Circuit Design Engineer

Aquila Technology; Lexington (MA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 15 days + 10 holidays + 4 floating

Tuition reimbursement

401K with employer match

Cell Phone & Internet reimbursement

BYOD program

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

Aquila Technology is seeking a Circuit Design Engineer to support defense R&D projects, focusing on PCB design for RF and high-speed systems. The role collaborates with mechanical, thermal, and fabrication teams to deliver robust layouts and documentation for ground, airborne, and space-based applications.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in PCB design, strong communication, and the ability to work in a hybrid setup near Lexington, MA, with eligibility for an active Secret Clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years experience in PCB design and layout.

Responsibilities

• Design PCB layouts for RF, high-speed digital, mixed-signal and power PCBs.
• Coordinate with mechanical/thermal teams and fabrication houses.
• Generate fabrication and assembly packages for finalized designs and liaise with vendors.

Skills

PCB Design

Communication

Teamwork

Vendor coordination

Fabrication liaison

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Mentor Graphics

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

IPC Standards

IEEE Standards

Job description

Circuit Design Engineer

Clearance Level: Must be able to obtain an active Secret Clearance due to the nature of the work - Must be US Citizen

Location: This role will requireHybrid schedule with at least 2 of those days being on site - must live within 100miles of Lexington, MA

At Aquila Technology, you will see our team’s passion every day, whether we are building a robust, policy-compliant IT system or stress-testing a system to identify gaps and security vulnerabilities. To own the advantage, we ensure our team owns results and gets the work done right the first time by deploying smart, purposeful solutions that work. Aquila is the right people with the right skills driving the right outcomes. We call this the Aquila Advantage.

About the Role:

Aquila Technology is seeking a Circuit Design Engineerto support a leading defense research organization. The Circuit Design Engineer will work closely with a team focused on accelerating quantum computing and sensing with ion and solid-state systems. Core areas of the team include fundamental quantum science guiding next generation advances, quantum devices (ion computing testbeds, precision clocks, magnetometers, and other quantum sensors), and quantum systems such as magnetic assisted navigation and quantum microscopes for supply chain security. The team is seeking a PCB Designer for schematic capture and printed circuit board layout of RF, high-speed digital, mixed signal, and power PCBs for ground, airborne, and space-based systems. The ideal candidate is self-driven, has effective communication skills, and works effectively with small and large teams to meet the needs of the project. A typical project will include a subset of: schematic capture, printed circuit board layout, interfacing with mechanical, structural, and thermal teams, design documentation, and coordinating with fabrication and assembly houses.

Must Have

• Degree Level: Bachelor's Degree
• 5 years - PCB Design and Layout
• 5 years - Experience generating fabrication and assembly packages for finalized designs
• 5 years - Working with fabrication and assembly vendors and teams
• Strong Verbal and Written Communication
• Work Successfully in a Team Environment

Nice to Have

• Altium Designer
• Schematic capture and component library creation
• Working w/ electronics fabrication & assemblies facilities from quoting to final inspection assembly
• Currently holds a Secret Clearance (OR a higher clearance)
• High reliability design
• IEEE Standards
• IPC Standards
• RF/Microwave
• Best practices for RF and digital layout (high-speed multilayer board design)
• Computer Aided Design Software (e.g., SolidWorks)
• Mentor Graphics experience

Applicants must have significant experience in one or more of the following: RF layout, mixed signal layout, prototype printed circuit board projects, high-reliability design, or working with engineers from block diagram to printed circuit board. Experience with designs for high-reliability applications is preferred, along with knowledge of IPC and Mil-Specs.

Must Have:

• PCB design
• Experience generating fabrication and assembly packages for finalized designs and working with fabrication and assembly vendors and teams.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with others respectfully and develop productive working relationships
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication
• A B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Associates Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to Have:

• Schematic capture and component library creation
• Design for manufacturability or test (DFM/DFT) experience
• Familiarity with IPC and IEEE standards
• Experience with best practices for RF and digital layout, including high-speed multilayer board design
• Familiarity working in high reliability design
• Experience working with electronics fabrication and assemblies facilities from preliminary quoting to final inspection after assembly.
• Experience with Mentor Graphics and Altium Designer
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other software CAD
• Active security clearance

Benefits and Perks:

Aquila team members experience the opportunity to be part of a fast-paced, customer-focused, and technically innovative work environment. Aquila strives to deliver the best of the best in technical services to our customers. Candidates that possess a love for technical challenges, a desire to constantly learn, and the desire to establish themselves as critical players within a team will enjoy calling Aquila Technology home.

Our Perks Include:

PTO - 15 days (vacation/sick) 10 paid holidays - 6 standard (New Year’s, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) - 4 floating holidays prorated based on your day of hire:

• 1.5 paid days, or 12 hours, for approved volunteer work
• 1 week of paid maternity/paternity LOA after 1 year of Full-time employment

Tuition & Training Reimbursement- 5K annually for pre-approved, Eligible full-time team members who have completed a minimum of six (6) months of employment may apply for tuition reimbursement for approved, job-related courses taken through an accredited college or university. Team members must achieve a grade of “B” or better to qualify for reimbursement. Aquila will reimburse up to $5,000 per fiscal year for tuition expenses only. Expenses related to training programs, certifications, books, materials, meals, transportation, or other non-tuition costs are not eligible under the Tuition Reimbursement Program. All tuition reimbursement requests must be submitted to and approved by the team member’s Manager prior to course registration. Reimbursement will be issued upon successful course completion and submission of final grades and proof of payment.

401K with Principal - Eligible to participate day 1 of employment. Company match on employee contributions:

• Eligibility on date of hire
• Employer Match- 100% of first 3% and 50% of next 2%
• Vesting- 100%
• Contribution limit- $24,500
• Catch-up contribution limit- $8,000
• Catch-up contribution limit for ages 60-63 in calendar year- $11,250
• Catchup contributions must be directed to Roth bucket if earned over $150k in 2025

Cell Phone & Internet Reimbursed

up to $150 monthly to cover cell phone, data, and home internet expenses. Aquila Technology will reimburse team members who work from home ONLY for cell phone/mobile device fees for work-related communications and/or operations each month. Employees eligible for this benefit must work remote 2 days a week or more to qualify.

Buy Your Own Device (BYOD)

Team members are eligible for reimbursement of up to $1,500 every three (3) years for the purchase of electronic equipment used to access corporate services. To qualify for this benefit, employees must have completed a minimum of six (6) months of employment and must agree to and sign the Device Minimum Configuration Form prior to reimbursement. Electronic devices eligible under the Buy Your Own Device (BYOD) program are limited to cell phones, laptops, and tablets.

Clearance:

An interim clearance is sufficient to start.Work

Location:

This individual should be expected to work a Hybrid schedule with at least 2 of those days being onsite.

Interview Process:

1st round will be a Zoom with the hiring manager. 2nd round will be a Zoom with additional team members as needed.