Senior PCB Design Engineer

Ultra; Taplow; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus Scheme

Private Medical Cover

25 days holiday

Pension Contribution

4 x Life Assurance Cover

Flexible working hours with 1pm finish

Cycle to work scheme

Will writing service

Security Clearance Allowance

Job summary

Ultra’s Defence Cyber unit seeks a senior PCB Design Engineer to lead complex multi-layer layouts for high-reliability systems used in security, aerospace and space sectors.

You will collaborate with electronics, mechanical, and supply-chain teams, ensure compliance with IPC, DFM/DFT, and deliver designs that meet stringent throughput and testability requirements.

Qualifications

• Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience of PCB design, routing and layout of complex high-density assemblies.
• Experience of using industry standard toolsets for PCB layout and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout complex multi-layer PCBs with through, buried and blind vias.
• Incorporate test points to enable efficient testing without compromising performance.
• Ensure designs meet EMC, TEMPEST, IPC standards and DFM/DFT requirements.
• Collaborate with mechanical and production teams to satisfy space, timing and manufacturability constraints.

Skills

PCB design

Routing & layout

Altium or PADs

DO-254 experience

Signal integrity

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Altium

PADs

Gerber

ODB++

Windchill

Job description

• Design and layout complex multi-layer (4 - 20 layers) rigid, semi-rigid or flexi Printed Circuit Boards, that contain through, buried and blind vias to be used in commercial, security, aerospace and space sectors, following Ultra's processes.
• Design PCB layouts for analogue, RF, digital, power, high-speed and highly reliable circuits in accordance with DO-254 if required.
• Design PCB layouts considering security, EMC and TEMPEST implications and rules.
• With input from Production Test, incorporate test points in the layout to make the PCB testable without comprising the performance required by hardware engineers.
• Work with the electronic hardware team to understand circuit requirements such as trace impedances, separations and any limitations, EMC and TEMPEST considerations and signal integrity rules, to ensure the PCB conforms to them.
• Liaise with bare PCB fabricators and PCB assembly houses, as required, to ensure the design is of high quality and conforms to their stack‑up, DRC, DFM and DFT requirements.
• Work with the mechanical engineers to ensure the PCB design is in accordance with their requirements and space envelope.
• Liaising with the procurement and supply chain teams to ensure a seamless transition to manufacture.
• CAD library administration including symbol, footprint generation and database administration.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload, and work under pressure to deliver on multiple projects at the same time.
• Participating in designs reviews with electrical and mechanical hardware engineers.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of best practice PCB design processes and tools.
• Estimate time and effort required for PCB design activities and deliver to these time and effort estimates to ensure cost and schedule adherence.
• Proposes improvements in tools, processes and techniques that support quality and innovation and make PCB design more efficient and effective.
• Actively contribute to and/or lead defined aspects of the project to achieve optimal balance between requirements, schedule and cost.
• Generate and review technical proposals, and provide accurate estimates for the associated effort, costs and risks, for bids and proposals, leading to contract awards.
• Explains technically complex concepts clearly to less technical/involved parties.
  Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Experience of PCB design, routing and layout of complex, high-density electronic circuit assemblies, including through-hole and fine-pitch SMT components.
• Extensive experience of using industry standard toolsets for PCB layout and simulation.
• In‑depth knowledge of routing practices, guidelines and IPC standards.
• Experience of implementing DFM and DFT features on PCBs and review processes with suppliers.
• Must have proven experience of using modern design tools with a record of successful PCB designs covering a range of complex PCBs e.g. multi‑layer, high speed digital, RF, analogue and power distribution.

Desirable Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• Experience of signal integrity analysis on routed PCBs.
• Understanding of power distribution and thermal aspects of PCB design.
• Experience of Gerber file and ODB++ manipulation.
• Carrying out complex layout using Altium or PADs.
• Ability to create schematics using Altium or PADs.
• Experience of using Windchill for version control.

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export‑controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. For more information, please visit the UKSV website.

Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield - find your place in the future of defense.

Cyber Business Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons.

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days' holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Security Clearance Allowance - where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance