Principal Applications Engineer

Principal Applications Engineer - Power Electronics (DC-DC Converters)

Location:

San Jose / Milpitas, CA (hybrid)

Compensation:

$150,000 - $206,000 base + 15% or higher annual bonus (historically higher)

Relocation:

Available assistance if needed, preference for local candidates Overview We are seeking a senior-level Principal Applications Engineer with deep expertise in power electronics and DC-DC converters to support advanced power module products used in high-performance computing, networking, storage, and other demanding applications. This role is highly technical and customer-facing, combining hands-on lab work, post-sales design-in support, and close collaboration with internal design, validation, and field engineering teams. The position is based in the San Jose / Milpitas area and supports a major local customer. The ideal candidate is a former design engineer or verification engineer who has worked directly on DC-DC converter designs and enjoys solving complex technical problems in lab environments while working closely with customers. Key Responsibilities Act as the technical subject matter expert for DC-DC converter and power module products. Provide post-sales technical guidance and design-in support to customer engineering teams. Conduct complex qualification and verification testing in local labs and at customer sites (approximately 50-75% onsite depending on project phase). Support field engineers by resolving advanced technical questions and system-level issues. Verify products against customer specifications and application requirements. Collaborate closely with internal design engineering, validation, manufacturing, and business development teams to resolve issues and deliver results on schedule. Translate customer technical needs into product recommendations, specifications, and development feedback. Identify potential design or integration risks early and communicate clearly with both customers and internal teams. Coordinate product integration efforts between component suppliers, internal teams, and customers. Develop and deliver technical presentations and seminars for customers and field engineering teams. Define initial project scope, prepare project plans, and maintain technical documentation. May sit onsite with customers locally for extended periods during critical project phases. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Master's preferred). 8+ years of experience in design engineering, applications engineering, or verification engineering within power electronics. Strong hands-on experience with DC-DC converter design, validation, or application support. Deep understanding of power conversion topologies, power integrity, thermal considerations, and system-level performance tradeoffs. Extensive comfort working in lab environments performing qualification and validation testing. Proven ability to support mid-to-large customers in complex technical environments. Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to customers and internal teams. Preferred Qualifications Background in power modules used for data centers, networking, computing, or industrial systems. Experience supporting field application engineering teams. Mandarin language skills are a plus. Work Environment Hybrid role based in the San Jose area. Work from home option when not performing lab or customer-site work. Significant hands-on lab exposure using advanced power electronics platforms. Close collaboration with global engineering and manufacturing teams.