Pulsed Power Operations Engineer
The Pulsed Power Operations Engineer at Confidential Client is responsible for operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving high-voltage pulsed power systems within a cutting-edge laser experimental environment. This role involves hands-on system diagnostics, developing operational procedures, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure system reliability and safety. The engineer will also qualify as a Pulsed Power Controller, playing a critical role in executing laser experiment operations to advance fusion energy technology.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Inertial Fusion Energy and advanced laser systems.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Why this role matters
Confidential Client is building experimental laser systems to advance inertial fusion energy. As a Pulsed Power Operations Engineer, you’ll operate, troubleshoot, and maintain high-voltage pulsed-power hardware for the Phoenix laser experiment. This hands‑on role blends laboratory operations, transient diagnostics, and procedure development — helping move breakthrough fusion technology toward practical clean energy.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve high‑voltage, high‑current pulsed‑power systems and experimental hardware.
- Perform electrical diagnostics using oscilloscopes, probes, meters, and other test equipment to evaluate system performance and identify faults.
- Analyze transient waveforms and test data to identify abnormal behavior, equipment degradation, and root causes.
- Inspect, test, install, and replace electrical components (capacitors, inductors, switches, cables, connectors, etc.).
- Support preventive and corrective maintenance, component refurbishment, system commissioning, and equipment readiness.
- Prepare systems for testing and support pre‑shot, post‑shot, and troubleshooting activities during experimental campaigns.
- Read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, datasheets, and engineering drawings.
- Develop and maintain operational procedures, checklists, test documentation, and equipment records.
- Work closely with engineers, technicians, scientists, and subject-matter experts to resolve technical issues and improve system reliability.
- Participate in root‑cause investigations, failure analysis, and continuous improvement efforts focused on safety and repeatability.
- Maintain accurate records of system performance, maintenance activities, failures, and lessons learned.
- Train and qualify as a Pulsed Power Controller for the Phoenix Laser System; serve as Pulsed Power Controller during experiment operations.
- Contribute to building shot operations infrastructure: alarm setpoints, interlocks, preventive maintenance, and data analysis tools.
- Perform hands‑on integration and maintenance during scheduled upgrade and maintenance windows.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Strong understanding of electrical circuit fundamentals (Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws, impedance, power, energy).
- Demonstrated ability to perform DC and AC circuit analysis and analyze series/parallel networks.
- Knowledge of first‑ and second‑order circuit transient behavior (RC, RL, RLC).
- Practical understanding of energy storage and transfer in capacitors and inductors.
- High proficiency with oscilloscopes and electrical test equipment, including probe selection and waveform interpretation.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical datasheets.
- Demonstrated troubleshooting skills using a systematic, data‑driven approach.
- Familiarity with electrical safety and high‑voltage laboratory practices (PPE, grounding, discharge, interlocks).
- Strong technical communication and documentation skills.
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced lab environment and collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams.
- Willingness to work a set 8‑hour shift with fixed start/stop times; able to work extra hours during critical activities.
- Basic mobility (stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs).
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Preferred / Desired Experience
- Coursework or lab experience in pulsed‑power applications.
- 2+ years working in pulsed power or other high‑voltage test operations (preferred, but entry‑level candidates with strong lab/test experience encouraged).
- Experience operating and troubleshooting high‑voltage/high‑current electrical systems.
- Familiarity with pulse‑forming networks, Marx generators, capacitor banks, or pulse generators.
- Experience with high‑bandwidth oscilloscopes, differential/current probes, Rogowski coils, B‑dot/D‑dot probes, and voltage dividers.
- Experience analyzing fast transient waveforms (rise/fall time, jitter, overshoot, ringing).
- Knowledge of high‑voltage insulation, dielectric breakdown, arcing, and surface tracking phenomena.
- Experience developing or following test procedures, checklists, and configuration‑control documentation.
- Experience participating in failure analysis, corrective actions, and preventive maintenance programs.
- Experience working in lab/test/integration/commissioning or manufacturing environments with strong attention to configuration control and equipment readiness.
Location & Schedule
- Job location: Federal Heights, CO (onsite).
- This is a full‑time, onsite role based in the Federal Heights / Denver area. Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. as noted above.
- Schedule: set 8‑hour shift with fixed start/stop times; occasional overtime during critical operations.
Compensation & Benefits
- Published base salary range: $97,750 – $138,000 per year (Colorado pay transparency; final offer varies by experience, skills, and location).
- Benefits highlights: medical, dental, vision; basic and supplemental life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability; paid parental leave; 401(k) with company match (up to 6%); equity eligibility; paid holidays and company shutdown; flexible paid time off (policy details vary by role and eligibility).
Keywords & Skills (for applicants & ATS)
- Pulsed Power Operations Engineer
- High‑voltage test operations
- Transient diagnostics / oscilloscopes
- Laser system operations
- Experimental laboratory operations
- Pulse‑forming networks, capacitor banks
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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