Entry-Level PCB Design Layout Engineer

Vulcan Wireless Inc.; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 92,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Health insurance

Paid time off (PTO)

Performance bonus eligibility

Job summary

A leading communication solutions provider in Newport Beach is seeking an Entry-Level PCB Layout Engineer to assist in designing printed circuit boards for advanced communication systems. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 to $92,500 annually, along with benefits like health insurance and a 401(k) plan. Ideal candidates are recent graduates in Electrical Engineering who are detail-oriented and eager to kick-start their careers in defense electronics.

Qualifications

• Understanding of basic electronics concepts and PCB fundamentals.
• Familiarity with PCB design tools through coursework or internships.
• Knowledge of circuit theory and analog/digital electronics.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and layout of multilayer PCBs.
• Translate electrical schematics into manufacturable PCB layouts.
• Collaborate with teams on component placement and routing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

OrCAD

Job description

Vulcan Wireless Inc. provides advanced digital communication solutions for terrestrial and space applications. The company specializes in designing and delivering complete turnkey communication systems for domestic and international clients. Vulcan Wireless serves both military and commercial markets, offering expertise in embedded software, digital signal processing, and digital radio design. The organization is committed to transitioning innovative ideas from concept to production.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated Entry-Level PCB Layout Engineer to support the design and development of printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in advanced communication systems, including radios, antennas, and embedded hardware platforms. This role is ideal for recent graduates with a degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field who are eager to begin a career in defense electronics.

The candidate will work closely with hardware, RF, and firmware engineers to translate schematics into manufacturable PCB layouts that meet performance, quality, and compliance requirements for U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and layout of multilayer PCBs using industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, or similar)
• Translate electrical schematics into PCB layouts following design rules and engineering requirements
• Support RF and high-speed layout considerations (controlled impedance, signal integrity, grounding, shielding)
• Collaborate with engineering teams on component placement and routing strategies
• Generate fabrication and assembly documentation (Gerber files, drill files, BOMs)
• Review designs for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA)
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback from senior engineers
• Maintain revision control and documentation in accordance with company and DoD standards
• Support prototype builds, testing, and troubleshooting activities

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field
• Understanding of basic electronics concepts (schematics, components, PCB fundamentals)
• Familiarity with PCB design tools through coursework, labs, or internships
• Knowledge of circuit theory, digital and/or analog electronics
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to RF design concepts (antennas, transmission lines, impedance matching)
• Familiarity with high-speed design principles
• Experience with any ECAD tool (Altium, KiCad, Cadence, etc.)
• Understanding of IPC standards (e.g., IPC-2221, IPC-7351)
• Internship, senior project, or lab experience involving PCB design
• Basic knowledge of embedded systems or firmware integration

Security & Compliance Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) in accordance with ITAR regulations
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance (if required)

Salary Range

• $80,000 – $92,500 annually (depending on education, internship experience, skills, knowledge and technical skills)

Job Type

• Full-time (not remote)
• 401(k) with company match
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Performance bonus eligibility

Why Join Us?

At Vulcan Wireless, Inc., you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects in a dynamic and innovative environment. We value professional growth, foster teamwork, and recognize individual contributions that drive our success.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEOC)

Vulcan Wireless, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

This position requires compliance with U.S. Government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To be eligible, candidates must be a U.S. Person as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).