Principal Hardware Engineer (Power)

For leaders digitally transforming their operations to drive predictable, peak performance with minimal risk, Stratus ensures the continuous availability of business-critical applications by delivering zero-touch computing platforms that are simple to deploy and maintain, protected from interruptions and threats, and operate autonomously. For more than 40 years, we have provided reliable and redundant zero-touch computing, enabling global Fortune 500 companies and small-to-medium sized businesses to securely and remotely turn data into actionable intelligence at the Edge and data center – driving uptime and efficiency.

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Principal Hardware Power Engineer to join our dynamic team, focusing on power and hardware product designs. This role involves driving the technical direction of product design from board level to platform assembly, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and overseeing the design and integration of power systems for a wide range of products, including Edge servers, AI systems, and High-Performance Computing (HPC) solutions.

As the Principal Engineer, you will lead architectural investigations, propose technical solutions, and evaluate designs to ensure optimal cost-effectiveness, robustness, and functionality. This is a great opportunity for someone that has strong multi-functional experience in board-level design, PCBA, and platform integration.

This role is primarily focused on hardware design and support, with a significant hands-on component, including system configuration, testing, and troubleshooting. As a Principal Power/Hardware Engineer, you will be involved in solving complex design challenges and addressing critical hardware failures. Your expertise will be key to developing next-generation servers with an emphasis on power design, thermal management, and fault-tolerant features.

This is a fast-paced, multi-project environment, and the role requires someone who thrives in a dynamic setting, with a high level of problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration. You’ll have the opportunity to lead projects that push the boundaries of hardware design, power systems, and server configurations. If you enjoy working on complex systems and have a passion for innovation, this position offers the chance to make a tangible impact in the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation, design, and recommendation of hardware and power systems from concept through to manufacturing.
• Develop power budgets, from individual motherboard to the rack-level AC power supply components, supporting product configuration and planning.
• Perform detailed design reviews of vendor power systems, including hot plug circuitry, DC/DC converters, and AC/DC CRPS power supplies.
• Conduct Cadence/Allegro reviews of PCB layouts, DC/DC converter designs, and distribution to logic devices.
• Provide power design support for internal product development, including writing specifications, reviewing proposals, and supporting DC/DC converters and PCB layout integration.
• Review power-related specifications, test plans, and design verification test results to ensure product quality and compliance.
• Assist with hardware fault analysis and provide failure analysis support, working closely with contract manufacturers and QA teams.
• Perform power evaluations for server development, including configuring and operating servers, data loggers, oscilloscopes, power meters, and other instrumentation.
• Contribute to reviews of server designs from mechanical, thermal, safety, and EMC compliance perspectives.
• Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance and support on projects involving hardware, power systems, and server configurations

Primary Technologies and Tools:

• Embedded power conversion for high-performance components.
• Server configurations ranging from Edge products (<100W) to high-power racks (up to 100KW).
• Operating systems: Linux, ESX, Windows.
• Hardware diagnostic tools: oscilloscopes, power meters, data loggers, electronic loads.
• Design tools: Cadence/Allegro, LTSpice, Mathcad/Prime, Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Extensive practical experience in circuit design, power design, and complex hardware development, with a focus on fully integrated solutions.
• Proficiency in power conversion for high-power CPUs and GPUs, including embedded power designs.
• Experience with Cadence/Allegro, Mathcad/Prime, LTspice, TINA-TI, and similar tools. Strong analytical abilities to perform root cause analysis and troubleshooting in a hardware environment.
• Familiarity with Intel power specifications, hot-swap circuits, and product compliance (safety, EMI).
• Knowledge of product certifications (UL62368, CE marking, NEC) and EMC standards.
• Experience with server configuration, testing, and diagnostics in lab settings. Familiarity with operating ESX, Linux, and Windows servers, and stress loading programs (e.g., PassMark Burn-in, IOmeter).  Familiarity with mechanical fabrication and thermal chamber operations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.  Ability to multitask and manage projects across multiple teams and time zones.  Ability to manage and mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Location

This is a hybrid position with three days per week onsite at our Maynard, Massachusetts facility.

Compensation & Benefits

The pay range that the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position in Maynard, MA is $145,000 - $170,000; the pay ultimately offered within the expected range may vary based on business considerations, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and education. The position is bonus-eligible, and there are medical, dental, and vision benefits available. There is a 401k saving plan and other benefits, such as Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, and an Employee Assistance Plan.   

Inclusion & Belonging Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces differences and fosters belonging for all.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, national origin, race, ethnicity, creed, gender, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.