PCB Designer / PCB Layout Designer

Superior Skilled Trades is hiring on behalf of a client for a direct-hire opportunity in Tampa, FL.

About the Opportunity

Our client specializes in the design and development of advanced RF, microwave, and antenna solutions for mission-critical aerospace, defense, space, and satellite applications. Their products support a wide range of technologies, including radar, telemetry, data links, and communications systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced PCB Designer to contribute to the development, documentation, and integration of high-reliability printed circuit boards used in advanced electronic systems.

The position focuses on PCB component placement, routing, schematic-to-layout implementation, controlled impedance, grounding, power distribution, design-rule compliance, and fabrication and assembly documentation.

Working alongside electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other technical disciplines, you will have the opportunity to see your designs progress from initial layout through prototype fabrication, production, and engineering evaluation.

Key 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, board stack-up, controlled impedance, grounding, power distribution, and design rules.

• Generate, review, 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 regarding circuit intent, component selection, routing, layout, and mechanical requirements.

• Support prototype fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and design updates in collaboration with Engineering, Manufacturing, and external fabrication and assembly suppliers.

• Participate in design reviews, supplier inquiries, technical proposals, and other PCB-related engineering activities.

• Maintain accurate PCB design data, documentation, revision control, and configuration records within applicable CAD and PLM systems.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Technical Knowledge, Skills & 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.

• Understanding of RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and high-speed PCB layout practices.

• Knowledge of basic electrical theory and PCB-related characteristics, including impedance, inductance, capacitance, grounding, and signal integrity.

• Familiarity with PCB materials, laminates, copper weights, surface finishes, fabrication and assembly processes, and component packaging.

• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, board outlines, design specifications, and engineering requirements.

• Knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly documentation required to communicate designs accurately to manufacturers and assemblers.

• Ability to 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, 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 a plus.

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.

• Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to explain PCB design decisions, tradeoffs, and problem-solving approaches to internal personnel, customers, and suppliers.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of directly applicable PCB design and layout experience; 5+ years preferred.

• Experience developing PCB layouts from engineering schematics through fabrication and assembly release.

• Experience creating or modifying PCB footprints, performing component placement and routing, and applying PCB design rules.

• Experience supporting PCB fabrication, assembly, prototype builds, troubleshooting, or design verification activities.

• Experience collaborating with Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Designers, and manufacturing personnel.

• Experience with RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and/or high-speed PCB designs preferred.

• Aerospace, defense, space, satellite, or other high-reliability electronics experience preferred.

Education

An associate degree in Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, PCB Design, CAD/Design, or a related technical discipline is preferred.

Relevant technical-school education, military technical training, or equivalent directly applicable PCB design education, training, and experience will also be considered.

Security Requirements

U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.

Core Competencies

• PCB and electronic design aptitude

• Spatial visualization and layout awareness

• Strong attention to detail

• Design creativity

• Analytical and practical problem-solving

• Continuous technical learning and development

• Quality orientation

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Technical communication

• Organization and time management

• Initiative and dependability

INDH