RF PCB Layout Engineer for Space-Grade Rugged Boards

Actalent; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 96,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Columbia, MD is seeking a PCB Layout Designer to develop multilayer layouts in Altium Designer for RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits used in ruggedized space-flight hardware.

You will translate schematics into manufacturable designs, support RF/microwave designs, and perform DFM/DFT checks, design reviews, and prototype integration in an onsite lab environment.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience designing complex multilayer PCBs for RF, analog, digital, or mixed-signal applications.
• Strong schematic capture and PCB layout process knowledge from concept to release.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed digital design.
• Experience with RF and microwave PCB elements including transmission lines.
• Proficiency in controlled impedance routing and differential pair routing.
• Knowledge of power distribution network design on multilayer PCBs.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and drawings.
• Strong communication with multidisciplinary teams.
• Comfort working onsite in a collaborative engineering and lab environment.

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.
• Translate schematics into manufacturable, high-reliability PCB designs.
• Support RF and microwave board design considerations including impedance routing, RF transmission lines, grounding and shielding, signal integrity, and EMI/EMC mitigation.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure proper form, fit, and function 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 and support prototype builds.
• Perform DFM and DFT analysis and prepare release 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.
• Provide hands-on support during prototype integration, testing, and troubleshooting activities in the lab.
• Contribute to antenna system and RF technology designs for space-flight hardware as part of multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills

Altium Designer

PCB layout

RF/microwave design

High-speed design

Schematic reading

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

DFM/DFT analysis

Job description

Actalent in Columbia, MD is seeking a PCB Layout Designer to develop multilayer layouts in Altium Designer for RF, analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits used in ruggedized space-flight hardware.

You will translate schematics into manufacturable designs, support RF/microwave designs, and perform DFM/DFT checks, design reviews, and prototype integration in an onsite lab environment.