Principal PCB Design Engineer

Join us in our mission to provide the world's military members with the latest, most customizable solutions and capabilities, enabling mission success anywhere around the globe. At Ultra Intelligence and Communications (I&C), we provide critical, tactical capabilities to enhance and accelerate decision-making in the most challenging environments. By joining us, you will experience unrivaled opportunities for growth and innovation and be a part of a dynamic and diverse team that pushes boundaries and drives meaningful change in intelligence and communications.

Our Cyber business unit is at the forefront of pioneering advanced cryptographic and key management solutions, facilitating the confidential exchange of vital information for customers operating at both tactical and strategic echelons. Join our team and participate in the innovation that ensures the highest security and trust worldwide.

Job Description

Design and layout complex multi-layer (4 – 20 layers) Printed Circuit Boards to be used in commercial, security, aerospace and space sectors, within the Cyber Business Unit, delivering multiple concurrent research, development and production programmes ranging from tens of £k to several £m.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and layout complex multi-layer (4 – 20 layers) rigid, semi-rigid or flexi Printed Circuit Boards, that contain through, buried and blind vias to be used in commercial, security, aerospace and space sectors, following Ultra’s processes.
• Design PCB layouts for analogue, RF, digital, power, high-speed and highly reliable circuits in accordance with DO-254 if required.
• Design PCB layouts considering security, EMC and TEMPEST implications and rules.
• With input from Production Test, incorporate test points in the layout to make the PCB testable without compromising the performance required by hardware engineers.
• Work with the electronic hardware team to understand circuit requirements such as trace impedances, separations and any limitations, EMC and TEMPEST considerations and signal integrity rules, to ensure the PCB conforms to them.
• Liaise with bare PCB fabricators and PCB assembly houses, as required, to ensure the design is of high quality and conforms to their stackup, DRC, DFM and DFT requirements.
• Work with the mechanical engineers to ensure the PCB design is in accordance with their requirements and space envelope.
• Liaising with the procurement and supply chain teams to ensure a seamless transition to manufacture.
• CAD library administration including symbol, footprint generation and database administration.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload, and work under pressure to deliver on multiple projects at the same time.
• Participating in designs reviews with electrical and mechanical hardware engineers.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of best practice PCB design processes and tools.
• Line Managing other PCB layout engineers.
• Estimate time and effort required for PCB design activities and deliver to these time and effort estimates to ensure cost and schedule adherence.
• Proposes improvements in tools, processes and techniques that support quality and innovation and make PCB design more efficient and effective.
• Actively contribute to and/or lead defined aspects of the project to achieve optimal balance between requirements, schedule and cost.
• Generate and review technical proposals, and provide accurate estimates for the associated effort, costs and risks, for bids and proposals, leading to contract awards.
• Explains technically complex concepts clearly to less technical/involved parties.
• Manage security of information as defined in the Security manual to ensure compliance with Government regulations.

Qualifications / skills required

Essential:

• Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Experience of PCB design, routing and layout of complex, high-density electronic circuit assemblies, including through-hole and fine-pitch SMT components.
• Extensive experience of using industry standard toolsets for PCB layout and simulation.
• In-depth knowledge of routing practices, guidelines and IPC standards.
• Experience of implementing DFM and DFT features on PCBs and review processes with suppliers.
• Must have proven experience of using modern design tools with a record of successful PCB designs covering a range of complex PCBs e.g. multi-layer, high speed digital, RF, analogue and power distribution.

Desirable:

• Carrying out complex layout using Altium or PADs.
• Ability to create schematics using Altium, PADs and PADs Pro.
• Understanding of power distribution and thermal aspects of PCB design.
• Experience of Gerber file and ODB++ manipulation.
• Schematic capture.
• Experience of using Windchill for version control.

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Our Benefits

Every employee is critical to our success, and as such, we offer a range of flexible employee benefits, including:

• Annual Bonus
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days’ holiday with the option to buy an extra 5
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Monthly Security Clearance Allowance - Subject to you holding the required security clearance

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement

At Ultra I&C, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusivity. Underpinned by our values, behaviours, and policies, we want you to feel empowered to be the best version of yourself. We also believe that people from different backgrounds and cultures will increase our diversity of thinking, ensuring we successfully deliver to our customers. We, therefore, do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We also support requests for flexible working arrangements wherever possible.