The posting
Senior Analog & Power Electronics Hardware Engineer
Location: Martigny, Switzerland
Company Overview:
INAUTALENT is supporting the International Space Federation (ISF), a pioneering R&D organization based in Cluses (French Alps), in strengthening its engineering team in Switzerland. ISF conducts experimental research at the frontier of physics and advanced engineering, developing high-energy electronic systems to support breakthrough technologies related to gravity-control propulsion and quantum-vacuum energy. The organization works in close collaboration with international academic partners to transform bold scientific concepts into real, testable hardware.
Job Description:
We are looking for a talented and hands-on Senior Analog & Power Electronics Hardware Engineer to join our innovative team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an engineer who loves bringing designs to life on the bench—owning projects from initial concept through to working prototypes.
You will focus on designing, building, and debugging advanced analog and power boards, particularly for power amplification, high-current drive, and impedance-controlled systems in specialized applications, such as driving challenging low-impedance loads across kHz to MHz frequencies.
This role is strongly hands-on and requires a practical mindset, a deep understanding of real-world component behavior, and the ability to contribute to cutting-edge experimental hardware.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead full-custom analog and power board development, including:
- schematics
- simulations
- PCB layout guidance
- prototyping
- testing and iterative refinement
- Design robust power-stage topologies (half-bridge, full-bridge, Class A/AB/D/E, or switched-mode) capable of delivering high currents and managing high voltages safely.
- Apply impedance matching and resonant circuit techniques for efficient power delivery across wide frequency ranges (typically 100 kHz – 100 MHz).
- Take end-to-end ownership of hardware projects while collaborating with the team on layout, fabrication, and integration as needed.
- Use laboratory equipment confidently for validation and debugging, including:
- oscilloscopes with HV/current probes
- spectrum analyzers
- VNAs
- impedance analyzers
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to integrate designs into larger systems, ensuring reliability under real-world operating conditions.
- Iterate quickly based on bench results to achieve performance, safety, and manufacturability goals.
Requirements
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or a closely related field.
Experience:
- 7+ years of hands-on experience in analog/power electronics design (or 5+ years with particularly strong relevant projects).
- Proven track record designing full-custom analog boards, including:
- power amplification stages and switched-mode topologies
- transistors (BJT/MOSFET), diodes, passives, and active components in high-performance circuits
- impedance matching networks (L-networks, π-networks, transformers, etc.) between stages and to loads
- Solid practical knowledge of passive components, including capacitor dielectrics (X7R vs. C0G/NP0, film, electrolytic), ESR/ESL effects, parasitics, and real-world deviations from datasheet specifications.
- Experience with high-voltage considerations, including kV-level isolation, gate drivers (opto, bootstrap, transformers), creepage/clearance rules, and safety standards.
- Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout tools (KiCad preferred; Altium or equivalents also welcome).
- Comfort using SPICE simulation tools (LTspice, SIMetrix, PSpice) for transient, stability, and matching analysis.
- Strong hands-on lab skills: soldering SMD/through-hole, reflow when needed, generating Gerbers, managing fab (e.g., JLCPCB, PCBWay), and procuring BOMs.
- Ability to work independently on complex hardware problems while thriving in a collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Direct experience with very low-impedance loads (<10 mΩ, <1 µH coils) or high-current drive into inductive elements.
- Impedance matching to extremely low impedances at mid-to-high frequencies (e.g., 50 Ω to sub-Ω loads at hundreds of kHz with kV peaks).
- Experience with resonant circuits or broadband matching up to VHF range.
- Background in related fields such as RF power amplifiers, induction systems, wireless power transfer, pulsed/high-voltage drivers, plasma systems, or high-power audio/amplification.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
We’re seeking a passionate analog/power engineer who enjoys the physical side of electronics—someone who can design a board, get it built, solder it up, probe it on the bench, and keep iterating until it performs flawlessly.
You understand why certain capacitors ring at high frequencies while others stay stable, and you love solving tough real-world problems. This isn’t a simulation or digital/FPGA role; success here depends on hands-on expertise, curiosity, and the ability to make complex hardware function reliably on the bench.
Benefits
- Opportunity to shape groundbreaking hardware in a supportive, innovative environment.
- Access to state-of-the-art lab facilities, test equipment, and fabrication resources.
- Flexible work arrangements, professional development, and a collaborative team culture.
- Chance to take full ownership of impactful analog/power electronics projects from concept to prototype.
