Electrical Engineer

Smart Wires provides advanced power flow control solutions and analytics that enable controllable power systems. This gives grid operators more control over where power flows and helps them use their existing networks more efficiently. Our solutions support system reliability, reduce congestion, and make it easier to integrate new load and generation while minimizing costs and community disruption. We collaborate with customers to achieve their strategic objectives and help them face an uncertain energy future with flexible, high‑impact solutions.

We are seeking a Staff Electrical Engineer to be a leader in developing our grid‑connected electronics and electrical systems. This role reports to the Head of Electrical Engineering and will serve as a key contributor and technical expert for the Electrical Engineering group: performing rigorous root cause analysis and design reviews, leading complex design of mission‑critical electronics, developing innovative solutions to challenging technical problems, and influencing major design decisions.

We are looking for an experienced industry professional who can bring expertise and immediately make an impact by driving forward the quality and reliability of our electrical systems.

• Lead the design of analog and digital circuitry – FPGAs and peripherals, power converters, analog/digital signal processing, and more.
• Take ownership of multiple printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) designs from concept to production, including electrical design, PCB layout, design for testing and manufacturing, component selection, quality, etc.
• Recommend, develop, and execute a variety of tests on PCBAs, power electronic devices, and other electrical components: new design validation, troubleshooting, accelerated life and reliability testing, and more.
• Support remedial work for deployed units, including on‑site root cause analysis, providing technical content for work instructions, and contributing to technical customer communications.
• Perform root cause analysis on components that have failed in manufacturing and the field.
• Participate in design reviews as a subject matter expert (SME).
• Lead the development of new features and technologies to further improve our product offering.
• Mentor less experienced engineers in technical and professional development.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in electrical engineering with a focus on electronics and circuit design.
• Significant experience in PCB design, including analog and digital circuit design, PCB layout considerations, creepage and clearance considerations, and more.
• Experience with FPGAs and high‑speed digital design, including component selection, interfacing with peripherals, clocking and timing best practices, coding, layout considerations, and more.
• Experience using an Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool:
  Altium, Eagle, OrCAD, etc.
• Experience in a lab environment, including working knowledge of test and measurement tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross‑functionally.

• More than 10 years of relevant industry experience.
• Expertise in simulation, analysis, and testing of electrical systems (e.g., SPICE, MATLAB, ANSYS).
• Experience with electrical and environmental stress testing to measure component, PCBA, and system level reliability and performance.
• Experience with EMC/EMI design considerations and mitigation techniques.
• Experience with relevant electronics industry standards (IEEE, IPC, JESD).

This is a hybrid position based in Durham, North Carolina. Candidates are expected to work from the office for at least 24 core hours per week unless agreed up with the Manager. Core hours are defined as 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

This position is expected to travel less than 5% of the year. Occasional trips to customer sites, suppliers, or our manufacturing location may be required.

At Smart Wires, we strive to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that focuses on our employees’…