PCB Designer - Level 4

Senior PCB Designer / Layout Engineer

About the role

This role is responsible for the physical realization of Tile avionics hardware, including computer elements and EPS boards, from schematic intake through layout release, fabrication, assembly, and test support.

Responsibilities

• Own schematic capture and PCB layout execution for Tile avionics boards (including the compute element and EPS), translating system and power requirements into electrically correct, flight-ready schematics and physical implementations.
• Collaborate on circuit-level analysis and simulation, supporting signal-integrity, power-integrity, and basic SPICE-based validation to ensure schematic intent is preserved through layout.
• Apply space-grade layout practices, including switching-loop minimization, return-path control, grounding strategy, Kelvin sensing, creepage/clearance, and thermal conduction.
• Define and manage PCB stackups and materials, including copper weights, plane strategy, controlled impedance, and compatibility with space avionics fabrication and assembly standards.
• Ensure manufacturability and testability, producing fabrication and assembly documentation, defining test points and probing strategy, and supporting board bring-up and debug.
• Support the full space avionics hardware lifecycle and testbeds, including configuration-managed releases, SRR/PDR/CDR participation as layout authority, and support of TVAC, vibration, and EMC testing.

Requirements

• Hands-on experiences in using Altium and LTSpice and other ECAD tools.
• Schematic capture and PCB layout expertise for complex analog, power, and mixed-signal avionics boards, with ownership from schematic release through layout and fabrication.
• High-reliability PCB layout proficiency, including switching-loop control, return-path management, grounding strategy, Kelvin sensing, creepage/clearance, and thermal via implementation.
• PCB stackup and materials knowledge, including copper weights, plane strategy, controlled-impedance routing, and space-compatible laminate selection.
• Manufacturability and testability focus, with experience generating fabrication/assembly documentation, defining test points, and supporting board bring-up and debug.
• Simulation and analysis support capability, including basic SPICE, signal-integrity, or power-integrity analysis to validate schematic and layout intent.
• Space avionics hardware lifecycle experience, including configuration-controlled releases and participation in SRR/PDR/CDR and flight-hardware reviews.
• Direct spaceflight avionics experience, including Single board computer, EPS, or payload boards flown or qualified for space.
• Exposure to environmental qualification testing, such as TVAC, vibration, and EMC, and ability to interpret layout-related test results.
• High-power or high-speed design experience, including dense power distribution, high-current rails, or high-speed interfaces (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet) and control bus (CAN, RS485).
• Radiation-aware and derating-driven design familiarity, including layout considerations for long-life space missions.
• Testbed development and lab support experience, assisting with hardware test setups, probing strategies, and instrumentation.
• Flying or qualifying for flight heritage organizations, such as prior work at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, SpaceX, or equivalent aerospace programs.

Qualifications

• U.S. Person status is required due to expected relevance of ITAR/EAR export-control regulations.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements based on business needs.

Pay

122,000 - 181,000 USD per year (Pasadena, CA)

Engineering

Pasadena, CA