PWB Designer V

Frontgrade Technologies; Carlsbad (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits (FSA/HSA)

401K matching

9x80 compressed work schedule

Career growth

Tuition reimbursement

PTO and holidays

Paid family leave

Job summary

Frontgrade Technologies is seeking a PWB Designer V to lead the layout of complex, high-reliability PWBs for new and existing products. You will collaborate across Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing teams to create manufacturable layouts using Siemens Xpedition, with occasional PADS support.

You will mentor designers and drive best practices and CAD workflow improvements. The role emphasizes technical leadership, collaboration, and adherence to IPC standards while delivering robust,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in PCB design environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design complex multilayer PWBs using Siemens Xpedition and support in PADS.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing teams to optimize layouts.
• Create documentation for PCB manufacturing and board assemblies.
• Mentor other designers and provide technical leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement of PCB layout standards and CAD workflows.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Xpedition

PADS

Job description

Job Description

The PWB Designer V is responsible for the design and layout of complex, high-reliability Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs) for new and existing electronic products. This role collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, and Manufacturing teams to develop manufacturable PCB layouts using Siemens Xpedition, with occasional support in PADS. The Designer V provides technical leadership, establishes layout best practices, and mentors other designers.

Responsibilities

• Participate in engineering design review by proving inputs to the Engineering team as required
• Create complex multilayer PWB layouts using Siemens Xpedition; provide support in PADS as required
• Work with external vendors to develop PCB stack-ups and ensure layouts conform to latest IPC standards
• Collaborate closely with Electrical and Mechanical Engineering to optimize component placement, routing strategy, impedance control, power distribution, Thermal Management, EMI/EMC performance, signal integrity, and ensure enclosure, connector, and keep-out compatibility.
• Generate documentation packages for PCB manufacturing and board assemblies
• Perform constraint-driven PCB layout using provided design guides
• Review schematics for layout readiness and identify potential manufacturability or routing concerns early in the design cycle
• Support PCB fabrication reviews with internal teams and external manufacturing partners
• Participate in design reviews and provide recommendations to improve product performance, manufacturability, reliability, and cost
• Mentor team designers and provide technical leadership on complex layout projects.
• Support prototype builds, engineering changes (ECOs), and production releases.
• Drive continuous improvement of PCB layout standards, workflows, and CAD methodologies.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in area of responsibility.
• CAD Software
  • Xpedition (Preferred)
  • PADS
• Experience working with RF PCB Designs (Preferred)

About Frontgrade

At Frontgrade, we build mission-critical electronics that perform without compromise in the world’s most demanding environments, from deep space to national defense. With decades of proven heritage, we deliver high-reliability components, subsystems, and integrated solutions trusted when failure is not an option. But our strength is not just in what we build. It is in the people who make it possible. From engineers and product managers to sales teams, marketers, and skilled manufacturing professionals, every role plays a direct part in enabling missions that protect, explore, and connect our world. We move with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and take pride in delivering solutions our customers rely on in the highest-stakes environments. If you want your work, whatever your specialty, to contribute to something bigger, you will find your place at Frontgrade.

Why Work for Us

We believe mission success starts with taking care of our people. That's why we offer competitive health, wealth, and wellbeing benefits from day one. You'll also find real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance, whether you're building technical expertise, leading teams, or expanding into new areas. Here, your growth is part of the mission.

Additional Information

This position may require access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition of any job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you may need to obtain a U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law.

Other Benefits Include

• Immediate Medical (FSA and HSA), Dental, and Vision
• 401K Match with 100% immediate vesting
• 9X80 compressed work schedule for qualifying roles
• Career Opportunity and Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement/Student Loan Repayment
• Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (9 designated holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave