Defense PCB Design Engineer | ECAD, DFM/DFT, Multi‑Layer

Hernshead Recruitment; Carrboro (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hernshead Recruitment in Carrboro, NC, is seeking a hands-on PCB layout and ECAD designer for a defense electronics program. You will translate circuit designs from electrical engineers into manufacturable, testable, configuration-controlled PCB assemblies while collaborating with electrical, mechanical, and firmware teams.

The role emphasizes building libraries, layout standards, DFM/DFT reviews, and clear documentation as the engineering organization scales.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of PCB layout or ECAD design experience.
• Proficiency with Altium Designer or similar professional PCB design tools.
• Experience laying out multi-layer printed circuit boards.
• Strong understanding of PCB fabrication, assembly processes, component footprints, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to interpret schematics and work closely with electrical engineers to implement design intent.
• Understanding of PCB design principles, including component placement, routing strategy, grounding, power distribution, and layer stack-up development.
• Understanding of signal integrity concepts, including EMI/EMC considerations, coupling and crosstalk mitigation, impedance control, shielding, and isolation.
• Working knowledge of applicable IPC standards and workmanship requirements for IPC Class 1, 2, and 3 electronic assemblies.
• Experience creating fabrication and assembly output packages.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple board designs or revisions concurrently.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform PCB layout for digital, analog, mixed-signal, power, and safety-critical electronics
• Collaborate with electrical engineers on schematics, design intent, routing constraints, and critical circuit requirements
• Work with mechanical engineers to define board outlines, connector placement, keep-in/keep-out zones, mounting features, and packaging constraints
• Create and maintain PCB footprints, symbols, component libraries, and ECAD documentation
• Support design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-for-test (DFT), and design-for-assembly (DFA) reviews
• Generate fabrication and assembly outputs, including Gerbers, ODB++, pick-and-place files, drawings, stackup notes, and assembly documentation
• Interface with PCB fabrication and assembly vendors to resolve manufacturing questions and improve board qualityParticipate in PCB design reviews and contribute to layout standards, checklist development, and release practices
• Support ECOs, revision updates, and configuration-controlled release packages
• Help improve ECAD workflows, library discipline, and documentation practices as the team scales

Skills

PCB layout

ECAD design

Schematic interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

DFM/DFT knowledge

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Hernshead Recruitment in Carrboro, NC, is seeking a hands-on PCB layout and ECAD designer for a defense electronics program. You will translate circuit designs from electrical engineers into manufacturable, testable, configuration-controlled PCB assemblies while collaborating with electrical, mechanical, and firmware teams.

The role emphasizes building libraries, layout standards, DFM/DFT reviews, and clear documentation as the engineering organization scales.