Senior Power Systems Engineer (Firmware & Control)
ZOLA Electric
Senior Power Systems Engineer (Firmware & Control)
San Mateo, CA – Hybrid (4 days onsite)
Compensation: 150-175K
ZOLA Electric is on a mission to solve one of the world’s biggest challenges: energy inequality. Over 3 billion people globally live without reliable power. We're changing that. Our team is developing the next generation of distributed energy systems to empower communities in emerging markets with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
We're looking for a Senior Power Systems Engineer with deep expertise in firmware and embedded systems to drive the development of our advanced energy products — from design through to deployment. If you're passionate about building solutions that matter and want to work on solar, battery storage, and microgrid technologies, this role is for you.
Quick Fit Check:
- 5+ years in electrical/power systems design and embedded controls
- Expertise in firmware for energy hardware (solar, battery, inverter)
- Experience with real-time control systems (MIL/SIL/HIL)
- Familiar with industry safety and test standards (UL, CE, etc.)
- Comfortable working onsite in San Mateo, CA – Hybrid schedule
What You’ll Do:
- Design embedded firmware and analog/digital systems for power electronics (solar, battery, inverter)
- Lead PCB layout, circuit design, and EVT/DVT prototype testing in Altium
- Develop and validate models for microgrid control, peer-to-peer energy sharing, and demand response
- Create preventive maintenance tools and battery health management algorithms
- Execute system-level diagnostics, failure prognostics, and fault detection processes
- Translate product requirements into testable engineering specifications
- Collaborate across hardware, firmware, and mechanical design to optimize system performance
- Drive DFMEAs, Design for Reliability (DFR), and test plans for compliance and environmental resilience
- Interface directly with contract manufacturers in Asia to support transition to high-volume production
What You Bring:
Must-Have Experience:
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or related; PhD a plus
- 5+ years designing analog/digital systems and embedded firmware
- Deep understanding of power electronics and system architecture
- Familiar with lab tools: oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.
- Fluent in Python, MATLAB, Simulink, and/or LabVIEW
- Experience with compliance and EMI/EMC testing (UL, CE, FCC, etc.)
Nice-to-Have:
- Experience with distributed microgrid control and peer-to-peer energy
- Familiar with simulation tools (PLECS, Simscape, etc.)
- Background in machine learning or predictive analytics for energy systems
- Knowledge of wireless protocols (Bluetooth, Cellular, Wi-Fi)
Why ZOLA?
At ZOLA, you’ll work with mission-driven technologists and innovators on a global stage. Our technology stack spans hardware, AI-enabled control systems, and SaaS applications — all built to bring energy access to those who need it most.
Our Perks:
- Competitive salary + performance bonus + equity
- Health benefits
- 401(k), FSA/HSA, commuter benefits
- Flexible PTO + 12 paid holidays
- Paid lunches, snacks, and team events
Next Steps:
If you're an engineer who wants to build with purpose, apply now. Join us in creating energy solutions that change lives.