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Principal Power Engineer

Cowboy Space Corporation · San Carlos, California

Location
San Carlos, California, United States
Employment
Full time
Level
Principal
Posted
2 months ago

About this role

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities - from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

The Role

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Power Engineer to lead the design and development of cutting-edge power conversion and distribution systems for next-generation terrestrial and space-based data center infrastructure. This role focuses on architecting high-voltage, high-power DC/DC conversion systems that efficiently distribute solar-generated and alternative power sources to GPU clusters and advanced computing hardware in both ground-based and orbital environments. As a senior technical leader, you will drive innovation in power delivery optimization, system architecture, and enable our mission to deliver sustainable, high-performance computing infrastructure across multiple operational domains.

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize high-voltage, high-power DC/DC converter topologies for solar and alternative power sources to GPU power distribution systems in terrestrial and space-based environments (multi-kW to MW scale)

  • Develop end-to-end power conversion architecture from solar/alternative power input through multi-stage distribution to GPU compute nodes, with consideration for both ground and orbital operational requirements

  • Lead design of custom magnetic components including transformer and inductor designs for optimal efficiency and thermal performance

  • Conduct power integrity analysis and design robust power delivery networks for high-current GPU power rails

  • Own PCB design and layout for power conversion stages, ensuring signal integrity, thermal management, and manufacturability

  • Specify and integrate GPU power supply modules, working closely with GPU supplier on power delivery requirements and validation

  • Perform circuit simulation, thermal analysis, and validate prototypes through bench testing and field deployment

  • Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, and systems engineering teams to optimize overall power system performance

  • Establish design standards, best practices, and technical roadmap for power electronics platforms

  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to continuous technical advancement of the power systems team

Basic Qualifications

  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Power Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

  • 10+ years of professional experience in power electronics design and development

  • Demonstrated expertise in DC/DC converter design, topology selection, and control strategies

  • Strong background in magnetic component design including transformer and inductor design, material selection, and optimization

  • Proficiency in PCB design and layout for power applications, including high-speed signal routing and thermal management

  • Deep expertise in power integrity analysis, including PDN design, component optimization, and control theory

  • Hands-on experience with power supply design for GPU or high-performance computing systems

  • Proficiency with circuit simulation tools (SPICE, PSpice, LTspice) and thermal simulation software

  • Experience with high-voltage (>48VDC) and high-power (>1kW) converter design

  • Proven track record of taking power electronics designs from concept through volume production

  • Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in fast-paced environments

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Power Electronics or equivalent advanced technical degree

  • Experience with renewable energy systems integration and solar power applications

  • Background in advanced converter topologies (multi-level, resonant, or soft-switching designs)

  • Familiarity with GPU power delivery specifications and requirements

  • Experience with GaN wide-bandgap semiconductor devices

  • Publications or patents in power electronics design

  • Leadership experience in managing power electronics engineering teams

  • Knowledge of data center infrastructure and hyperscale computing architectures

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $155,000 - $245,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

  • Paid time off

  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year

  • Paid parental leave

  • Relocation assistance if applicable

  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or lo

As published by Cowboy Space Corporation. Applications are handled on their site.

Skills this posting mentions

System IntegrationSPICEPower Supplies

About Cowboy Space Corporation

Cowboy Space Corporation is building a power grid in outer space for artificial intelligence. Using an integrated system of satellites and rockets, we will send high-performance compute and optical data transmission to Low Earth Orbit. Our constellation of satellites, Stampede, will harness abundant solar power to run on-orbit GPU data centers. With each launch, Stampede grows the power and compute capacity for humanity. Earth's energy grid can't run at the pace of AI. We can. AI is driving the largest infrastructure buildout in recent history, and the power grid on planet Earth can't keep pace. In major US markets, average grid connection lead times for new data centers can run 5-7 years or more. Meanwhile, AI demand is flat-out outgrowing Earth's pastures. Full-Stack Architecture: Traditional architecture treats the rocket as a workhorse and the satellite as freight. In our system, the rocket's upper stage is the satellite itself. It's a 1-megawatt data center with active thermal management and integrated compute, designed as one unified vehicle from the ground up. We trim the fat on redundant structure and avionics, dedicating every possible kilogram of compute to Low Earth Orbit. By owning our manufacturing and dedicated launch sites, we vertically integrate core technologies that enable deploying compute at scale. We’ve raised a $275M Series B at a $2B valuation led by Index Ventures, with participation from new investors IVP, Blossom Capital, and SAIC, alongside existing investors Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Construct Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, Interlagos and Baiju Bhatt.

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