Senior Validation Engineer – High-Speed PCB Design & Signal Integrity (25G+)

Semtech; West of England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Semtech Stansted is seeking a Senior Validation Engineer to design high-speed validation PCBs and validate next‑generation devices at 25Gbit/s and beyond. You will guide stack-up, layout, bring‑up and measurement, and produce clear validation reports.

You’ll work with seasoned engineers and industry-leading test equipment, taking part in validation reviews and shaping how devices are tested, from schematic to board bring‑up.

Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or HNC/HND with equivalent practical experience.
• Strong Cadence Allegro experience, covering schematic and layout.
• Proven high-speed PCB design: stack-ups, materials, controlled impedance and signal integrity.
• Experience designing and debugging RF and data comms PCBs.
• Able to stay focused and positive under pressure in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• A natural team player with good communication skills.
• Self-motivated and comfortable learning new tools and techniques independently.
• Strong attention to detail and an analytical, creative approach to problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Design validation PCBs for new product evaluation using Cadence Allegro, from schematic capture and stack-up definition through to layout and release.
• Apply high-speed and RF design practice, including material selection, controlled impedance and signal integrity, to boards operating at 25Gbit/s and above.
• Bring up, debug and characterise RF and data comms boards in the lab.
• Carry out benchtop characterisation of new silicon and write clear, accurate validation reports.
• Help identify and select the right lab equipment for validating new products.
• Build test automation software in Python (or similar) to make measurements faster and more repeatable.
• Work closely with designers, product, test and applications engineers, and take part in validation review meetings.
• Support new product design meetings and help shape how devices are tested.

Skills

High-speed PCB design

Schematic & layout understanding

RF/data comms concepts

Analytical mindset

Strong communication

Self-motivated

Team player

Python programming (test automation)

Education

BSc/MSc in Electrical/Electronic Engineering

HNC/HND with practical experience

Tools

Cadence Allegro

Job description

Location: Stansted, UK

Work pattern: On-site (Monday – Friday)

Our Team

Want to work at the sharp end of how the world’s data moves? Join an ambitious and collaborative engineering team in Stansted, part of Semtech’s Signal Integrity Products group, developing the silicon that powers hyperscale data centres, enterprise networks and wireless infrastructure.

We work hand in hand with a world-renowned design group, and our culture is open, inclusive and driven by innovation. Here, validation isn’t a back-room function. You’ll design the boards, own the bench and shape the product.

Job Summary

Ready to put your PCB design skills to work on the most advanced silicon in the industry?

As a Senior Validation Engineer, you’ll design the high-speed validation PCBs used to evaluate next-generation devices, then characterise those devices in the lab at data rates of 25Gbit/s and beyond. You’ll take a design from schematic, through stack-up and layout, to bring-up and measurement, and your results will directly influence what ships.

No two weeks look the same. One week you might be defining the stack-up and controlled-impedance strategy for a new evaluation board; the next you’ll be debugging signal integrity on the bench, automating tests in Python, or presenting your findings in a validation review.

You’ll work with experienced engineers, industry-leading test equipment and a team that values your judgement. Bring the expertise; we’ll bring the silicon, the kit and the influence.

Responsibilities

• Design validation PCBs for new product evaluation using Cadence Allegro, from schematic capture and stack-up definition through to layout and release
• Apply high-speed and RF design practice, including material selection, controlled impedance and signal integrity, to boards operating at 25Gbit/s and above
• Bring up, debug and characterise RF and data comms boards in the lab
• Carry out benchtop characterisation of new silicon and write clear, accurate validation reports
• Help identify and select the right lab equipment for validating new products
• Build test automation software in Python (or similar) to make measurements faster and more repeatable
• Work closely with designers, product, test and applications engineers, and take part in validation review meetings
• Support new product design meetings and help shape how devices are tested

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc/MSc in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (EEE/ECE), or HNC/HND with equivalent practical experience
• Strong hands-on Cadence Allegro experience, covering both schematic and layout
• Proven high-speed PCB design experience: stack-ups, materials, controlled impedance and signal integrity
• Experience designing and debugging RF and data comms PCBs
• Able to stay focused and positive under pressure in a fast-paced R&D environment
• A natural team player with good communication skills
• Self-motivated and comfortable learning new tools and techniques independently
• Strong attention to detail and an analytical, creative approach to problem-solving

Preferred Qualifications

• PCB signal integrity simulation experience
• Python or similar for test automation
• Experience testing optical components, ICs or modules
• Lab measurement experience at 25Gbit/s and above
• Data analysis skills and the ability to present complex data clearly

Career Growth Philosophy

At Semtech, we believe that innovation starts with people. We’re committed to supporting your professional development through collaboration, structured learning and a culture that rewards initiative.

Our pay-for-performance culture celebrates meaningful contributions, and as a senior engineer you’ll have the scope to influence product validation, test strategy and board design practice.

Join us, and be part of a team that’s building the future of connectivity, together.

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.