Electrical Engineer - PCB Design & Embedded Systems

IST Precision Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

IST Precision Inc. is a highly specialized R&D engineering firm in Mooresville, NC, focusing on high-precision instrumentation. We are seeking an Electrical Engineer with PCB design and embedded systems expertise to contribute to satellite electronics and advanced diagnostics.

The role emphasizes PCB layout, design verification, and firmware development on modern microcontrollers, with close collaboration across electronics and mechanics teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in PCB design, layout, routing (SMT, BGA, mixed-signal).
• Strong knowledge of circuits; hands-on troubleshooting.
• Experience with Altium, PADS, or Cadence Orcad/Alegro.
• Experience with mixed analog/digital layouts.
• Strong analytical and collaborative skills.
• Effective cross-disciplinary communicator.

Responsibilities

• Design, simulate, and route analog and digital PCBs using Altium Designer.
• Maintain schematics, BOMs, and drawings with version control.
• Review and validate PCB design packages for integrity and manufacturability.
• Develop and test prototype firmware on ST microcontrollers.
• Troubleshoot and debug PCB assemblies in lab settings.
• Collaborate with electronics and mechanical teams for high-performance boards.
• Design PCB test fixtures and support systems for precision applications.
• Assist sourcing and vendor coordination for components.
• Assist assembly/integration of complex instrumentation for alpha/beta.
• Contribute to space-grade hardware development ensuring reliability.

Skills

PCB design

Schematic capture

Circuit troubleshooting

Embedded firmware

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Altium Designer

PADS

Cadence Orcad/Alegro

Job description

Electrical Engineer – PCB Design & Embedded Systems (US Citizen Only)

This position is in Mooresville, NC just north of Charlotte, North Carolina

This position will not sponsor H1B or TN VISA and is intended for US Citizen only

IST Precision Inc. is an advanced R&D engineering firm specializing in high-precision instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and diagnostics. With over 25 years of experience, we develop innovative electronic solutions using state-of-the-art processors and FPGAs across a wide range of industries from space and telecommunications to life sciences.

We are currently seeking a skilled Electrical Engineer to join our team and contribute to pioneering projects in satellite based electronics, molecular imaging and telecommunications. This is an exciting opportunity. The ideal candidate will have experience in PCB design and layout, circuit routing, and embedded programming. This role requires close collaboration with our electronics and precision mechanics teams to design and implement cutting-edge electronic systems.

Learn more about our electronic engineering capabilities and the types of systems we build:

https://istprecision.com/engineering-services/electronics-design/

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, simulate, and route analog and digital printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Altium Designer.
• Maintain and update design documentation, including schematics, BOMs, and detail drawings, with appropriate version control.
• Review and validate PCB design packages created by team members to ensure design integrity and manufacturability.
• Develop and test prototype firmware using development platforms such as ST microcontrollers.
• Troubleshoot and debug PCB assemblies in lab settings, supporting both in-house testing and client feedback.
• Collaborate with electronics and mechanical teams to develop high-performance circuit boards for advanced instrumentation.
• Design PCB test fixtures and support systems for high-value, precision applications.
• Support sourcing and coordination of electronic components and manage vendor relationships as needed.
• Assist in assembling and integrating complex instrumentation systems for alpha and beta-stage product development.
• Contribute to space-grade electronic hardware development, ensuring reliability and performance under extreme conditions.

Required Qualifications and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-university experience in PCB design, layout, and routing (including surface mount, BGA, and mixed-signal designs).
• Strong understanding of electrical circuits, with hands-on experience troubleshooting and diagnosing electronic systems.
• Proficient in PCB design tools for schematic capture and PCB layout such as Altium (preferred), PADS, or Cadence Orcad / Alegro. .
• Experience with mixed analog/digital signal layouts.
• Strong analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Effective communicator and collaborator; comfortable working across engineering disciplines.

Nice to have:

• Experience designing and laying out PCBs with FPGAs, microprocessors, ADCs, DACs, DRAM, and other high-density components.
• Familiarity with version control tools like git, Perforce or Subversion (git preferred).
• Programming experience in C, C++, or Python.
• Proficiency with industry-standard interfaces such as i2c, SPI, UART, and SDRAM.
• Experience with high-speed digital (1+ Gbps) data lines and RF PCB design (preferred).
• Familiarity with designing circuit boards for higher voltages (up to 200V) and wireless components.
• Experience with DDR3, Ethernet, JESD, LVDS, and PCIeis a plus.
• Experience working with board fabrication vendors for both bare board and turnkey production.
• Embedded systems and signal processing (e.g., digital filters) experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with EMC testing, IEC standards, and PCB manufacturing standards such as J-STD001.
• Self-motivated, innovative, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced R&D environment.

IST Precision Inc. offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work with a talented team of over 30 engineers, make a real impact on the company and its customers, and work in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

full-time position. Competitive salary and benefits package will depend on skill level and educational background.

Read why IST is a great workplace.

• https://www.istprecision.com/what-makes-ist-precision-a-great-workplace/

Follow us on linkedin and youtube to review a few industries that we serve.

• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC--3ZgNdcZ8R3lZKgt3JLJg