Job Title: Electrical Engineer Intern, Power Electronics - Compliance and Validation Testing
San Diego, CA, US, 92121
The Electrical Engineer Intern will support the development of AC and DC power conversion products and assist with compliance and validation activities. The role involves hands-on work in prototype builds, material validation, and certification testing to ensure product reliability and regulatory compliance. The intern will collaborate with senior engineers to evaluate new topologies, select components for improved efficiency, and address lifecycle challenges for sustaining hardware.
This is an onsite position in San Diego, CA. It is a year-round internship with an expectation of 20–28 hours per week during the school year and the opportunity to work full-time during academic breaks.
Responsibilities:
- New AC Source Product Development
- Collaborate with senior engineers on design and development of next-generation programmable AC sources. Responsibilities include evaluating new topologies, selecting components for improved efficiency and reliability, and supporting prototype builds to extend power capability and meet evolving customer requirements.
- Certification & Compliance Testing
- Assist in performing certification tests after engineering completes front-end work and coordinate with external labs (TUV, CSA, Nemko) to ensure timely compliance with global standards (CE, NRTL, IEC 61000 series, SEMI F47, OSHA-driven requirements).
- Material Availability & End-of-Life Component Selection
- Address challenges with obsolete or unavailable components, extended lead times, and cost increases. Work with engineering and QA to validate alternative materials without impacting product specifications.
- Validation Testing
- Support sourcing samples, building units, and completing rigorous validation for new materials and components. Critical components often require 30–40 hours of testing and approval from start to finish.
- Cross-Training & Future Projects
- This individual will also be trained on multiple current product lines (SGX, AST, SQ/TA) and support verification of new features for upcoming projects. Knowledge with high voltage, high power, AC and DC outputs, power electronics topologies strongly desired.
Requirements:
- Junior or Senior year studying Electrical Engineering.
- Laboratory experience and knowledge of analytical devices such as DMM and oscilloscopes.
- Proficient in common engineering design tools, such as simulation software, mathematical analysis, schematic capture, MS Excel/Word, and database applications.
- Knowledge with PWB layout software is desirable (Altium, PADs, OrCAD)
- Knowledge of design of analog and digital electronics, working experience a plus.
- Knowledge in the use of PC-based development tools and firmware (C, C++, Visual Basic) for microcontrollers, DSPs, and user interface (data communications, GUIs) is desirable.
- Good interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Good organizational skills
- Ability to multitask effectively and meet deadlines.
- Previous internship experience is desirable.
- Must be able to commit min 20 to 28 hours per week during school year.
What We Offer:
- Intern pay range for students pursuing a Bachelor's degree: $26.00 - 30.00 per hour.
- Mentorship from experienced engineers.
- Exposure to real-world projects and cutting-edge technologies.
- Networking opportunities within the organization.
- On site manufacturing of products which will expose the intern to the following:
- Understanding how components come together in real-world production
- Quality Control
- Manufacturing Workflow
- Document Control
- Supply Chain Awareness
- On site PCBA design and assembly. Schematic & PCB Layout Design. Solder Paste Printing. Pick-and-Place. Reflow Soldering. Through-Hole Assembly.
- Working with engineers, technicians, quality teams, sales, marketing, and shipping to meet production goals.
- Working in one of the best climates in the world, San Diego.
Nearest Major Market: San Diego