Freelance Remote Firmware Engineer Jobs in California

The Senior Power Electronics Test Engineer helps develop and validate GaN power devices by designing SALT/HTOL test circuits and systems, evaluating device behavior in power converter circuits, creating MCU firmware for automated testing, supporting magnetics design, and troubleshooting hardware issues. This role works closely with cross-functional teams and prepares clear documentation to ensure reliable and repeatable long-duration testing.

Responsibilities: 

1. Circuit Evaluation & Test System Development

•  Analyze GaN device behavior within common power converter circuits.
• Translate circuit and device behavior into appropriate SALT/HTOL stress conditions.
• Design test circuits that safely and consistently apply required stress levels.

2. MCU Firmware Development

• Develop and maintain C/C++ firmware for test automation, system control, and data collection.

3. Magnetics Support

•  Assist with the design and optimization of inductors and transformers used in high-frequency GaN test setups.

4. Documentation & Communication

• Produce clear documentation for test procedures, system configurations, and updates.
• Generate concise technical reports summarizing waveform observations, converter behavior, and reliability outcomes.
• Contribute to internal knowledge systems to ensure lessons learned are retained and reusable.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree with 3+ years.
• Understanding of power converter circuits such as totem-pole PFC, flyback, and LLC.
• Proficiency in C/C++ MCU firmware development (PWM, UART, IC, SPI, ADC/DAC).
• Experience with schematic/PCB design tools such as Altium Designer.
• Strong communication, documentation, and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with high-frequency magnetics (inductors/transformers).

Preferred

• Experience with SALT, HTOL, or long-duration reliability testing.

The expected annual pay range for this position is $110K-$140K. This position is also eligible for bonus opportunities. Please note that final offer amount will be dependent on geographic location, applicable experience, and skillset of the candidate.

Renesas offers a full range of elective benefits including medical, health savings account (with applicable medical plan), dental, vision, health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts, pre-tax commuter benefits, life insurance, AD&D, and pet insurance. In addition to elective benefit options, benefited employees receive company-paid life insurance and AD&D, LTD, short term medical benefits as well as paid sick time, paid holidays, and accrued paid vacation. New employees will attend a detailed benefit orientation to learn more about our many benefits and resources

Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose 'To Make Our Lives Easier.' As the industry's leading expert in embedded processing with unmatched quality and system-level know-how, we have evolved to provide scalable and comprehensive semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and IoT industries based on the broadest product portfolio, including High Performance Computing, Embedded Processing, Analog & Connectivity, and Power.
With a diverse team of over 22,000 professionals in more than 30 countries, we continue to expand our boundaries to offer enhanced user experiences through digitalization and usher into a new era of innovation. We design and develop sustainable, power-efficient solutions today that help people and communities thrive tomorrow, 'To Make Our Lives Easier.'     
At Renesas, you can: 

• Launch and advance your career in technical and business roles across four Product Groups and various corporate functions. You will have the opportunities to explore our hardware and software capabilities and try new things.  

• Make a real impact by developing innovative products and solutions to meet our global customers' evolving needs and help make people's lives easier, safe and secure. 

• Maximize your performance and wellbeing in our flexible and inclusive work environment. Our people-first culture and global support system, including the remote work option and Employee Resource Groups, will help you excel from the first day.    

Are you ready to own your success and make your mark?  

Join Renesas. Shape Your Future with Us.  

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to celebrating diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.

Renesas Electronics deals with dual-use technology that is subject to U.S. export controls regulations. Under these regulations it may be necessary for Renesas to obtain U.S. government export license prior to release of technology to certain persons. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at the sole discretion of Renesas.