PCB Layout Engineer - AI Compute Hardware

What You'll Do Here

• Own PCB layout from floorplanning through final Gerber release for complex, high-layer-count boards (AI accelerator boards, compute trays, backplanes)
• Design high-speed differential pair and controlled impedance routing for PCIe Gen5/6, CXL, and Ethernet 112G/224G interfaces, including length matching and timing constraints per SI/PI guidelines
• Plan stack-ups (layer assignment, impedance control, via structure, laminate selection) and place/route complex BGA packages, including AI ASICs
• Design power delivery networks (PDN) — VRM placement, decoupling capacitors, and power planes to meet PI requirements, partnering with SI/PI engineers on simulation and pre/post-layout analysis
• Ensure DFM/DFT/DFA compliance (test points, via-in-pad, back-drill, assembly constraints) and coordinate with mechanical engineers on board outline, keep-outs, and chassis constraints
• Lead design, layout, and DFM reviews with JDM/ODM partners, and manage release packages (Gerbers, fabrication notes, stackup docs, footprint libraries)
• Support bring-up, debug, and signal probing to resolve layout-related issues

Who You Are

• 7+ years of PCB layout experience, including complex multi-layer boards (20+ layers) for server, AI compute, networking, or similar high-performance hardware
• Strong proficiency in Cadence Allegro (or equivalent EDA tool), with deep expertise in high-speed design: differential pair routing, impedance control, length matching, reference planes, and via optimization
• Experience with fine-pitch BGA placement/routing for AI ASICs, GPUs, or high-density packages, and hands-on work with high-speed interfaces (PCIe Gen5/6, CXL, DDR5, 112G/224G SerDes)
• Strong understanding of PDN design (VRM placement, decoupling strategy, power planes, current return paths) and stack-up design (layer count, impedance control, material selection, e.g. Megtron 6/8/9, TU-953Q)
• Familiarity with back-drilling, via-in-pad, and other advanced fabrication techniques, plus DFM/DFT requirements (test point coverage, copper balance, solder mask, assembly constraints)
• Ability to interpret SI/PI simulation results and incorporate feedback into layout
• Experience releasing fabrication packages (Gerbers, drill files, stackup specs) and working directly with PCB fabricators and JDM/ODM partners on high-speed, high-layer-count boards

Bonus Points

• Experience with 5nm or 3nm and below AI ASIC board layout, ultra-fine pitch BGA, high-density routing
• Experience with 224G PAM4 high-speed interface routing and material selection
• Knowledge of fiber weave effect mitigation — routing at 45°, spread glass laminates
• Familiarity with OCP Open Rack board form factors and mechanical constraints
• Experience with power integrity simulation tools (Ansys SIwave, Cadence Sigrity)
• Background in EMI/EMC design, stitching vias, ground guard traces, and shielding techniques

Compensation

The US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job-related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.

• Early Career - $160,000 - $275,000 + equity
• Mid Career - $175,000 - $400,000 + equity
• Senior Career - $250,000 - $600,000 + equity

What We Offer

• Time off: 4 weeks PTO (accrued) + 12 company Holidays + up to 3 weeks remote work
• Health: Company-subsidized Medical (Kaiser or Anthem) for employees & dependents, Guardian Dental and Vision insurances for employee & dependents, and life insurance (employee only), plus HSA and FSA offerings via Lively
• Financial Wellbeing: Choose from Roth IRA/401K (or both) retirement plans with up to 5% company contribution to 401K (even if you don't contribute). Also, 100% company-paid life insurance (up to $300K) and long-term disability insurances
• Professional Development: $1500 Professional Development Budget (per year)
• Team Meals: MatX provides onsite team lunch & dinner Monday - Friday, with your choice of ordering via WeBox, Specialty's or via our reimbursement system
• Commute on Us: Commute on our company Uber account, or reimburse your train rides. Either way, we pay 100% for your daily commute
• MatX E[x]tras: $50/mo to use on the perk you value most
• Cell & Internet Reimbursement: $35/mo for cellular and $40/mo for wifi
• Mental Wellbeing: 100% paid mental health benefit via SpringHealth and Guardian EAP
• Support to Parents: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave regardless of path to parenthood, 10 weeks pregnancy disability leave, flexible return-to-work hours, and Benepass reproductive health & parental benefit
• AI Resources: Up to $20K/month plus a dedicated internal AI Tooling Team to support your productivity