Principal PCB Designer

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex, multi-layer PCB layouts for avionics systems, including high-speed digital, analog, RF, and power circuits.
• Define, apply, and enforce advanced signal integrity and power integrity constraints, including differential pair routing, impedance control, controlled trace lengths, and propagation delay optimization.
• Design, develop, and validate complex electrical schematics, including high-speed, multi-functional, and tightly constrained designs, ensuring design integrity and alignment with overall system architecture.
• Ensure full compliance with EMC/EMI and ESD protection standards, proactively addressing risks throughout the design lifecycle.
• Create and release complete fabrication and assembly documentation packages, including Gerbers, ODB++, drill files, detailed drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Partner cross-functionally with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering teams to drive optimal design solutions and ensure successful system integration.
• Lead and actively contribute to design reviews, including engineering, DFM, and DFA evaluations, providing technical guidance and recommendations.
• Oversee prototyping, debug efforts, and design iterations, driving root cause analysis and implementing improvements based on test results and production feedback.
• Own and continuously improve PCB libraries, components, and design templates within the CAD/Altium environment to support standardization and efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to aerospace standards, internal processes, and configuration control requirements, serving as a subject matter expert on design compliance.
• Interface with manufacturing teams, including SMT production, to resolve technical issues, improve producibility, and support successful product builds.
• Conduct root cause analysis for PCB-related failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide estimates for layout effort, timelines, and complexity during project planning phases.
• Mentor junior designers or contribute to design best practices and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Interface directly with customers or program teams on technical design considerations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for PCB design processes and tools.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in PCB design, with a focus on aerospace/aeronautical applications.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects from concept through production.
• Experience with advanced ECAD tools such as Altium Designer.
• Strong understanding of signal and power integrity, EMC/EMI, and ESD mitigation principles.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with high-reliability, high-speed, and mixed-signal PCB design.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and regulations.
• Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) and test methodologies.