Senior Pulsed Power Engineer

About Zap Energy Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future. About the opportunity Zap Energy is looking for a Pulsed Power Engineer to join our team in Everett, WA This is a full-time, on-location position. Responsibilities Design and develop high-voltage pulsed power systems including capacitor banks, Marx generators, pulse forming networks with best practices and standards for reliable performance.Create simulation models and perform electromagnetic analysis using tools such as SPICE, ANSYS, or other to optimize energy storage and discharge characteristicsConduct high-voltage and high-current testing and analyze waveforms, rise times, and energy delivery performanceDevelop and implement diagnostic systems and measurement techniques for characterizing pulse parametersTroubleshoot system failures, perform root cause analysis, and implement design improvements to enhance reliability and performanceDesign insulation systems, shielding, and safety interlocks for high-voltage applicationsResearch and evaluate new materials and technologies for advanced pulsed power systemsWrite technical documentation, test reports, and design specificationsCollaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on system integration and product developmentEnsure compliance with high-voltage safety standards and regulatory requirementsMentor and guide other pulsed power engineers and support in their design and development.Follow established development processes and workflows and use industry best practices.   Qualifications Required BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Applied Physics or similar 10-15 years experience with pulsed power/high voltage electronics design and testingExperience with high voltage pulsed power systems (50kV+, 100kA+, 10’s ns – 100us’s) and architectures including Marx generators, LTD, high energy capacitor banksFamiliarity with typical pulsed power components such as spark gap switches, thyristors, capacitors and other high voltage, high current components and materialsDeep understanding of energy storage, transmission line theory and impedance matchingUnderstanding of pulsed power diagnostics such as Rogowski, high voltage probes, b-dot / magnetic probesFamiliarity with 3D FEA modeling tools for electrostatic, transient dynamic, and circuit modelingProficiency with Ansys Maxwell 3DExperience with high voltage safety equipment and procedures such as safing capacitor banks, discharge and grounding sticks, high voltage energy dump systemsKnowledgeable in various insulating systems including vacuum, pressurized insulating gas like SF6, breakdown in air, and insulating materials like polymers and ceramicsDemonstrated experience of strong troubleshooting skills and understanding of signal integrity, EMI, grounding and shielding.Competency with typical electronics bench tools such as oscilloscopes, probes, signal generators, high voltage power supplies, impedance analyzers  Preferred:  Familiar with PCB development and tools such as Altium or KiCad, PCB manufacturing, and PCB testingExperience with control systemsProgramming in Python, C, or NI LabVIEWFamiliar with power electronics and switch mode power suppliesExperienced using solid modeling tools like SolidWorks Employment may be conditioned upon the ability to obtain export authorization. Estimated salary range: $140,000-200,000 annually. Candidates may be considered for other positions at Zap Energy and actual salary will be based on relevant education, experience, and other qualifications. Range is published in accordance with Washington Equal Pay and Opportunity Act. Zap Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. Locations: Everett, WA