Pcb Layout Designer

Actalent; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 83,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

HSA

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a PCB Layout Designer for a contract position in Columbia, MD. The role focuses on developing complex multilayer PCB layouts using Altium Designer for RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuitry in a ruggedized, space-flight environment.

You will translate schematics into manufacturable designs, support RF/microwave considerations, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure optimal performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in electrical or related engineering field.
• 5+ years of PCB layout experience using Altium Designer.
• Proven experience designing complex multilayer boards for RF and mixed-signal apps.
• Strong understanding of schematic capture and layout processes from concept to release.
• Hands-on with high-speed digital design and layout techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex multilayer PCB layouts using Altium Designer for RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuitry.
• Create/manufacture board stackups, design rules, fabrication drawings, and assembly docs for manufacturing/testing.
• Translate schematics into manufacturable PCB designs with high reliability in rugged environments.
• Support RF/microwave board considerations including controlled impedance routing and shielding techniques.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering for proper form, fit, and function in rugged space-flight hardware.
• Participate in design reviews and provide layout strategy recommendations for manufacturability and reliability.
• Interface with vendors to resolve manufacturing issues and support prototype builds.
• Perform DFM/DFT checks and prepare release-ready design documentation.
• Support trade studies on board architecture, packaging constraints, thermal management, and reliability.
• Contribute to developing PCB design standards and best practices for high-reliability electronics.

Skills

RF layout

Multilayer PCB

High-speed design

Schematic capture

DFM/DFT

Signal integrity

EMI/EMC

Power distribution

Mechanical collaboration

Altium Designer

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Job Title: PCB Layout Designer Job Description The PCB Layout Designer will develop complex multilayer circuit board layouts using Altium Designer for RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuitry in a high-reliability, ruggedized hardware environment. This role translates electrical schematics into manufacturable PCB designs, supports RF and microwave board considerations, and collaborates closely with electrical and mechanical engineering teams to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and integration within space-flight and other rugged systems. The position also contributes to design standards, participates in design reviews, and supports prototype integration, testing, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex multilayer PCB layouts using Altium Designer for RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuitry.
• Create and maintain board stackups, design rules, fabrication drawings, and assembly documentation to support manufacturing and test activities.
• Work directly with electrical engineers to translate schematics into manufacturable, high-reliability PCB designs.
• Support RF and microwave board design considerations including controlled impedance routing, RF transmission lines, grounding and shielding techniques, signal integrity optimization, and EMI/EMC mitigation.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering to ensure proper form, fit, and function of PCB designs within ruggedized system packaging and space-flight hardware.
• Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations on layout strategy, manufacturability, reliability, and adherence to design standards.
• Interface with fabrication and assembly vendors to resolve manufacturing issues, clarify documentation, and support prototype builds.
• Perform design verification checks, including DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFT (Design for Test) analysis, and prepare and release complete design documentation.
• Support engineering trade studies related to board architecture, packaging constraints, thermal management, and reliability requirements.
• Assist in developing and refining PCB design standards and best practices for high-reliability electronics and ruggedized systems.
• Provide hands-on support during prototype integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities in the lab environment.
• Contribute to antenna system and RF technology designs for space flight hardware as part of multidisciplinary project teams.

Essential Skills

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of PCB layout experience using Altium Designer.
• Proven experience designing complex multilayer circuit boards for RF, analog, digital, or mixed-signal applications.
• Strong understanding of schematic capture and PCB layout processes from concept through release.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed digital design and associated layout techniques.
• Experience with RF and microwave PCB electronics, including RF transmission lines and related layout considerations.
• Proficiency in controlled impedance routing and differential pair routing for high-speed and RF signals.
• Knowledge of power distribution network design and layout on multilayer PCBs.
• Solid knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly processes and how layout decisions affect manufacturability and reliability.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings accurately.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work directly and effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Comfort working onsite in a collaborative engineering and lab environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with space hardware or ruggedized electronic systems.
• Experience in designing antenna systems or RF front-end circuitry for space flight hardware.
• Interest in learning and contributing to areas outside of core PCB layout focus, such as RF testing or system integration.
• Ability to participate in and contribute to the development of PCB design standards and best practices for high-reliability electronics.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills when addressing manufacturing issues and design trade-offs.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and coordinate with vendors and internal teams to meet project timelines.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small, collaborative engineering and lab environment in Columbia, MD. The facility includes an anechoic chamber for testing RF technology and antenna systems, providing direct exposure to hands-on RF validation work. Team members work standard Monday through Friday business hours with flexibility as needed to support project milestones and prototype activities. The culture emphasizes close collaboration, knowledge sharing, and opportunities to learn beyond core responsibilities, including exposure to space-flight hardware programs and advanced RF systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Columbia, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.