Our client is seeking an experienced RF PCB Layout Designer to support the development of advanced electronic products operating across high-frequency RF and microwave applications. This role focuses on the design, layout, and documentation of complex printed circuit boards that meet demanding performance, reliability, and manufacturing requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and maintain single-layer, multilayer, RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal PCB layouts using industry-standard design practices.
- Design controlled impedance structures including microstrip, stripline, and coplanar waveguide configurations.
- Optimize component placement and trace routing to achieve signal integrity, minimize interference, and reduce unwanted parasitic effects.
- Develop PCB layouts that support critical RF performance requirements such as low noise, proper isolation, thermal management, and frequency stability.
- Implement effective grounding, shielding, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) techniques.
- Collaborate closely with electrical, RF, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet technical and production objectives.
- Support high-frequency circuit designs involving oscillators, filters, amplifiers, and other RF subsystems.
- Generate complete manufacturing documentation packages, including:
- Gerber or ODB++ files
- Drill and fabrication files
- Layer stack-up documentation
- Fabrication and assembly drawings
- Bill of materials support documentation
- Define and document PCB stack-ups utilizing advanced RF materials and hybrid constructions.
- Evaluate material properties and their impact on circuit performance at high frequencies.
- Work with PCB fabrication and assembly partners to ensure manufacturability, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Participate in design reviews, tolerance analyses, and product development initiatives.
- Assist production teams in troubleshooting PCB-related assembly or manufacturing concerns.
Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of RF and microwave PCB design principles.
- Experience designing controlled impedance circuits and high-frequency transmission line structures.
- Knowledge of signal integrity, EMI/EMC mitigation, grounding, shielding, and RF layout best practices.
- Proficiency with PCB design tools such as:
- Cadence Allegro
- Mentor Graphics PADS
- Similar PCB CAD platforms
- Understanding of PCB fabrication processes, materials, tolerances, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles.
- Experience optimizing designs for electrical performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Familiarity with IPC standards and high-reliability electronic design practices.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a cross-functional engineering environment.
- Must be eligible to work with export-controlled technical data in accordance with applicable regulations.
Education & Background
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of PCB layout experience with significant exposure to RF, microwave, or other high-frequency applications.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Combination of office and manufacturing-floor environments.
- Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 pounds when necessary.
- Ability to bend, reach, stoop, kneel, and perform other physical tasks as required.
- Comfortable working around manufacturing equipment, process materials, and industrial environments while following safety protocols.
- Ability to use required PPE and safely access elevated work areas when needed.
- Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
- Annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) retirement savings program.
- Generous paid time off.
- Company-paid life insurance.
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities.
Location: Confidential Client | Manufacturing & Engineering Environment
Industry: Advanced Electronics, RF/Microwave Technology, Aerospace & Defense Applications (preferred experience but not required)
Employbridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Employment is contingent upon the success of background check and drug screening.