Principal Electrical Engineer, Power Systems

Department: Ground Power

Location: San Francisco

Compensation: $250K – $290K

Employment Type: FullTime

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is looking for a Principal Electrical Engineer focused on power systems development to join our growing team. You will be working across aviation and ground power teams to enable Astro Mechanica’s ground power product, a 13 MW aeroderivative generator, built to deliver fast, on-site power for data centers and industrial sites that can't wait years for grid capacity. In this role, you will be responsible for the medium-voltage electrical system that turns aircraft engines into ground power plants. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role where you will set the architecture, run the studies, specify the equipment, lead validation and commissioning, and be the technical authority on electrical safety. You will work closely with mechanical, controls, and manufacturing teams and represent the product with customers, utilities, and certification bodies. If you want to build a real power product rather than a slice of one, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Translate product requirements into electrical specifications, one-line diagrams, schematics, and BOMs

• Own the electrical architecture and design of the plant including transformers, switchgear, cabling, protection, and grounding

• Perform and review power system studies- load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc flash, grounding, harmonics, and transient analysis

• Ensure compliance with NEC, IEEE, IEC, UL, NFPA 70E, and utility interconnection requirements; own electrical safety and certification for the product

• Mentor engineers, review designs, and serve as the technical interface to customers, utilities, and suppliers

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• BS, MS, or PhD with a focus on electrical engineering

• 10+ years of experience designing, building, testing, and shipping electrical power systems

• Deep experience with medium-voltage systems (1–38 kV): generators, transformers, switchgear, protective relays, and paralleling/grid-interconnect schemes

• Strong command of power system analysis (symmetrical components, fault calculations, protection coordination, arc flash) and proficiency in ETAP, SKM, or EasyPower

• Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NEC, IEEE, IEC, UL, NFPA 70E) and experience taking a product through certification

• Hands-on field experience commissioning and troubleshooting MV equipment and generator control systems

• Track record of owning a complex electrical product from concept through production with cross-functional teams

• Familiarity with power electronics (inverters, rectifiers, excitation systems) and controls integration (SCADA, PLC, communication protocols) is a plus

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.