Staff Electric Power Controls Engineer

About the role

Rivian is looking for a Staff Electric Power Controls Engineer to lead the design, simulation and implementation of high-performance digital control algorithms for power converters (AC-DC, DC-DC, DC-AC). The role bridges control theory and embedded hardware, moving high-bandwidth feedback loops from dynamic simulation to real-time firmware execution and lab validation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop discrete-time closed-loop control architectures (voltage, current, flux observers) and advanced modulation schemes (SVPWM, interleaved, phase-shifted)
• Build high-fidelity converter models in MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS to analyse stability margins, transient dynamics and power losses
• Architect and optimise deterministic, real-time embedded C code on target DSPs and microcontrollers (e.g. TI C2000, ARM Cortex-M/R)
• Lead system bring-up and debug dynamic loop behaviour on physical hardware using frequency response analyzers, oscilloscopes and high-power test equipment
• Implement high-speed digital fault protection (OCP, OVP, thermal derating) and troubleshoot hardware and software anomalies
• Mentor junior engineers in control modelling, schematic reviews and lab safety

Required profile

• Master's degree with 3-5+ years of experience, or a PhD in Electrical Engineering specialising in power electronics or control systems
• Deep knowledge of classical and digital control theory (z-domain analysis, discrete filters, sampling delays)
• Proven track record of independently bringing up converters and tuning loops on physical, high-power hardware

Required skills

• Expert MATLAB/Simulink and PLECS proficiency
• Advanced embedded C for real-time control (PWM, ADC sync, timers)
• In-depth understanding of bidirectional PFC, LLC/CLLC, DAB and 3-phase inverter topologies
• Preferred: TI C2000 MCU and Sitara experience, HIL platforms (Typhoon HIL, Plecs Real Time Hardware), and SiC/GaN device experience