PCB Engineer

Jobtailor; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent salary and benefits package

Job summary

Filtronic, a world leader in RF and microwave technology, is seeking an experienced PCB Layout Engineer in Cambridge to own layout activities for complex electronic products. You’ll work with RF, electronics, mechanical, FPGA, software and manufacturing teams to optimize designs for performance, manufacturability and long-term support.

You will translate schematics into robust layouts, validate footprints and libraries, and contribute to design standards and documentation.

Qualifications

• Strong PCB layout experience with Altium Designer and Altium 365.
• Experience translating schematics to manufacturing releases.
• Solid understanding of impedance, SI/PI, thermal design and EMC.
• Experience with mixed-signal, digital, power and RF designs.

Responsibilities

• Own PCB layout activities across complex electronic products.
• Translate schematic designs into high-quality PCBs meeting electrical and mechanical criteria.
• Develop layouts considering impedance control, grounding, power distribution and thermal management.
• Support high-speed interfaces such as Ethernet, LVDS, PCIe, JESD204.
• Create fabrication, assembly and manufacturing documentation packages.
• Participate in design reviews and DFM/DFA assessments.
• Verify footprints, symbols and libraries against datasheets.
• Contribute to Altium library templates and PCB standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to resolve issues.
• Support prototype build, bring-up and issue investigations.

Skills

Altium Designer

PCB layout

Schematic capture

Impedance control

Signal integrity

Power integrity

RF/microwave awareness

DFM/DFA

Tools

Altium 365

Job description

Filtronic is a world leader in advanced RF and microwave technology, delivering high-performance solutions that power critical communications infrastructure across telecoms, space and defence sectors.

We are seeking an experienced PCB Layout Engineer to join our growing engineering team in Cambridge. This is an opportunity to work on complex electronic systems at the forefront of high-frequency technology, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop robust, manufacturable hardware from concept through to production.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a traditional PCB CAD role. We are looking for someone who combines strong PCB layout expertise with a solid understanding of electronic design principles, manufacturability and engineering best practice.

Working closely with RF, electronics, mechanical, FPGA, software and manufacturing engineers, you will take ownership of PCB layout activities across a diverse range of digital, analogue, mixed‑signal, power and RF‑related products.

You will play a key role in ensuring designs are optimised for performance, reliability, manufacturability and long‑term support, while also helping drive improvements in PCB design standards, libraries, processes and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Own PCB layout activities across complex electronic products and subsystems
• Translate schematic designs into high-quality PCB layouts that meet electrical, mechanical, thermal and manufacturing requirements
• Develop layouts considering impedance control, grounding, power distribution, thermal management and EMC performance
• Support high‑speed digital interfaces including Ethernet, DDR, LVDS, PCIe and JESD204
• Generate complete fabrication, assembly and manufacturing documentation packages
• Participate in design reviews, DFM/DFA assessments and engineering risk reviews
• Verify component footprints, symbols and libraries against manufacturer datasheets
• Support continuous improvement of Altium libraries, templates, design rules and PCB standards
• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to resolve design and production challenges
• Support prototype build, bring‑up and investigation of PCB‑related issues

About You

You will be a detail‑oriented engineer with a passion for developing high‑performance electronic hardware and delivering quality designs in a collaborative engineering environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong PCB layout experience using Altium Designer and Altium 365
• Experience taking PCB designs from schematic through to manufacturing release
• Good understanding of PCB stack‑up design, controlled impedance, signal integrity, power integrity, thermal design and EMC
• Experience working with mixed‑signal, digital, power and RF‑supporting designs
• Ability to interpret schematics and understand engineering intent
• Experience creating and validating component footprints and libraries
• Knowledge of PCB fabrication, SMT assembly, DFM/DFA and manufacturing processes
• Strong attention to detail and configuration control discipline
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

Desirable Experience

• RF, microwave or mmWave PCB design
• High‑speed digital and dense multilayer PCB technologies
• IPC standards and advanced PCB materials
• PLM systems and engineering change processes
• Mentoring or supporting development of PCB design standards and best practices

Why Join Filtronic?

• Work on cutting‑edge RF and wireless technologies
• Join a highly collaborative and innovative engineering team
• Contribute to products used in telecoms, space and defence applications
• Influence products across the full development lifecycle
• Be part of a growing business investing in engineering excellence

Benefits

We recognise the value of exceptional talent. That's why this role is backed by an excellent salary and benefits package.

Please call our Talent Partner, Bruce Mair on 07483 917543 if you would like to chat about this role or clarify the salary and benefits prior to investing your time applying.

Filtronic plc is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. If you require any adjustments or accommodations to support you during the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.