Direct Kinetic Solutions Inc Electronics Engineer- Power Systems Oak Ridge, TN · Full time Company website

Apply for Electronics Engineer- Power Systems

Direct Kinetic Solutions (DKS) is at the forefront of developing, manufacturing, and revolutionizing Radioisotopic Power Sources (RPS). Situated in Oak Ridge, TN, our radiological lab is dedicated to harnessing the high energy density of isotopes for compact power and electronic devices. Our goal is to redefine power solutions by leveraging continuous and steady energy emission from isotopes, enhancing the longevity and usability of devices such as sensors and small satellites. Direct Kinetic Solutions envisions being the power solution for future generations. You are invited to join us at the early stage of our high-growth, high-potential startup. Your role will be pivotal in defining the company, leaving a lasting impact on operations, product development, facility growth, and team dynamics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and prototype power electronics, including low-power regulation, battery/charging circuits, and energy management hardware

• Develop schematics and PCB layouts for compact, high-reliability systems

• Build, debug, and iterate prototypes, fixtures, and experimental hardware

• Support integration of electronics into automated test and manufacturing workflows

• Conduct validation, characterization, and reliability testing

• Troubleshoot hardware issues across power, embedded, and system interfaces

• Document designs and support transition from prototype to manufacturing

• Collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and automation engineers on system integration

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

• ~3–6 years of hands-on electronics engineering experience

• Experience designing and debugging power or mixed-signal circuits

• PCB design experience (Altium, KiCad, OrCAD, or similar)

• Strong lab skills, including bringing up, instrumentation, and failure analysis

• Ability to lead technical workstreams within a small, fast-moving team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with battery systems, charging circuits, or energy harvesting

• Familiarity with low-power electronics or microelectronics design

• Exposure to DC-DC converters, MPPT, or power integrity analysis

• Experience with IoT devices, ultra-low-power systems, or long-duration embedded hardware

• Experience supporting automated test systems, robotics, PLCs, or machine vision (beneficial but not required)

• Experience with mechanical collaboration tools such as SolidWorks and rapid prototyping methods, including 3D printing

• Experience with circuit simulation software (e.g., PSPICE, LTSpice, MATLAB/Simulink) to prototype and test designs before component purchase

• Knowledge of DFM, test development, and manufacturing readiness

• Interest in high-reliability or extreme-environment electronics

Who you are:

• You’re motivated by a challenge - we are a small team with a big mission, we are looking for someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and doesn’t back down from a challenge.

• You strive for excellence and see setbacks as opportunities - we are constantly improving as we bring our first-of-a-kind product to market, we believe that no solution is too out there, and we are always open to looking at things from a different perspective.

• A team player - you will have a key role in supporting our team of technical experts, you will coordinate efforts between manufacturing and engineering, ensuring everyone on the team has the materials, tools, and support to succeed. 

• You like building real hardware and solving practical problems

• You want your work to directly shape a novel energy technology

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses

• Comprehensive health insurance

• 401K plan with company matching

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment