Plan * Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) * Paid Time-Off (PTO) * Holidays * Education Reimbursement