The Role
We’re looking for an experienced Principal Applications Engineer with deep expertise in power MOSFETs and high-performance power converter design. This senior individual contributor role will serve as the technical authority for customer designs using our Super-“Q” MOSFETs in demanding applications up to 10 kW and beyond, with particular emphasis on motor drives, phase-shifted full-bridge (PSFB), and LLC resonant converter topologies. You will work directly with tier-1 customers, provide reference designs, drive new product definition, and act as the voice of the customer internally.
This role reports to the Vice President of Applications Engineering
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as the primary technical interface for strategic customers designing with our 150-650V SuperQ MOSFETs
- Develop, document, and support high-efficiency reference designs (up to 10 kW) featuring:
- Traction inverters and on-board chargers for EV/HEV
- Industrial motor drives and servo drives (3-phase, up to 10 kW)
- Phase-shifted full-bridge (PSFB) topologies for isolated DC-DC conversion
- LLC resonant converters (half-bridge and full-bridge)
- Totem-pole PFC and other high-frequency topologies
- Perform detailed power-loss modeling, thermal analysis, and efficiency optimization using SiC-specific tools (PLECS, LTspice, Mathcad, etc.
- Design and validate gate-drive circuits optimized for fast switching (low inductance, negative-voltage turn-off, active Miller clamping, short-circuit protection, etc.)
- Conduct customer training, design reviews, and on-site debugging of applications.
- Generate application notes, white papers, evaluation board user guides, and competitive teardowns focused on SuperQ advantages.
- Collaborate with IC design, reliability, and marketing teams to define next-generation SuperQ MOSFETs based on real customer pain points.
- Support field applications engineers and distribution FAEs globally.
Required Qualifications:
- MSEE or PhD in Power Electronics (or BSEE + 10+ years relevant experience).
- 8+ years of hands-on experience designing switched-mode power supplies or motor drives using best in class HV MOSFETs and/or wide-bandgap devices (SiC MOSFETs or GaN HEMT experience a plus).
- Proven track record of successful production designs in the following:
- 3-phase motor drives/inverters (up to 10 kW or higher)
- Phase-shifted full-bridge converters
- LLC resonant converters
- Totem-pole bridgeless PFC
- Expert-level knowledge of:
- Si/SiC MOSFET switching behavior, body-diode characteristics, and third-quadrant operation
- High-speed, low-inductance layout techniques for High Performance SI/SiC
- Advanced gate-driver design for Si/ SiC (desat, soft shutdown, dv/dt control)
- Magnetic design for high-frequency transformers and resonant inductors
- Proficiency with simulation tools (PLECS, SIMetrix/SIMPLIS, LTspice, PSIM) and lab equipment (high-bandwidth scopes, double-pulse test rigs, calorimetric measurement). (Ability to create SPICE models and validate a plus)
- Strong customer-facing skills; ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
- Willingness to travel ~10-25% (domestic and international).
Nice to Have
- Prior experience at a Top Tier Power MOSFET, SiC or GaN semiconductor manufacturer.
- Published papers or patents in power electronics in aforementioned topologies.
- Familiarity with automotive (AEC-Q101) or industrial qualification requirements is a plus.
Experience with digital control (TI C2000, STM32, Microchip dsPIC) for motor drives and resonant converters is a plus.
Why Join iDEAL
- Work on next-generation silicon technology redefining performance limits
- Direct impact on products used in high-growth markets
- Collaborative, low-ego culture with high technical depth
- Opportunity to grow with a scaling semiconductor company
- Exposure to global customers and cutting-edge applications
- Opportunity to shape the future of next generation converters
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary + bonus structure
- Equity participation
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k), PTO