Senior PCB Layout Engineer

Blue Origin•Reston, WA

1d•$197,529 - $276,540

About The Position

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior PCB Layout Engineer for the RF User Terminal Design team supporting TeraWave, a satellite communications network. The role involves designing complex PCB layouts, including boards with high-ball-count custom BGA devices and mmWave, RF, and mixed-signal interconnects. The engineer will conduct PCB stackup feasibility and trace routability studies to inform User Terminal architecture decisions, and lead the PCB OK2FAB process, including design-rule checks, design release, and fabrication and assembly documentation. The position also supports board bring-up and works with electrical engineers, PCB fabricators, and contract manufacturing vendors to optimize designs and resolve manufacturing issues. Designs must address space-environment considerations such as thermal management, radiation tolerance, and mechanical stress. Blue Origin describes its mission as developing reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. The listed base pay range for California, Virginia, and Washington applicants is $197,529.00–$276,539.55; ranges at other sites may differ.

Requirements

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of PCB design experience.
Proficiency with PCB design tools such as Altium Designer (preferred), Cadence Allegro, or similar.
Strong understanding of signal integrity principles for high-speed digital design, including transmission lines, termination, and crosstalk.
Experience with higher-layer-count HDI board design with dense fanout and routing.
Experience with controlled-impedance design and PCB stackup optimization.
Experience with high-voltage layout design, including creepage, clearance, and thermal-management considerations.
Knowledge of EMI/EMC best practices and design guidelines.
Familiarity with IPC standards, including IPC-2221, IPC-6012, and IPC-A-610.
Experience with PCB layout for FPGAs, high-speed ADCs/DACs, or mixed-signal designs.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Nice To Haves

Experience with RF/microwave PCB design using high-frequency laminates such as Rogers or Taconic.
Knowledge of power integrity analysis tools such as HyperLynx, Ansys SIwave, or Cadence Sigrity.
Familiarity with thermal analysis tools and thermal-management techniques for high-power electronics.
Experience designing for space environments, including vacuum, thermal cycling, radiation, and vibration.
Understanding of design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-test (DFT) principles.
Knowledge of conformal coating, potting, and other space-qualification techniques.
Previous experience with aerospace or satellite PCB designs.
Familiarity with MIL-STD or NASA standards for PCB design.

Responsibilities

Design multilayer PCBs for mmWave and microwave RF, complex digital, mixed-signal, and high-power systems, including FPGAs and microcontrollers.
Develop digital, analog, and RF PCB layouts with attention to impedance control, loss tangent, and electromagnetic compatibility.
Perform signal integrity analysis for high-speed digital interfaces such as PCIe, DDR, and Ethernet.
Create component libraries and design-rule checks, and maintain design standards.
Collaborate with electrical engineers on component selection, schematic review, and design optimization.
Generate fabrication and assembly documentation, including Gerber files, drill files, and assembly drawings.
Work with PCB fabricators and contract manufacturing vendors to ensure manufacturability and resolve fabrication issues.
Support board bring-up and debug hardware issues related to PCB design.
Design for space-environment considerations, including thermal management, radiation tolerance, and mechanical stress.
Conduct PCB stackup feasibility and trace routability studies to inform User Terminal architectural trades.
Conduct PCB fabrication-house design-rule studies and lead the PCB OK2FAB process, including DRC checks, design release, and fabrication and assembly documentation.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Basic and supplemental life insurance.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability.
401(k) with company match of up to 5%.
Education Support Program.
Stock options for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week.
Paid time off of up to four weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours.
Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
Depending on role type and job level, potential benefits and bonuses based on company discretion; bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed.