PCB Design Engineer – Altium

Octagon Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Octagon Group in Chicago is seeking a mid-level PCB Design Engineer to own PCB layout using Altium Designer, aligning with RF and microwave product requirements.

You will collaborate with the design team, maintain libraries, and prepare fabrication documentation. This on-site role offers direct access to the VP of Engineering and opportunities to influence board design standards across projects.

Qualifications

• PCB design and layout experience with Altium Designer.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of layout tasks.
• Experience creating and maintaining component libraries.
• Understanding PCB manufacturing requirements and design for manufacture.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce and maintain PCB layouts using Altium Designer from schematics and requirements.
• Review, organize and improve Altium libraries, including symbols and footprints.
• Prepare and maintain PCB fabrication and assembly documentation.
• Liaise with fabrication/assembly suppliers, resolving technical queries and supporting manufacturability.
• Collaborate with RF/electronics engineers on layout, revisions and prototype development.
• Establish consistent layout and documentation practices across projects.

Skills

Independent worker

Layout optimization

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Octagon Group is recruiting a PCB Design Engineer for a growing specialist in high-power RF and microwave amplifier technology, supporting military, defense and other demanding applications.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of PCB layout within a close-knit engineering team. You’ll help bring consistency to board designs, improve existing Altium libraries and work closely with engineering colleagues and PCB fabrication partners.

The role

• Produce and maintain PCB layouts using Altium Designer, working from engineering schematics and requirements.
• Review, organize and improve existing Altium component libraries, including symbols and footprints.
• Prepare and maintain PCB fabrication and assembly documentation.
• Liaise with PCB fabrication and assembly suppliers, resolving technical queries and supporting manufacturability.
• Work with RF and electronics engineers on board layout, design revisions and prototype development.
• Establish consistent layout and documentation practices across projects.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience in PCB design and layout using Altium Designer.
• The ability to work independently and take ownership of layout tasks.
• Experience creating and maintaining component libraries.
• A sound understanding of PCB manufacturing requirements and design for manufacture.
• Strong attention to detail and a practical approach to resolving design and production issues.

RF or microwave PCB exposure would be beneficial, but is not essential.

This role would suit a mid-level PCB Design Engineer who is confident working independently and wants broader ownership within a growing engineering business.

What’s on offer

• $120,000 – $130,000 base salary, depending on experience.
• Direct access to the VP of Engineering and close collaboration with the wider design team.
• A flat hierarchy, fast decisions and the opportunity to improve how PCB design is delivered.
• Exposure to specialist high-power RF and microwave products.

This role is fully on-site in the Chicago area. Visa sponsorship is unavailable; U.S. citizens and green card holders are welcome to apply.