Senior PCB Layout Engineer

Senior PCB CAD Designer

We are looking for a Senior PCB CAD Designer to join a growing engineering team developing advanced wireless and communication technologies.

The Senior PCB CAD Designer will take ownership of complex PCB designs from schematic capture through to manufacturing release.

The Senior PCB CAD Designer will work closely with hardware, RF and simulation engineers to deliver high-performance products incorporating RF, high-speed digital and power electronics technologies.

What the Role Involves

• Own PCB design activities from initial specification through to manufacturing release.
• Produce schematic capture, component placement and PCB layout for evaluation and characterisation boards.
• Design complex multilayer PCBs incorporating RF, high-speed digital, power supply and thermal requirements.
• Work closely with hardware and simulation engineers to optimise electrical and physical performance.
• Act as the technical authority for PCB technologies, design rules and manufacturing considerations.
• Create and maintain PCB libraries, symbols, footprints and design standards.
• Manage BOMs, design documentation and manufacturing release packages.
• Generate Gerber files and support manufacturing handover activities.
• Liaise with PCB fabrication and assembly partners on design requirements, manufacturability and scheduling.
• Identify component availability risks and provide alternative solutions where required.
• Develop mechanical elements including 3D models, shields, heatsinks, fixtures and supporting hardware.
• Estimate design effort, manage priorities and coordinate external PCB design resources when required.

Essential Requirements

• 10+ years of professional PCB design experience.
• Strong experience using Altium Designer for both schematic capture and PCB layout.
• HND, Degree or equivalent qualification in Electronics Engineering.
• Extensive knowledge of PCB manufacturing technologies, including:
• Multilayer PCB construction
• Stack-up development
• Via technologies
• Controlled impedance design
• Dielectric materials
• Copper weight selection
• Experience designing high-density, multilayer circuit boards.
• Strong knowledge of RF PCB design techniques.
• Experience with high-speed digital routing, clock distribution and signal integrity requirements.
• Understanding of power supply layout, grounding and EMC considerations.
• Experience managing manufacturing outputs including Gerbers, fabrication data and release documentation.
• Knowledge of thermal management, mechanical integration and PCB reliability considerations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with RF systems operating up to GHz frequencies.
• Understanding of analogue and digital circuit design.
• Experience working with simulation engineers on signal integrity and performance optimisation.
• Experience working directly with PCB manufacturers and assembly houses.
• Knowledge of component sourcing and supply chain management.
• Experience designing heatsinks, shields and mechanical support structures.
• Familiarity with cellular, wireless or communication technologies.
• Experience supporting new product introduction and volume manufacturing.
• Experience developing PCB design standards, libraries and engineering processes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid working environment.
• Opportunity to work on advanced communication and wireless technologies.
• Full ownership of PCB design activities from concept through to production.
• Collaborative environment working alongside hardware, RF and simulation specialists.
• Long-term technical development and progression opportunities.

If you’re interested in the position of Senior PCB CAD Designer, please apply or contact Joe Forshaw for more details.