Principal Systems Engineer - High Power Microwave (HPM)

About Epirus

Epirus is a high-growth technology company developing software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) systems with devastating counter-electronics effects on modern drone threats. The Epirus Leonidas HPM family of products, empowered by innovations in AI and microelectronics, is human-safe and cost-effective. Distinguishing itself from lasers, Leonidas excels against drone swarms while also bending the cost curve back in DoD's favor - taking drone defeat costs from millions of dollars per drone to pennies on the dollar.

Job Summary: This is an exciting role in a growing company. The ideal candidate for the position is someone who has experience with high-power microwave (HPM) systems and their design, development, and testing. In this role, you will work closely with a talented engineering team to develop and test advanced HPM techniques and waveforms.   

Responsibilities: 

• Communicate project status and results to senior leaders and key stakeholders 
• Lead design of experiments to determine the effectiveness of HPM techniques 
• Run parametric studies to determine optimal waveform parameters 
• Perform HPM susceptibility testing on benchtops, in chambers, and at field demonstrations 
• Generate target models to predict HPM coupling paths and component-level effects 
• Trace susceptibilities to their circuit-level effects within the unit under test (UUT) 
• Create theory of operations to explain results from experiments and predict effectiveness against untested targets 
• Define and iterate on concept of operations (CONOPS) 
• Develop novel functions/techniques/algorithms and perform design trade studies to inform system architecture 
• Focus on continuous improvement of internal processes 
• Contribute technical writing and figures to proposals and other business development efforts 
• Analyze data and write accurate and concise summary reports 
• Collaborate with other teams and across departments to answer their needs 

 Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or equivalent 
• 8+ years of experience with systems engineering, RF engineering, Integration and Test or similar 
• Experience conducting laboratory tests of HPM sources and documenting their effects 
• Proficient in MATLAB and/or Python or equivalent computing language 
• Proficient with special test equipment (STE) including Oscilloscopes, Signal generators, Spectrum Analyzers, Power supplies, and power sensors 
• Background in HPM susceptibility testing, which may include the design of experiments, waveform design, and/or technique development.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• MS or PhD preferred 
• Good written and oral communication skills; not afraid to speak up, either to ask for help or disagree on a technical point that warrants more discussion 
• Collaborative; capable of working across all levels of the organization 
• Eager to learn and to help others on the team  
• Organized; comfortable working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment 
• Familiarity with RF systems (e.g. radar, comms, EW, etc.). Some level of electrical hardware/lab experience, and/or field test experience 
• Familiarity with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), their primary components, theory of operation, and control systems 

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: 

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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 the ITAR here.

People are the most important part of Epirus – and always come first. We don’t believe in the word impossible and are always asking “why not” as work to usher in a new paradigm of power efficiency. Our fast-growing team is agile, creative, and innovative. We support a culture of constant learning and sense of belonging among our team members and know that mentorship matters. We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond. To deliver on our mission, we are always looking for problem solvers, changemakers and innovators to join our fast-growing team.