PCB Designer (Engineering Technologist 1/2)

About the role

This position will be filled at either the Engineering Technologist 1 or 2 level, depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate. Additional responsibilities will be assigned at the higher level.

At the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), engineers and technologists operate and modernize an 800-MeV proton accelerator complex that supports national security, isotope production, proton radiography, materials research, neutron science, future accelerator missions, and more. The selected candidate will join the Instrumentation and Controls Group (AOT-IC) within LANL's Accelerator Operations and Technology Division. AOT-IC develops and supports controls, instrumentation, beam-diagnostics electronics, printed circuit boards, ECAD/MCAD capabilities, data acquisition, and network and timing-signal distribution for a large, distributed, timing-critical accelerator facility.

You will serve as the group's primary PCB designer and ECAD resource. This is a highly visible, hands-on role that combines printed circuit board design with ownership of the design environment, component libraries, licensing, software updates, project setup, and support for other ECAD users. You will work closely with R&D engineers, technicians, fabricators, assemblers, and customers to turn technical requirements into reliable, manufacturable hardware.

Responsibilities

• Developing and revising schematics and multilayer PCB layouts for accelerator controls, instrumentation, beam diagnostics, timing systems, and related electronics
• Creating and maintaining schematic symbols, footprints, padstacks, and component-library data from manufacturer documentation
• Applying grounding, layer-stackup, routing, design-rule, signal-integrity, and manufacturability practices appropriate to each design
• Supporting analog, mixed-signal, high-speed digital, RF, controls, and instrumentation projects based on program needs
• Preparing and maintaining drawings, fabrication and assembly information, design documentation, and released design packages
• Coordinating technical reviews and resolving fabrication or assembly questions with internal teams and external suppliers
• Administering the Siemens Xpedition/Mentor Graphics environment, including licenses, updates, project creation, standards, and user support
• Estimating design effort and supporting multiple projects with changing priorities, schedules, and customer needs
• Supporting PCB and control-system work for LANSCE and other AOT customers

Engineering Technologist 1

At the lower level, you will contribute to PCB and ECAD projects with guidance from engineers and other technical staff. You will create and modify schematics, layouts, and library components; support design documentation and releases; help maintain the ECAD environment; and build familiarity with the specialized requirements of accelerator controls and instrumentation. Success at this level requires a strong technical foundation, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to learn unfamiliar systems and design practices.

Engineering Technologist 2

At the higher level, you will work more independently and take full ownership of complex PCB designs and the group's ECAD capability. You will establish and apply design constraints, guide projects from schematic capture through manufacturing release, make informed recommendations about materials and fabrication processes, lead technical reviews, estimate schedule and effort, maintain design standards and libraries, and resolve higher-complexity design or production issues. You will also administer licensing and software updates, assist other users with project creation and tool usage, and provide technical direction or mentoring when needed.

Requirements

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to develop or revise schematics and printed circuit board layouts using Siemens Xpedition/Mentor Graphics, Altium Designer, Cadence, or comparable commercial ECAD software. Direct Xpedition experience is preferred but is not required.
• Ability to create or modify schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and related component-library information using manufacturer specifications and technical documentation.
• Foundational understanding of PCB design practices, including grounding and reference planes, layer stackups, routing, transmission-line or signal-integrity considerations, and manufacturability.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, datasheets, fabrication drawings, assembly information, and applicable technical standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with engineers, technicians, customers, suppliers, and other ECAD users.
• Ability to plan and complete multiple assignments with changing priorities, deadlines, and customer needs.

Additional Job Requirements for Engineering Technologist 2

• Demonstrated experience independently creating schematics and PCB layouts in one or more relevant areas, such as controls or instrumentation, analog or mixed-signal electronics, high-speed digital, RF, or other complex multilayer designs.
• Experience establishing and applying PCB design rules and constraints using a commercial ECAD platform. Experience with Xpedition Constraint Manager is preferred.
• Working knowledge of PCB materials, fabrication and assembly processes, and design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly practices.
• Demonstrated ability to lead PCB design packages, provide technical direction, conduct or support design reviews, and estimate design effort and schedule.
• Experience maintaining component libraries, design standards, or other shared ECAD resources.
• Ability to administer or learn the administration of the ECAD environment, including licensing, software updates, project setup, documentation, and user support.

Qualifications

Education/Experience at Engineering Technologist 1

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree from an accredited institution and 2 years related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Engineering Technologist 2

Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Science, Math or related degree and 5 years of directly related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens Xpedition/Mentor Graphics, including schematic capture, PCB layout, Constraint Manager, project setup, or tool administration
• IPC and/or PCEA certification, such as CID or CID+
• Experience with high-speed digital, RF, analog, mixed-signal, controls, instrumentation, or other complex multilayer PCB designs
• Knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly processes, material selection, stackup development, and supplier coordination
• Experience managing large component libraries and establishing reusable ECAD standards
• Experience supporting an accelerator, scientific facility, industrial facility, defense program, or other high-reliability technical environment