Senior Power Electronics Engineer - Ground Systems

Zipline is seeking a senior-level electrical engineer to lead the design and development of high-performance power electronics systems that support our drone charging and docking infrastructure. The role involves owning the electrical design of drone charging systems from concept to production, shaping the architecture of next-generation products, and collaborating cross-functionally with reliability, mechanical, embedded, and systems engineers. This hands-on role is central to enabling Zipline's next generation of drone logistics, solving complex challenges in power distribution, power conversion, battery charging, and system-level integration.

Responsibilities

• Own the electrical design of Zipline’s drone charging systems for volume production through a full design cycle including requirements, prototype, schematic capture, layout, and validation.
• Shape the architecture of Zipline’s next generation product, making impactful design decisions daily, while working with a high level of independence.
• Lead trade studies, understand competing design priorities, and provide direction and clarity for burning down risk.
• Proactively seek out opportunities for improvement in system and component level design.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with reliability, mechanical, embedded, and systems engineers in all stages of development, including:
• Concept: System requirement, specification, tradeoff
• Design: Schematic capture, PCB layout, system integration
• Validation: Function and reliability test
• Production: DFM, design drawings, manufacturing, EOL test, certification
• Deployment: Troubleshoot field issues, develop rapid mitigations, roll learnings into future design revisions
• Travel occasionally to support supplier and manufacturer visit, product deployment, and field validation

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and testing power electronics hardware (AC-DC, DC-DC, battery charging, etc.)
• Strong understanding of high-voltage power semiconductors like SiC or Si MOSFETs
• Deep knowledge of circuit topologies for AC-DC and DC-DC power conversion
• Design experience with MCU and digital communications (Ethernet, SPI, I2C, UART)
• Proficiency in schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation tools (Altium, SPICE, etc.)
• Familiarity with UL, IEC, and other electrical safety standards
• Strong lab skills and familiarity with test equipment like oscilloscope, digital multimeter, power analyzer, LCR meter, function generator, spectrum analyzer, etc
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering disciplines
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Nice to have

• Experience with EMI filter design and inductor/transformer design is a strong plus

Benefits

• The starting cash range for this role is $135,000 - $225,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.