Role Overview
As a Senior PCB Design Engineer, you will take on a leadership position within our hardware design group. Your key duties will revolve around crafting, executing, and validating mixed-signal (Digital & RF) Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) customized for application in satellite and other orbital systems. These applications encompass a diverse spectrum, encompassing digital control/processing, motor drive units, onboard processors, and mass-storage units, all of which utilize cutting-edge space technologies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the digital/analog PCB design for space environments.
- Mentor and oversee junior team members and interns in PCB design.
- Translate board-level requirements into a comprehensive design concept (incorporating architecture, I/Os, key components, power dissipation estimates, FPGA integration, software integration, etc.).
- Collaborate closely with FPGA, software, and test designers to finalize functional concepts and streamline integration.
- Complete or review the schematic capture level design.
- Identify and manage technology and design risks.
- Provide guidance to ensure Design for Manufacture/Test in space environments.
- Supervise and review design layout constraints, parts placement, manufacturing, and assembly drawings.
- Prepare or review lists of long lead items, bills of materials, and ensure parts qualifications for space.
- Conduct and review circuit simulations (using tools like SPICE, Hyperlynx, ADS, etc.) and various design analyses (e.g., worst-case scenarios, FMECA).
- Coordinate with various specialized teams (structural, thermal, packaging, manufacturing, quality assurance, etc.) to conduct necessary reviews for PCB component placement and layout.
- Oversee board assembly and manufacturing tests.
- Prepare and review various documents, including review presentations, test plans, test procedures, etc.
- Lead and guide junior team members in testing, troubleshooting, and debugging complex mixed-signal boards.
- Provide support for environmental and functional tests and validation for space missions.
- Report progress and address issues to the program lead or manager.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent field.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in designing processor, digital, analog, high-speed, or mixed-signal PCBs.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one of these areas of competence.
- Proficiency in coaching and supervising junior team members and interns.
- Experience in design architecture and handling multidisciplinary specifications and reviews (FPGA, software, mechanical, etc.).
- Proficiency in tools/software languages such as Excel spreadsheets, Python, MathCAD, Spice, Matlab, JIRA, etc.
- Strong understanding of electronic circuits and communication protocols, coupled with extensive PCB design experience.
- Knowledge of PCB manufacturing processes.
- Exposure to mechanical packaging is a valuable asset.
- Experience conducting analyses (FMECA, WCA, signal integrity, power integrity, etc.) using various tools like SPICE, ADS SiPro, Hyperlynx, etc.