Job Type
Full-time
Description
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.
