PCB Designer - NASA Avionics Systems

Amentum•Houston, TX

23h•Onsite

About The Position

Amentum is seeking a temporary, intermittent PCB Designer to support NASA avionics systems through the JETSII contract with Aerodyne, a teammate. The position is temporary and not to exceed 26 weeks. The role supports multiple NASA Johnson Space Center projects as part of an engineering group of more than 45 members and reports to the Electronics & Electrical Section Manager. The posting is for a potential opening that has not yet been finalized; Amentum is identifying and interviewing candidates in anticipation of approval. The designer creates multilayer printed circuit board layouts in Altium Designer and works with Electrical Engineers on design packages and Mechanical Engineers on enclosure and packaging integration. Designs may include analog, digital, high-frequency, differential-pair, and high-power circuitry using surface-mount and through-hole technologies. The role also involves generating Gerber and fabrication data packages, maintaining component libraries and footprints, preparing schematics and supporting drawings, and coordinating with fabrication and assembly vendors. The position is generally performed in an office environment, though tasks may involve indoor or outdoor work. Work may require extended sitting or standing, occasional lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, regular attendance, and schedule adjustments to meet peak periods or surge requirements. Standard office equipment is used. Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency may be required, and the selected candidate must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.

Requirements

Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and 15 years of experience in the field or a related area; additional experience or education in applicable physical sciences may be required.
Expert proficiency with Altium Designer, including multilayer, high-density, and IPC Class 3 space-grade designs.
Strong knowledge of IPC standards and DRC/DFM best practices.
Experience creating and managing component libraries, symbols, footprints, and 3D models.
Proficiency in high-speed, low-noise, and EMI/EMC-sensitive designs.
Skill implementing analog, digital, RF/high-frequency, differential-pair, impedance-controlled routing, and high-power circuitry.
Ability to produce complete documentation packages, including schematics, PCB assemblies, mechanical support drawings, and wiring harness drawings.
Experience coordinating directly with fabrication and assembly vendors.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Ability to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency may be required.

Nice To Haves

Two-year technical certification or relevant college coursework; additional education may replace some experience.
IPC CID certification.
Experience with additional ECAD tools such as PADS, Mentor Graphics, or OrCAD Capture.
Familiarity with NASA and/or military design and drawing standards.
Knowledge of thermal management and high-power PCB design.
Experience with complex form factors such as PCIe, PCI, and VME, and with fine-pitch/BGA components.
Understanding of PCB fabrication and assembly processes.
Ability to produce drawings to ASME Y14.5 using AutoCAD or Pro/E.
Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, SharePoint, Word, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

Provide PCB design support for multiple NASA Johnson Space Center projects.
Create multilayer PCB layouts in Altium Designer.
Collaborate with Electrical Engineers on design packages and Mechanical Engineers on enclosure and packaging integration.
Implement analog, digital, high-frequency, differential-pair, and high-power circuitry using SMT and through-hole technologies.
Generate Gerbers and complete fabrication data packages.
Create PCB footprints from component datasheets and maintain library accuracy.
Document schematics, PCB assemblies, mechanical drawings, and harness drawings.
Coordinate with vendors to ensure clarity during PCB fabrication.
Perform additional related tasks as assigned.