Senior Hardware Applications Engineer

Job Summary
Our client, a leading power electronics and clean-energy technology provider, is seeking a Senior Hardware Applications Engineer to join their team. This position will own application-specific testing of an innovative solid state transformer across AI data centers, utility-scale battery energy storage systems, and solar power plants.


Contract Details

• Contract Type: Direct Hire
• Work Location: Scotts Valley, CA
• Work Arrangement: Onsite

Core Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end application testing of a high C-rate battery pack integrated with solid state transformer technology
• Validate ripple mitigation, backup capability, slew rates, power-loss profiles, and overall system performance
• Support SST and utility-scale BESS integration testing at laboratory and pilot-site locations
• Test EMS-to-SST communication, grid-forming coordination, black-start functionality, charge and discharge cycling, and round-trip efficiency
• Integrate the SST with commercial data acquisition, SCADA, EMS, and BMS platforms
• Develop Python-based test automation to control equipment, sequence tests, capture data, and automate manual procedures
• Review pilot performance, identify feature gaps, and partner with software, firmware, and systems teams to improve the product

Required Skills/Experience (Must-Haves)

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in power electronics, energy storage, electric vehicles, grid technology, or another hardware-intensive environment
• Strong knowledge of DC circuit fundamentals, including resonances, parasitics, slew rates, and inductive spikes
• Experience correlating hardware test data with circuit or system simulation results
• Strong Python scripting and test-automation skills for controlling instruments, operating power converters, and logging and analyzing data.
• Working knowledge of inverters, converters, battery management systems, DC pre-charge, contactors, protection systems, and thermal or cooling loops
• Hands-on experience using oscilloscopes, power analyzers, data acquisition systems, and other laboratory instrumentation
• Experience with communication protocols such as CAN and Modbus TCP

Preferred Skills/Experience (Nice-to-Haves)

• Experience with solid state transformers or grid-forming inverters
• Experience commissioning or testing utility-scale battery energy storage systems
• Familiarity with grid-support functionality, EMS integration, or renewable-energy systems
• Systems-level testing experience involving power electronics or energy storage products
• Experience supporting hardware deployments in laboratory and pilot-site environments
• Hands-on experience with LTspice, Simscape, PLECS, or similar simulation tools
• Experience integrating commercial SCADA, DAS, EMS, or BMS platforms

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Strong first-principles engineering and technical problem-solving abilities
• Hands-on, resourceful approach with the initiative to overcome technical and operational challenges
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with systems, software, firmware, and field teams
• Strong attention to safety, accuracy, documentation, and repeatable testing practices
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities

Work Environment

• Location: Scotts Valley, CA
• Work Arrangement: Onsite, with potential travel to pilot deployment sites
• Hands-on laboratory and field environment involving high-power equipment, instrumentation, cabling, protection hardware, and thermal systems.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Range: The approximate pay range for this position is between $112,000 and $160,000 annually. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and location. We comply with local wage minimums.
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP)
• 401K offered

About KellyMitchell
At KellyMitchell, our culture is world class. We’re movers and shakers! We don’t mind a bit of friendly competition, and we reward hard work with unlimited potential for growth. This is an exciting opportunity to join a company known for innovative solutions and unsurpassed customer service. We're passionate about helping companies solve their biggest IT staffing & project solutions challenges. As an employee-owned, women-led organization serving Fortune 500 companies nationwide, we deliver expert service at a moment's notice.

Marketing Disclosure
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