Senior Application Engineer – Low Voltage GaN Digital Power (Firmware & Hardware) at RenesasElectronics

Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Application Engineer with strong hands-on firmware development experience for digitally controlled low-voltage power converters, combined with practical power electronics hardware design and validation skills. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working across firmware, hardware, and lab validation, and who can independently develop, debug, and validate low-voltage GaN-based power converter solutions such as DC-DC regulators, AC-DC front-end converters, and low-voltage motor drive inverters. Given the lean team structure, the candidate is expected to personally own firmware development, hardware bring-up, and lab testing, from concept through validated reference designs. Key Responsibilities Firmware Development & Digital Control • Design, implement, and debug embedded firmware for digital control of low-voltage power converters. • Develop and tune control algorithms such as: • Digital voltage/current control loops (PID, Type II/III digital compensators) • Current-mode and voltage-mode control • Motor control algorithms (e.g., trapezoidal control, FOC for low-voltage BLDC/PMSM) • Implement real-time firmware features including: • Fault protection (OCP, OVP, OTP) • Soft-start, sequencing, and system state management • Telemetry, sensing, and digital communication (PMBus, UART, SPI, I²C) • Optimize firmware for fast switching, low latency, and real-time performance in GaN-based systems.Power Hardware Design & Hands-On Testing • Design and develop low-voltage power converter hardware using GaN FETs, including: • Non-isolated and isolated DC-DC converters • AC-DC auxiliary or front-end supplies • Low-voltage motor drive inverters • Perform hands-on hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation in the lab. • Execute measurements related to: • Switching behavior, efficiency, and losses • Gate drive performance and dead-time optimization • Thermal performance and power density • EMI/EMC pre-compliance testing • Actively iterate hardware designs based on lab results and firmware interaction.Hardware–Firmware Integration • Validate and optimize closed-loop system performance of digitally controlled power converters. • Debug complex issues spanning: • Control-loop instability • Noise coupling between power stage and control electronics • Timing interactions between firmware and power hardware • Ensure robust interaction between GaN power stages, gate drivers, sensing circuits, and control firmware.Reference Design & Evaluation Platform Development • Develop evaluation boards and reference designs highlighting low-voltage GaN solutions. • Deliver complete solutions including: • Schematics and layouts • Embedded firmware • Test results and performance reports • Support internal and external design enablement using these platforms.Customer & Field Support • Provide deep technical support to customers designing low-voltage GaN-based power systems. • Assist customers with: • Firmware adaptation and tuning • Hardware debugging and system optimization • Participate in design reviews, customer discussions, and technical workshops.Technical Documentation & Knowledge Sharing • Create high-quality application notes, design guides, and firmware documentation. • Document best practices for digital control of low-voltage GaN power converters. • Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and training.