Sr. Staff System Architect – Energy Generation, Storage & Conversion

Renesas Electronics•San Francisco, CA

11d•$148,500 - $185,500

About The Position

Renesas is seeking an experienced System Architect to define and lead end-to-end architectures for energy generation, storage, and power conversion systems. The role designs scalable, efficient, and reliable solutions spanning grid interfaces, renewable sources such as solar and wind, battery energy storage systems (BESS), power conversion units, and local distribution architectures. It connects energy market requirements with semiconductor and power-electronic capabilities to support next-generation energy infrastructure and the transition to a sustainable energy ecosystem. The architect develops system requirements, reference designs, and evaluation platforms; collaborates with utilities, renewable developers, storage OEMs, and internal engineering teams; and contributes to technical roadmaps and strategic market positioning. The role also monitors standards, grid codes, and sustainability regulations, and engages with universities, startups, and consortia on emerging energy technologies. Success is measured through delivered reference architectures, customer design-in influence, system efficiency and power-density improvements, grid compliance, proof-of-concept timelines, reliability, customer feedback, and internal engineering enablement. Renesas describes a collaborative, technically focused environment and offers competitive compensation, flexible working models, and international career development opportunities. The position is not remote. Compensation is USD 148,500–185,500 yearly.

Requirements

Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field.
At least 8 years of experience in energy generation, storage, and power conversion systems.
Deep expertise in AC/DC and DC/DC power topologies, including PFC, LLC, PSFB, and bidirectional converters.
Deep expertise in MV/LV power distribution architectures and protection.
Deep expertise in BESS and battery management.
Knowledge of grid codes, interconnection standards, and renewable integration requirements.
Experience with system-level modeling and simulation using tools such as PLECS, SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, or CFD.
Strong stakeholder alignment and cross-functional communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with energy metering and smart-grid communication protocols such as Modbus, IEC 61850, or OCPP.
Familiarity with EV charging station architectures, including AC and DC fast charging, and vehicle-to-grid integration.
Expertise in wide-bandgap (SiC/GaN) power systems and solid-state transformers.
Knowledge of energy orchestration frameworks, microgrid control, and digital twins.

Responsibilities

Define complete energy system architectures, including MV/LV grid connection and protection schemes, AC/DC and DC/DC conversion topologies, BESS and BMS, and microgrid control, islanding, and black-start capabilities.
Design distributed energy systems that integrate solar PV, wind turbines, fuel cells, and other renewable sources.
Ensure grid-code compliance, safety, and reliability for energy generation and storage systems.
Architect bidirectional energy flows for charging and discharging storage systems and integrating them into local grids.
Optimize system-level efficiency, power density, thermal performance, and lifetime reliability.
Support development of solid-state transformer-based systems for high-efficiency energy transfer.
Provide system requirement documents, reference designs, and evaluation platforms for energy applications.
Collaborate with utility operators, renewable developers, and storage OEMs to co-develop power systems.
Track emerging standards, grid codes, and sustainability regulations across key markets.
Guide product teams, power IC designers, controls engineers, and thermal/mechanical experts in developing integrated solutions.
Contribute to technical roadmaps and strategic positioning in energy generation and storage markets.
Engage with universities, startups, and consortia on next-generation power and energy technologies.