Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

Description

TRAK TECOM designs and builds advanced RF, microwave, and antenna solutions for mission-critical aerospace, defense, space, and satellite applications. From Radar and Telemetry to Datalinks and Communications, our products deliver the reliable technology needed to stay connected, protect critical missions, strengthen our military, and help defend freedom around the globe.

Why This Opportunity?

• Play an important role in bringing products from concept to reality by supporting the development, documentation, and integration of high-reliability printed circuit boards used in RF, microwave, antenna, aerospace, defense, space, and satellite applications. 
• A PCB design and layout position focused on component placement, PCB routing, schematic-to-layout implementation, controlled-impedance requirements, grounding, power distribution, design-rule compliance, fabrication and assembly documentation, and electrical and manufacturing problem-solving. 
• The position benefits from TRAK TECOM’s collocated prototype fabrication, production, and test capabilities, providing the opportunity to see designs progress from layout through prototype build, production, and preliminary engineering evaluation. 
• Candidates should be able to discuss and demonstrate practical PCB design knowledge and sound problem-solving ability. 
• Work closely with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing personnel, other designers, and technical disciplines throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities:  

• Design and layout printed circuit boards for RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and high-speed circuits in accordance with engineering requirements, company procedures, and applicable standards.
• Perform component placement and routing based on schematics, mechanical constraints, stack-up, controlled impedance, grounding, power distribution, and design rules.
• Generate, check, and release PCB fabrication and assembly documentation, including drawings, Gerber/ODB++ files, drill files, 3D models, and related manufacturing data.
• Create and verify PCB component footprints and library elements in accordance with IPC and company standards.
• Support schematic-to-layout implementation and coordinate with engineers on circuit intent, component selection, routing, layout, and mechanical requirements.
• Support prototype fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and design updates while working with Engineering, Manufacturing, and external fabrication and assembly suppliers.
• Participate in design reviews, supplier inquiries, technical proposals, and other PCB-related engineering activities as required.
• Maintain accurate PCB design data, documentation, revision control, and configuration records within applicable CAD and PLM systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

  Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Working knowledge of PCB design and layout principles, including component placement, routing, grounding, power distribution, controlled impedance, vias, stack-up, clearances, and design-rule compliance.
• Working knowledge of RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and high-speed PCB layout practices appropriate to the level of the position.
• Knowledge of basic electrical theory and PCB-related characteristics, including impedance, inductance, capacitance, grounding, and signal integrity.
• Knowledge of PCB materials, laminates, copper weights, surface finishes, fabrication and assembly processes, and component packaging.
• Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, board outlines, design specifications, and engineering requirements.
• Knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly documentation required to accurately communicate designs to manufacturers and assemblers.
• Create and verify PCB component footprints using applicable IPC and company standards.
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB design tools such as Cadence Allegro PCB Designer, DxDesigner, and/or PADS, or comparable software.
• Ability to use supporting CAD and documentation tools, including AutoCAD and 3D model data, where required.
• Familiarity with PLM, configuration control, and engineering release processes.
• Knowledge of applicable PCB design and assembly standards, including IPC-2221 and IPC-7351; familiarity with IPC-A-610 is desirable.
• Work independently with limited supervision while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Communicate technical information clearly and professionally with internal personnel, customers, and suppliers, including explaining PCB design decisions, tradeoffs, and problem-solving approaches.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of directly applicable PCB design and layout experience required; five (5) or more years preferred.
• Developing PCB layouts from engineering schematics through fabrication and assembly release.
• Creating or modifying PCB footprints, performing component placement and routing, and applying PCB design rules.
• Supporting PCB fabrication, assembly, prototype build, troubleshooting, or design verification activities.
• Working collaboratively with Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Designers, and manufacturing personnel.
• Experience with RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and/or high-speed PCB designs is preferred.
• Aerospace, defense, space, satellite, or other high-reliability electronics experience is preferred.

Education: An AA in Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, PCB Design, CAD/Design, or related technical discipline is preferred. Relevant technical-school education, military technical training, or equivalent directly applicable PCB design education, training, and experience will be considered.

Security: U.S. citizenship required. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a government security clearance.