Tau is a venture-backed advanced technology company based in the Bay Area (Redwood City, CA). We design and develop next-generation products for electrification, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. The company was started because we believe the key to a more sustainable future requires modern power conversion systems to increase the security of the world's energy. We have pioneered technologies that leverage software-enabled hardware to provide industry-leading scale, economics, and efficiencies. Our systems include innovations across electric machines, inverters, controllers, thermal management, simulation, and charging systems.
Tau's team of engineers, scientists, technologists, operators, and industry leaders continues to advance our internal technology roadmap while collaborating with commercial partners to deploy our existing products to market. They are relentlessly pursuing the creation of efficient power conversion systems for a more sustainable future. At our core, Tau is made of exceptionally talented and mission-aligned people. Developing complex electromechanical systems is an interdisciplinary challenge. We want to expand our team with diverse engineering, scientific, and operational expertise.
About you
We are looking for people who aren't afraid to take on new challenges and are as passionate about energy and electrification as we are :
- You find significant challenges exciting and enjoy discovering and defining problems as much as solving them.
- You deliver . You may enjoy thoughtful conversations about problems and perfecting design, but ultimately, you know that delivering innovative, effective, and reliable solutions matters.
- You are a cross-disciplinary team member . You are excited to work with, learn from, and contribute to technology teams ranging from electromagnetics, power electronics, controls systems, mechanical, materials, software, computational physics, and beyond.
About the role
We are seeking a Staff Power Electronics and Controls Engineer to join our growing team, advancing our internal technology roadmap and translating our innovative products to market with our commercial partners.
As a member of the power electronics and controls team, you will model, design, implement, test and benchmark the motor controls and power electronics of current and future Tau motor drives - including both high and low voltage applications. The role is broken down into two core areas (1) controls and (2) power electronics :
Controls
What You'll Do
Help define requirements for motor control software and interfacing hardware components including voltage and current sensors, power stages, speed sensorsUnderstand, drive design of, and implement motor controller functionality, behaviors, and algorithmsTranslate algorithms into software implementation and integrate that into the firmware frameworkTest, validate, and troubleshoot controller implementationDevelop, test, and validate motor control algorithms in the laboratory and in-vehicleMaintain awareness of and influence research and development in key component technologies that influence future inverter / motor designs and motor controlAdvance Tau's intellectual property in electric motor design and motor controlsWhat You'll Bring
Strong fundamentals of AC electric motors and drive systems analysis, modeling and controlSolid background in linear systems analysis, stability, and controller designBasic proficiency with embedded firmware development in C / C++Model development and data analysis in Python or Matlab / SimulinkStrong communication and preference for working in teamsDesired Skills
In-depth understanding of motor control techniques such as slip-based control, field oriented control, direct torque controlExperience with model-predictive control (MPC), reference generation, and advanced estimation techniquesPrior experience with flux estimation methods, 3-phase power control, analytical control system theory development and analysisExperience with various PWM schemes such as space vector, discontinuous, and sinusoidal modulation, including data-acquisition methodsFamiliarity with sensorless motor control algorithms and low speed control techniquesCapability of delivering high-quality C code in an embedded microcontroller environmentSystem-oriented understanding of thermal, vehicle-level torque control, high voltage DC-link integration, efficiency optimization, and firmware integration for electric drivesPower Electronics
What You'll Do
Design and build hardware of power electronics converters for use in automotive and energy storage applicationsStart to finish ownership of hardware - from specification to design, prototype, reliability validation and high-volume manufacturingCollaborate with - and lead - mechanical, PCB layout, and firmware engineering teams to successfully to design, validate and manufacture power convertersArchitecture and modeling of new power converter topologies that achieve better performanceWhat You'll Bring
Automotive experience, or the equivalent in experience and evidence of exceptional ability.Familiarity with AC / DC, DC / DC and DC / AC applications and control of variable frequency convertersStrong understanding of power electronics topologiesExperience with high voltage power semiconductor selection (Si / SiC / GaN MOSFET's, Diodes), gate drive and protection circuit designStrong understanding of switching waveforms, semiconductor losses and experience with loss modelingSystem understanding of device characteristics, gate driving circuit design, thermal design, topologies, modulation schemes, control strategies in high- and low-voltage power convertersFamiliar with tools such as PLECS, PSCAD / EMTDC, MATLAB / Simulink, dSPACEExperience with advanced modulation approaches for achieving highly efficiency power electronic converter designsExperience designing large state machines for complex power converter implementationsFamiliar with analog design, digital design, mixed signal design (ADCs / DACs) and their use in relation to control designSolid understanding of the theory and application of magnetics (inductors, transformers) and capacitors (electrolytic, film and ceramic) used for power conversionGood experience with design analog / digital circuits and micro-processorsFamiliar with schematic capture and power converter circuit simulation toolsExperience in supervision of PCB layout for minimal stray inductance and capacitance, placement strategies for better manufacturability, power / signal plane definition and EMC optimizationProficiency with hands-on EE tools (oscilloscopes, network analyzers, signal generators etc)Desired Skills
Masters or PhD degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechatronic engineering, or equivalent degree with a focus on power electronics and / or control systemsAwareness of UL and CE electrical safety requirements and EMC requirements relevant to the design of power convertersKnowledge in environmental, reliability, and safety requirements for Automotive, Industrial & Residential applicationsProven ability to design systems that are resilient to faults and errorsUS Salary Information
$120,000.00 - $210,000.00
Tau is committed to paying competitive compensation that is fair and equitable. Your experience, qualifications, training, critical skills, and / or business considerations determine your compensation. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include an annual performance bonus, equity, and other incentive compensation plans considered part of Tau's total compensation package. To learn more about our top-tier benefits, please visit www.taumotors.com. The level will depend on the candidate's experience. Our ideal candidate exhibits a can-do attitude and approaches his or her work with vigor and determination. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate excellence in their respective fields and possess the ability to learn quickly within a fast-paced environment.
Perks
Become part of an emerging company during a rapid growth phase-within an industry undergoing dramatic transformation for a global imperative.Work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields to : (1) attack some of the most pressing issues of today while (2) contributing to technically demanding and deeply innovative solutions.Growth potential-we advance team members who have an outsized impact.Competitive compensation based upon experience level, including stock options-we believe in capturing value in the future we create together.Flexible time off and paid holidays.Centrally located in the Bay Area on the Peninsula in vibrant downtown Redwood CityBlocks from the Caltrain
Walking distance to food and entertainmentEasy access to both the 101 and 280Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for full time team members.Comprehensive benefits including 401(k), HSA and FSA benefits, commuter benefits, ancillary benefits including OneMedical membership, a variety of telehealth services, and more.Equal Opportunity Employer
Tau is an equal opportunity employer that guarantees a work environment that respects and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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