Senior Systems Engineer - Autonomy & Sensing
PowerLight Technologies· startup· Wireless· May 22, 2025 · 17mo agoPosted 523 days ago
Kent, Washington
In office
Full-time
Senior
$160K–$220K est.
10+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since May 22, 2025 — 523 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Who We Are :
PowerLight Technologies is the leading developer of safe, long-distance laser power beaming solutions to transmit kilowatt-level power remotely, making energy accessible to new and increasingly mobile distributed digital assets on and off planet Earth. Laser power beaming delivers energy to digital infrastructure, enabling power to be delivered when and where it is needed, including in hard-to-reach places or at high altitudes, with or without human access, and without the tether to today’s battery- and power-cord power distribution environment. At PowerLight Technologies we seek to hire contributors who exhibit three special traits: the hands-on skill to create hardware and software; a commitment to teamwork; and a track record of high achievement ideally with startup experience growing into a larger organization. The most successful members of our team exhibit all of these qualities, wrapped with genuine niceness and respect for others.
Successful team members are undeterred by extremely challenging, first-of-their-kind problems to solve. They experiment, fail-and-learn quickly, and lock in the mastery of their explorations alongside like-minded innovators.
We hire professionals who know their craft; we look for those who can design boards, assemblies, optical chains, code, and processes with an eye toward successful, field-ready, secure, nicely documented products and systems. We also value academic chops, people who love embrace physics, analysis, and technical progress.
Our culture is one of urgency, accountability, teamwork, and a healthy sense of fun, along with a passion for science. We show up prepared, engage in healthy debate, embrace deadlines, and work hard to maintain a workplace environment that is energizing.
A career here means you will interact with the world's leading scientists, engineers, and builders. Join our team – bring your skills, experiences, and determination to make a difference. This is a unique opportunity for a skilled professional and thought leader to work in the emerging field of long-distance power beaming.
Power Beaming Video
Power Over Fiber Video
Job Description :
PowerLight Technologies is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Systems Engineer, with referenceable expertise in systems design, including sensors and tracking systems, system requirement analysis, flow down of the requirements for subsystems; sensor evaluation and fusion, and systems software. In this role, you will play a key part in developing our next-generation laser systems. If you are passionate about pushing the limits of technology and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment, we want to hear from you.
The ideal candidate is an analytical, high-agency generalist. You have gone deep enough in at least one area to know what rigor feels like, but you are energized by a wide scope. You are comfortable with quantitative reasoning and spreadsheets. They will also have a strong background in the development of real-time systems, data acquisition, controls, and all aspects of product hardware and testing, including standards such as ISO, MIL, ANSI, and others.
What You'll Do:
System Design: Lead and contribute to the design of complex laser and photovoltaic systems, including mechanical and electrical and electronic components and assemblies, sensors, from concept to production.
Sensors: Sensor evaluation and selection; design of multi sensor and high precision tracking systems.
Analysis: Create detailed designs and perform comprehensive analysis to ensure system performance and reliability, conduct/lead/support the technical reviews such as Preliminary/Critical Design Review, etc. in the development cycles.
Algorithm Development: Develop and implement algorithms for laser control, signal processing, real time safety, and data analysis.
Testing and Validation: Design and execute tests to validate the functionality and performance of laser systems and electronic interfaces, making necessary adjustments and improvements.
Documentation: Maintain detailed records, prepare technical documentation, and contribute to patent applications as needed.
Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software engineers, optical engineers, and physicists, to achieve project goals.
Research: Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure PowerLight remains at the forefront of optical, laser, and digital innovation.
Experience and Abilities:
10+ years of proven experience in a leadership role in turning customer requirements into written specifications, along with system design, schematics, analysis, algorithm development, safety systems, mechanical design, and data acquisition.
Demonstrated self-starter with exce llent problem-solving skills and a track record of innovative hardware and software solutions designing, analyzing, and building complex systems.
Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, giving and receiving feedback, and turning key conversations into effective results.
Proficiency in CAD tools.
Hands-on experience developing and testing prototype systems.
Ability to plan projects, be accountable for deliverables & schedules, and lead others as a senior technical resource.
Experience with relevant computer programming languages such as C/C++, Python, Matlab for algorithm development, other.
5+ years designing real-time embedded software applications (audio, video, control, etc.)
BS degree in electrical or systems engineering or related field.
Preferred Skills and Experiences:
Systems architecture experience, along with familiarity with schematic design, analysis, mechanical engineering, embedded microcontrollers firmware & IDE experience, and FPGA (Xilinx in particular). Aerospace, defense systems and space engineering a plus.
Data analytics experience.
Experience with AI applications a plus.
Prior experience in a research and development (R&D) or product development environment is preferred. Start-up experience a plus.
MS degree or PhD a plus, along with direct experience putting products and systems into space.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer, as well as setting up and adjusting laser power beaming equipment for testing, both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds (e.g. computer, printer paper). Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers using a computer, keyboard, mouse, writing.
Benefits:
401K and HSA options
Comprehensive medical, dental & vision benefits
Additional voluntary benefits offered
Flexible paid time off program and paid holidays
TeleDoc and Employee assistance programs
In-office gym and locker rooms, plus Green River Trail access right outside the office doors
Snacks/beverages
Community giving programs and events
Contact us at careers@powerlighttech.com or on our website: powerlighttech.com.
PowerLight Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401k
Paid Time Off