Senior Research Engineer (Electrical / Power Systems) - 1682
SARA Inc
Summary
The High-Power Electromagnetics Division (HPEM) team at SARA is looking for an exceptionally talented, motivated, and creative Senior Research Engineer to support rapid Research & Development (R&D) and power systems research activities out of our facility in Colorado Springs, CO. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to grow, lead, and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-term programs and new programs supporting the DoD, DoE, and their contractors.
Job description
Core Responsibilities
- Perform self-guided engineering calculations and apply physics first principles
- Solve engineering problems using modeling and simulation, interpreting real-world test data
- Execute self-guided engineering studies
- Develop specifications and requirements
- Design and execute specialized tests
- Write concise test plans, technical reports, maintain comprehensive project documentation, and deliver technical briefings
- Multitask and effectively collaborate with small or large engineering teams
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or additional experience in lieu of Master’s degree)
- 8 years of directly applicable power systems Electrical Engineering experience
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent decision-making and leadership capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain TS DoD security clearance
- May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 50 pounds
- Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well-lighted and well-ventilated; moderate physical hazards may exist
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field
- 10+ years of experience and relevant research emphasis in Power Systems
- Or complimentary experience in areas such as Pulsed Power, EMP, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Signal Processing, High Voltage Physics (1s to 100s of kilovolts), or Digital and Analog Controls
- P.E. Electrical and Computer: Power license or exam completion
- Experience using data acquisition equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, voltage probes, current probes, specialized test sets, and spectrum analyzers
- Experience testing and setting digital protective relays, commissioning switchgear, or substation design
- Experience with relevant modeling software such as one or more of the following: Power system short-circuit, load-flow, EMT, dynamics (Aspen, SKM, RTDS, EMTP)
- Mathematical scripting, modeling, analysis, or automation (MATLAB, Python)
- Circuit modeling and board layout (Dip Trace, Altium, SPICE)
- Experience in analytical modeling and the scientific process
- Experience in test design or requirements development
- Experience working cooperatively in team environments
- Strong writing and presentation skills
- Ability to learn new skills and take new responsibilities
- Conflict resolution experience
- Active DoD TS or DoE Q security clearance
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (or additional experience in lieu of Master’s degree)
- 8 years of directly applicable power systems Electrical Engineering experience
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent decision-making and leadership capabilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain TS DoD security clearance
Benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Disability & Life Insurance
- Generous PTO
- Tuition & Certification Reimbursement
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Discretionary Bonuses
- 401(k) Match/Profit Sharing
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Company overview
Scientific Applications & Research Associates (SARA), Inc. is a specialized defense technology company founded in 1989 that develops innovative solutions for national security and defense applications. With over 35 years of experience, SARA specializes in directed and detected wave energy technologies spanning EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse), ELF (Extremely Low Frequency), laser light, HPM (High-Power Microwave), and acoustics. The company's core expertise includes RF/EMP engineering, threat warning systems, pulsed power technologies, and advanced sensing solutions. SARA serves defense and homeland security sectors with customized products such as RF sensors, hostile fire warning systems, measurement and analysis systems, pulsers, and RF shielding solutions. Their engineering team provides comprehensive testing services, rapid prototyping, and EM modeling capabilities, with the ability to deploy globally within US ITAR restrictions. As an employee-owned company with 201-500 employees, SARA maintains headquarters in Cypress, California, with additional operations in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The company prides itself on partnering closely with customers to develop practical, cost-effective solutions for force protection, renewable energy, UAVs, small robotics, and specialized testing challenges.