PCB Layout Designer

DEKA Research & Development•Manchester, NH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

DEKA Research & Development is seeking a skilled PCB Layout Designer to join their engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating electrical schematics into optimized printed circuit board layouts, ensuring designs meet performance, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements. This individual will work across several projects and must be able to communicate design challenges and priorities clearly. They will lay out printed circuit boards under the direction of electrical engineers, provide direct support across all aspects of the PCB design process, and manage the workflow to ensure a smooth transition from schematic to layout to manufacturing. In addition to layout responsibilities, this candidate will be instrumental in vetting components in the library for correctness, ensuring that symbols, footprints, and 3D models match datasheet information and DEKA templates.

Requirements

4+ years of experience in PCB layout design and electrical engineering principles
Proficiency with PCB design software (Altium Designer preferred)
Understanding of signal integrity principles, EMI/EMC considerations, and thermal management
Knowledge of manufacturing processes including surface mount and through-hole assembly
Familiarity with industry standards and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot design issues
Good communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Continuous learning mindset to stay current with evolving technologies and industry trends

Nice To Haves

Experience with high-speed digital design, RF/microwave circuits, or power electronics
Knowledge of simulation tools for signal integrity and thermal analysis
IPC certification (CID, CID+, or similar)
Experience with flexible and rigid-flex PCB technologies
Understanding of component sourcing and supply chain considerations
Experience in managing a library of components (symbols, footprints, 3d-models)

Responsibilities

Create PCB layouts from electrical schematics using industry-standard CAD tools (Altium Designer, KiCad, Eagle, or similar)
Develop multi-layer board designs ranging from simple 2-layer to complex high-speed digital and mixed-signal boards
Optimize component placement for thermal management, signal integrity, and manufacturing efficiency
Route high-speed differential pairs, controlled impedance traces, and power distribution networks
Perform design rule checks (DRC) and electrical rule checks (ERC) to ensure design integrity
Create and modify library components in our database to ensure symbols, footprints, and 3D models accurately match datasheet specifications and DEKA templates
Work closely with electrical engineers to understand circuit requirements and constraints
Collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure proper fit within enclosures and assemblies
Interface with manufacturing partners to optimize designs for assembly and cost-effectiveness
Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations for layout improvements
Generate comprehensive fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bill of materials
Maintain design documentation and revision control throughout the product development cycle
Ensure compliance with industry standards (IPC, UL, FCC) and company design guidelines
Create and maintain PCB design libraries and component footprints