Pcb Layout Designer

Actalent; Minnesota; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a PCB Layout Designer in Minnesota to transform schematics into manufacturable PCB layouts and to produce comprehensive fabrication documentation.

You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, mentor junior designers, and push for continuous improvements in design processes, including high-speed and HDI technologies.

Qualifications

• Requires Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Electronics or related field.
• 5+ years of PCB design experience with a major EDA toolset.
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and redesign PCBs from schematics using Mentor Graphics Xpedition; create detailed fabrication and assembly documentation.
• Collaborate with Designers, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers to refine designs and maintain documentation.
• Mentor one or more PCB Designers and contribute to process improvements and new procedures.

Skills

PCB Layout

Mentor Graphics Xpedition

Schematic Capture

HDI Technologies

IPC Specifications

PLM/ERP Knowledge

Team Mentoring

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Electronics

Tools

Mentor Graphics Xpedition (Designer/Design Capture)

Siemens Xpedition

Altium

Cadence Allegro

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: PCB Layout Designer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and redesigning printed circuit boards (PCBs) from schematics and design requirements using advanced electronic design automation tools. The PCB Layout Designer transforms engineering concepts into manufacturable PCB layouts, creates comprehensive documentation for fabrication and assembly, and collaborates closely with cross-functional engineering teams. This position also contributes to continuous improvement of PCB design processes and supports the development of other PCB designers through mentoring and technical guidance.

Responsibilities

• Design and redesign PCBs from schematics and design requirements using Mentor Graphics Xpedition, Designer, and Design Capture software.
• Create detailed drawings, manufacturing files, and documentation required for PCB fabrication, assembly, and internal verification.
• Collaborate closely with Designers, Mechanical Engineers, and Electrical Engineers to refine designs and maintain accurate documentation.
• Modify and update drawings to meet evolving engineering requirements and initiate engineering change orders as needed.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in PCB design and engineering processes, including mentoring one or more PCB Designers.
• Recommend improvements to PCB design processes and author new procedures to enhance quality, efficiency, and consistency.
• Create schematic symbols, component geometries, and electronic components using Mentor Graphics Xpedition and PCB Library Expert software.
• Apply knowledge of IPC specifications and terminology to ensure PCB layouts meet manufacturing standards and best practices.
• Incorporate design requirements for rigid, rigid-flex, and flexible PCBs, including multilayer and HDI technologies.
• Utilize PLM and ERP systems to manage design data, documentation, and product lifecycle information.
• Set up and modify layout constraints for PCB designs, particularly for complex and high-speed applications when required.
• Leverage high-speed PCB design principles to ensure signal integrity and performance in advanced designs.
• Use Siemens Xpedition, Altium, Cadence Allegro, and related tools for schematic capture and PCB layout as applicable.

Essential Skills

• Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in Electronics or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience with a PCB design software package, with preference for Mentor Graphics Xpedition schematic and PCB design software Release VX.2.0 and later.
• Proficiency in PCB layout and PCB design, including schematic capture and electrical design concepts.
• Familiarity with IPC specifications and terminology related to printed circuit board manufacturing.
• Experience designing rigid, rigid-flex, and flexible PCBs utilizing multilayer and HDI technologies.
• Experience working with PLM and ERP systems to manage design data and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with multiple groups.
• Hands-on experience with Mentor Graphics (Mentor Graphics Xpedition, Designer, and Design Capture).
• Ability to create schematic symbols, component geometries, and electronic components using Mentor Graphics Xpedition and PCB Library Expert software.
• Competence in using Siemens Xpedition for PCB layout and related tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience setting up and modifying constraints in PCB layout environments.
• High-speed PCB design experience, including consideration of signal integrity and advanced routing requirements.
• Expert-level proficiency with the Mentor Graphics suite of PCB tools.
• Experience with Altium and Cadence (including Allegro) for PCB design and schematic capture.
• Broad understanding of electronics and electronic components used in industrial automation applications.
• Interest in contributing to process improvement initiatives and authoring new design procedures.
• Motivation to mentor and support other PCB designers and share best practices across the team.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office and cubicle setting within a newly remodeled building. The role involves working with modern electronic design automation tools, including Mentor Graphics Xpedition, Siemens Xpedition, Altium, and Cadence Allegro, as well as PLM and ERP systems. The environment emphasizes collaboration with engineering teams and supports professional growth, personal development, and participation in a culture that values innovation, continuous improvement, and teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Perman