Staff Embedded Systems Engineer

Karman Industries

Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Gardena, California, Karman Industries is at the forefront of revolutionizing industrial thermal energy. Our mission is to electrify global thermal systems across data centers, manufacturing, and energy industries. Karman is developing the revolutionary Heat Processing Unit (HPU) to reinvent thermal handling for giga-scale data centers & AI factories. The HPU is built around a supercritical CO2 chiller system utilizing a high-speed electrically driven turbomachinery core. Our system aims to reduce energy consumption in data center thermal management by greater than 25% and increase energy density by 10x.

At Karman Industries, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. Our team is composed of passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible impact on the future of industrial manufacturing. Join us in our mission to transform the industry and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Staff Embedded Systems Engineer

Karman Industries is seeking a highly motivated Embedded Systems Engineer to join our team designing the next generation of heat processing systems. The candidate will design, develop, and qualify control electronics for energy conversion systems involving emerging high-voltage semiconductor technologies, enabling integration with the Karman Heat Processing Unit (HPU) and subsequent product development. The role will span across systems design, control hardware, embedded software, and more. We rely on a strong first principles approach, working together as a team to deliver a cohesively developed system.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy advanced controls for LV and MV power conversion systems
• Develop sensing and regulation systems for MV power, including AC and DC
• Design and implement grid-forming and active front-end control strategies for bidirectional power flow, in addition to low-level control for wide-bandgap devices and power electronics hardware
• Build and validate a high-fidelity HIL platform to enable design iteration
• Work with a tightly knit team across disciplines to develop all aspects of the Karman Heat Processing Unit
• Ability to implement novel solutions to challenging problems, thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo
• Develop analytical, physics-based (first principles) models to determine hardware performance and limitations

Required Qualifications

• Degree in electrical, software, or controls engineering, with a specialization in power electronics
• 6+ years of experience in the design of embedded systems, including familiarity with MV systems and grid control strategies
• Familiarity with SIL/HIL development methodologies and platforms such as Typhoon HIL, Opal-RT, or Speedgoat
• Hands-on experience with SiC power devices and modules
• Expert knowledge of electrical test equipment and safe handling of high-power systems
• Self-motivated / high performer, ability to self-manage, multi-task, and communicate excellently

Desired Skills and Experience

• Background in medium-voltage solid-state devices
• Experience working with electrical safety standards in the UL or IEC family
• Experience with analytical design, turbomachinery testing and engine testing
• Experience with mechanical packaging for electrical systems

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Karman Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Karman Industries is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Direct applicants only — we are not working with outside recruiters or agencies for this role.