CONTRACT PCB DESIGN ENGINEER - LIMERICK OR CORK - IRELAND

Software Placements; Limerick; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Software Placements is seeking a Contract PCB Design Engineer to work for a leading Multinational Semiconductor Company. The role requires transforming electrical schematics into multi-layered physical boards while focusing on emulation and Python programming.

Your responsibilities will include PCB design, test automation through Python, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware components. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic environment in either Limerick or Cork.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience with enterprise PCB design tools.
• Strong proficiency in Python for hardware test scripting.
• Familiarity with hardware emulation systems like Siemens Veloce.
• Hands-on experience with board bring-up and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Perform schematic capture and multi-layer HDI routing using CAD tools.
• Build and configure hardware emulation environments for testing.
• Write Python scripts to automate design validation and data collection.
• Ensure designs meet Signal and Power Integrity standards.

Skills

PCB Design & Layout

Programming in Python

Emulation & Prototyping

Signal/Power Integrity

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Cadence Allegro

Altium Designer

Python

Job description

Client

Our client a leading Multinational Semiconductor Company requires a Contract PCB Design Engineer for 3 to 6 month daily rate role based in either Limerick City or Cork, Ireland.

Role

You will be responsible for the hardware and layout expert responsible for translating electrical schematics into functional physical boards. In the role you will focus on emulation and Python, you will create complex multi-layer PCBs and develop Python scripts to automate hardware testing, board‑level bring‑up, and design validation. You will bridge the gap between schematic logic and physical hardware, working closely with system architects to design complex PCBs. This role requires leveraging Python for test automation and utilizing hardware emulation tools to accelerate design verification and bring‑up.

Responsibilities

• PCB Design & Layout: Perform schematic capture, component placement, and multi‑layer HDI (High‑Density Interconnect) routing using CAD tools like Cadence Allegro or Altium.
• Emulation & Prototyping: Build and configure hardware emulation environments to test FPGA and ASIC designs in‑system prior to final manufacturing.
• Test Automation: Write Python scripts to control lab equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies) and automate design validation, regression testing, and data collection.
• Signal/Power Integrity: Ensure board designs meet stringent Signal Integrity (SI) and Power Integrity (PI) standards, managing impedance, stack‑up, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with firmware, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure board architecture integrates perfectly with emulation and system‑level software.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Conduct DFM and DFT (Design for Test) reviews to ensure boards are cost‑effective and reliable to produce.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• CAD Tools: Minimum 3–5 years of experience with enterprise PCB design tools such as Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or Siemens Xpedition.
• Programming: Strong proficiency in Python for hardware test scripting, equipment automation, and data analysis.
• Emulation Experience: Familiarity with hardware emulation systems (e.g., Siemens Veloce, Cadence Palladium) and linking PCB prototypes with FPGA/ASIC emulators.
• Lab Skills: Hands‑on experience with board bring‑up, debugging, and using high‑speed test equipment.
• Domain Knowledge: Understanding of PMIC environment beneficial.