Renesas Electronics Technology/Software

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

San Francisco, CA In person Full-time

We are seeking an experienced and visionary System Architect to define and drive end-to-end architectures for energy generation, storage, and power conversion systems.

You will be responsible for designing scalable, efficient, and reliable energy system solutions — from grid interface and renewable energy sources (solar, wind) to battery energy storage systems (BESS), power conversion units, and local distribution architectures.

This role bridges energy market requirements with semiconductor and power electronic capabilities to deliver next-generation energy infrastructure solutions supporting the transition to a sustainable energy ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

System Architecture Design

Define complete energy system architectures, including

  • Grid connection and protection schemes (MV/LV)
  • AC/DC and DC/DC power conversion topologies (PFC, LLC, PSFB, bidirectional converters)
  • Battery energy storage systems (BESS) including battery management systems (BMS)
  • Microgrid control, islanding, and black start capabilities
  • Design distributed energy systems integrating solar PV, wind turbines, fuel cells, and other renewable sources.
  • Ensure grid code compliance, safety, and reliability for energy generation and storage systems.

Power Conversion & Distribution

  • Architect bidirectional energy flows for charging/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.

Strategic & Cross-functional

  • Provide system requirement documents (SRDs), reference designs, and evaluation platforms for energy applications.
  • Collaborate with utility operators, renewable developers, and storage OEMs to co-develop innovative power systems.
  • Track emerging standards, grid codes, and sustainability regulations across key markets.
  • Guide internal product teams, power IC designers, controls engineers, and thermal/mechanical experts to build fully 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.

Success Metrics & KPIs

  • Reference Architectures Delivered – # of energy system designs released per year.
  • Design-In Wins Influenced – # and projected revenue of customer projects enabled by proposed architectures.
  • System Efficiency & Density – % improvement in energy conversion efficiency and W/L over previous generation.
  • Grid Compliance Success – % of systems passing regulatory and certification requirements first-time.
  • Time-to-PoC – Avg time from concept to validated PoC (< 6 months).
  • Energy System Reliability – MTBF improvements in field-deployed systems.
  • Customer Feedback – Satisfaction rating from energy and storage system customers.
  • Internal Enablement – # of engineers trained on new energy architectures and training satisfaction score.
  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field.
  • 8+ years of experience in energy generation, storage, and power conversion systems.

Deep expertise in

  • AC/DC and DC/DC power topologies (PFC, LLC, PSFB, bidirectional)
  • MV/LV power distribution architectures and protection
  • Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and battery management
  • Knowledge of grid codes, interconnection standards, and renewable integration requirements.
  • Experience in system-level modeling/simulation (PLECS, SPICE, MATLAB/Simulink, CFD).
  • Strong stakeholder alignment and cross-functional communication skill
  • Nice to Have
  • Experience with energy metering, smart grid communication protocols (Modbus, IEC 61850, OCPP).
  • Familiarity with EV charging station architectures (AC and DC fast charging) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration.
  • Expertise in wide-bandgap (SiC/GaN) power systems and solid-state transformers.
  • Knowledge of energy orchestration frameworks, microgrid control, and digital twins.

What We Offer

Opportunity to shape cutting-edge semiconductor solutions for the global appliance industry.

Dynamic and collaborative environment with flat hierarchies and strong technical ownership.

Direct impact on product strategy, customer innovation, and real-world consumer applications.

Competitive compensation, flexible working models, and international career development opportunities.

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Renesas is an embedded semiconductor solution provider driven by its Purpose, To Make Our Lives Easier. With a global team of over 21,000 engineers and problem solvers in more than 30 countries, we offer the opportunity to work on world‑leading technology for Automotive, Industrial, Infrastructure, and IoT, shaping a safer, healthier, greener, and smarter future.

At Renesas, TAGIE is our culture, grounded in being Transparent, Agile, Global, Innovative, and Entrepreneurial. It shapes how we work, grow and deliver on our purpose together. This collaborative spirit and mindset drive our semiconductor technology to transform industries and impact millions of lives.

We believe in rewarding our employees with a competitive benefits package alongside their salary. More information will be provided during the hiring process.

Are you ready to join our team and shape the future with us?

Renesas Electronics is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to supporting diversity and fostering a work environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military status, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For more information, please read our Diversity & Inclusion Statement.

Renesas Electronics deals with dual-use technology that is subject to U.S. export controls regulations. Under these regulations it may be necessary for Renesas to obtain U.S. government export license prior to release of technology to certain persons. The decision whether or not to file or pursue an export license application is at the sole discretion of Renesas.

Job description provided by Renesas Electronics.
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