PCB Designer
Location: Hampshire Area, UK (Onsite up to 5 days per week may be required)
Experience Required: 5+ years in PCB CAD design using Altium Designer
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced PCB CAD Designer to take responsibility for PCB layout, component placement, and routing for RF and high-speed digital boards. The role involves close collaboration with design engineers to ensure high-quality, manufacturable, and testable PCB designs that meet performance and reliability standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform electronic schematic capture and PCB layout design using the Altium software suite.
- Develop and maintain component libraries, including schematic symbols, footprints, and metadata.
- Execute designs involving mixed technologies (SMT, PTH).
- Conduct component placement and signal routing for complex RF and high-speed digital boards (including mmWave).
- Design and validate multi-layer PCBs, including through-holes, blind and buried vias.
- Define PCB layer stack-up and material selection (substrates, copper thickness, dielectric types).
- Ensure designs meet Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT) requirements.
- Perform signal integrity verification, ensuring controlled impedance, capacitance, and spacing for high-speed traces.
- Design and verify power distribution networks considering current limits, copper weight, and spacing.
- Maintain balanced copper distribution to prevent board bow and twist.
- Prepare comprehensive manufacturing documentation and fabrication data packages.
Standards and Compliance
- In-depth knowledge and application of:
- IPC-A-600
- IPC-6012
- IPC-A-610 (up to Class 3)
- IPC-2221
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in PCB CAD design using Altium Designer.
- Proven track record with RF and high-speed digital PCB design.
- Strong understanding of PCB materials, stack-up design, and impedance control.
- Experience working closely with electrical and mechanical engineers throughout the product design cycle.
- Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to documentation and verification.
Additional Information
To be considered for this role, you must hold active SC Clearance or be eligible to obtain SC Clearance.
