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- Tasks: Design and maintain complex PCB layouts and schematics for defence and aerospace projects.
- Company: Join a global team of 54k+ engineers working on innovative projects across 30 countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team driving innovation and making a real-world impact.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in ECAD software and experience in high-reliability PCB design required.
- Other info: Must have lived in the UK for the past 5 years for security clearance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about high-reliability PCB design in mission-critical environments? We are hiring an ECAD Engineer to join a cutting-edge defence & aerospace project based in Edinburgh. This role is ideal for someone with strong experience in schematic capture and PCB layout using industry-standard ECAD tools, looking to work on-site as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design and maintain complex PCB layouts and schematics using Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics, or Cadence Allegro
- Create and manage component libraries, including footprints and symbols
- Work closely with electrical and mechanical teams to ensure board layout accuracy and fit
- Perform Design Rule Checks (DRC), Electrical Rule Checks (ERC), and signal integrity checks
- Generate manufacturing documentation: Gerber files, assembly drawings, and BOMs
- Support prototype builds and liaise with PCB fabricators and assemblers
- Use PLM tools (e.g., Arena, Windchill) for data management and configuration control
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of ECAD tools, workflows, and standards
Qualifications:
- Proficiency in ECAD software (Altium, Mentor Graphics, or Cadence)
- Strong understanding of PCB design principles for high-reliability applications
- Experience generating production-ready documentation
- Familiarity with industry standards in aerospace or defence is a plus (IPC standards, DO-254, etc.)
- Comfortable working in a team environment and communicating across disciplines
- Must have lived in the UK continuously for the past 5 years to meet Security Clearance requirements
Why join us?
We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities. We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies. We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We are here to empower you and help you reach your full potential. Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!
In short you get:
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- A competitive salary
- Private Medical Insurance
- Pension Scheme
- Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
ECAD Engineer employer: Alten Ltd
Contact Detail:
Alten Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ECAD Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific ECAD tools mentioned in the job description, such as Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics, or Cadence Allegro. Having hands-on experience or even completing relevant projects using these tools can significantly boost your confidence and demonstrate your capability during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence and aerospace sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work in similar roles. This can provide you with valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of industry standards like IPC standards and DO-254. Being well-versed in these standards will not only help you in the role but also show your commitment to high-reliability applications, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in PCB design and how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlighting your teamwork skills and ability to communicate effectively across disciplines will be key in demonstrating that you're a good fit for their multi-disciplinary engineering team.
We think you need these skills to ace ECAD Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with ECAD tools like Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics, or Cadence Allegro. Emphasise your PCB design skills and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in high-reliability environments.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for engineering and how it aligns with the company's mission. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams and your familiarity with industry standards in aerospace or defence.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on projects involving PCB layout and schematic capture, include these in your application. Describe your role, the tools you used, and the outcomes of the projects to give the employer a clear picture of your capabilities.
Highlight Continuous Improvement: Mention any initiatives you've taken to improve workflows or tools in your previous roles. This shows your commitment to innovation and aligns with the company's focus on continuous improvement in engineering practices.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alten Ltd
✨Showcase Your ECAD Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with ECAD tools like Altium Designer, Mentor Graphics, or Cadence Allegro. Highlight specific projects where you successfully designed complex PCB layouts and schematics, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Understand the Industry Standards
Familiarise yourself with relevant industry standards such as IPC standards and DO-254. Being able to discuss how these standards apply to your work will show that you are knowledgeable and serious about high-reliability applications in defence and aerospace.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with electrical and mechanical teams, be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated in a multi-disciplinary environment. This will highlight your communication skills and ability to work well within a team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to PCB design principles, Design Rule Checks (DRC), and Electrical Rule Checks (ERC). Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your thought process and problem-solving approach during the interview.
