Senior PCB Layout Engineer

Astemo, Ltd.; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astemo, Ltd. is seeking an experienced PCB Layout Engineer to support automotive embedded ECUs. You will perform advanced routing, multi-layer HDI board design, and DFX to meet stringent customer specs.

Collaboration with cross-functional teams and mentorship of junior designers are key components of this role. The position requires 8+ years of hands-on PCB layout, library management, and schematic capture, with a BSEE.

Qualifications

• BSEE required.
• 8+ years hands-on experience in PCB layout, library management, and schematic capture.
• Experience with design for manufacturing/assembly and IPC standards is desirable.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Routing & Stacking with controlled impedance routing and signal integrity mitigation.
• Design standards knowledge including IPC classifications and GD&T.
• Design for Excellence (DFX) including DFM, DFA, DFT to ensure high yields.
• CAD proficiency with premium tools (Cadence Allegro).
• Design and layout of multi-layer boards (10+ layers) with HDI and high-density power/signal routing.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, production, and supply chain teams to define board architecture.
• Produce Gerber/ODB++ files, BOMs, and fabrication/assembly drawings for suppliers.
• Mentor junior/mid-level PCB designers and drive internal best practices.

Skills

PCB layout

Cadence Allegro

HDI design

Gerber/ODB++

Signal integrity

Thermal management

3D modeling

Education

BSEE

Tools

Cadence Allegro

Schematic capture tools

Job description

Job Summary:

This exciting position will support the development and production of automotive embedded electronic control unit hardware. Day-to-day activities would include performing PCB layouts for automotive control systems for quotation and mass production purposes that meet customer specifications and adhere to internal company requirements.

Job Responsibilities:

The candidate will need to work with minimal direction but would work under the supervision of DE management and senior staff members located at both the Farmington Hills, MI and Harrodsburg, KY facilities. This position will be located at the Farmington Hills, MI facility. Duties to include the following:

• Advanced Routing & Stacking: Expertise in controlled impedance routing, signal/power integrity mitigation, and routing rigid assemblies.
• Design Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and drafting standards, including GD&T and IPC classifications (IPC-2221, IPC-6012, IPC-6013).
• Design for Excellence (DFX): Deep understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Testing (DFT) to ensure high yield rates.
• CAD Proficiency: Advanced mastery of premium software suites like Cadence Allegro.
• Complex Layout Execution: Designing multi-layer boards (often 10+ layers) that handle High-Density Interconnects (HDI), and mixed-signal power conversion.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working alongside electrical, mechanical, production and supply chain engineers to define board architecture and resolve physical constraints.
• Deliverables Generation: Producing Gerber/ODB++ files, BOMs (Bills of Materials), and detailed fabrication/assembly drawings for suppliers.
• Mentorship: Guiding junior and mid-level PCB designers, reviewing design layouts, and driving internal best practices
• Electronics and Circuit Theory: A strong understanding of basic electronics, analog and digital circuits, and component behavior.
• PCB Design Principles: Knowledge of PCB design rules, stack-up design, signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management.
• 3D Modeling and Mechanical Design: Ability to use 3D models to check for inter-component spacing and other mechanical constraints.
• Basic Electromagnetics: Understanding of basic electromagnetics and how it relates to PCB design.
• Understanding the Importance of SI/PI Simulation: SI/PI simulations help predict how signals propagate and how power will be distributed across the PCB, allowing for early detection of potential problems.
• Transmission Line Theory: Familiarity with transmission line theory and its application to PCB design.
• Vias and Connectors: Understanding the impact of vias and connectors on signal integrity and power delivery.
• The candidate may be required to travel a limited extent within the U.S and travel to Japan is a possibility.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will also have:

• IPC CID (Certified Interconnect Designer). Certifications are highly desirable.
• Understand analog and digital hardware systems as applied to automotive control systems.
• Understand analysis methods and interpreting the results to convey this information to others.
• Exercise critical thinking and dealing with complex problems to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions and conclusions.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills to convey information efficiently and effectively.
• Be able to coordinate program activities with team members at remote sites.

Additionally, the ability to work independently with minimal direction is required as are strong verbal and written communication skills. Experience with PCs and application software, such as MS Office tools is also required.

Education: BSEE

Experience: 8+ years of hands-on experience in PCB layout, library management, and schematic capture.

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands: Required to sit or stand for long periods of time. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Travel: Domestic and international may be required as needed. The candidate will occasionally need to travel to multiple global locations to support project development.

Remote work: Permitted when duties allow it but must be able to report to office within one hour of being called.