Senior SiC Power Semiconductor Designer - Power Modules

Job Title

Senior SiC Power Semiconductor Designer - Power Modules

Role Summary

Lead the architectural design, simulation, and packaging development of high-voltage, high-current Silicon Carbide (SiC) power modules. Work across device design, manufacturing, and test teams to convert SiC die performance into robust, manufacturable power modules.

Responsible for module mechanical, electrical, and thermal design from prototype through volume manufacturing for demanding applications such as datacenters, grid equipment, and industrial power systems.

Experience Level

Senior - requires demonstrated leadership and technical ownership. Typical guidance: 5+ years of direct industry experience designing and developing high-power semiconductor modules.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include module architecture, simulation-driven optimization, and transfer to manufacturing.

• Lead mechanical, electrical, and thermal layout of SiC power modules (1200 V to 20 kV; half-bridge, full-bridge, multi-phase topologies).
• Perform parasitic extraction and electromagnetic simulations to minimize stray inductance/resistance and limit voltage overshoot and EMI.
• Conduct multi-physics thermal and thermo-mechanical FEA to evaluate steady-state/transient thermal impedance and stress profiles.
• Select and qualify packaging materials and processes (substrates, die-attach, bonding, encapsulants, baseplates, housings).
• Design for manufacturability: define assembly processes, design rule checks, and collaborate with wafer fabs and backend assembly partners to scale production.
• Characterize prototypes: measure parasitics, high-voltage isolation/partial discharge, and switching performance (double-pulse testing); validate and refine simulation models.
• Lead failure analysis and qualification testing (HTRB, power cycling, thermal shock) using tools such as X-ray, acoustic microscopy, and cross-sectioning.
• Coordinate with test engineering and supply chain to define test sockets, methodologies, and material sourcing for high-power testing and manufacturing.

Requirements

Must-have technical skills and experience; preferred items listed separately.

• 5+ years of industry experience designing and developing high-power semiconductor modules or equivalent product-level experience.
• Proven expertise with FEA and parasitic extraction / electromagnetic tools (examples: ANSYS Q3D, ANSYS Icepak, COMSOL Multiphysics, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Deep understanding of power module packaging concepts: high-voltage isolation, creepage/clearance, layout for parallel dies, and wire/ribbon bonding mechanics.
• Hands-on lab experience with power test equipment (high-voltage curve tracers, partial discharge testers, double-pulse test setups) and prototype characterization.
• Experience translating prototype designs to volume manufacturing, including defining DFM rules and collaborating with assembly partners.
• Strong problem-solving, cross-functional communication, and the ability to present technical design reviews to internal teams and customers.

Nice-to-have

• Experience with advanced sintering, void-free Ag sintering, copper interconnects, or leadless/planar interconnect technologies.
• Familiarity with reliability requirements for heavy industrial or grid-tied hardware (STATCOMs, solid-state transformers, central solar inverters).

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with focus on electronic packaging or power semiconductors is required. A Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with research on SiC power module packaging and thermal management is preferred. Equivalent practical industry experience may be considered.

About the Company

Company: Cactus Materials

Headquarters: Tempe, Arizona, United States

Cactus Materials is a fast-growing power and photonic semiconductor startup in Tempe, Arizona that develops next-generation Silicon Carbide (SiC) power semiconductors and high-voltage power modules for demanding applications such as datacenters, smart grids, solar farms, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging.