At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype cutting-edge PCBs for revolutionary satellites.
- Company: Join NewOrbit Space, pioneering ultra-low Earth orbit satellite technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking mission with unmatched ownership and impact in space tech.
- Qualifications: 3+ years PCB design experience; expertise in modern CAD tools required.
- Other info: Expect extended hours as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant. Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.
Your Role
You will design, lay out, prototype, and validate printed-circuit boards (PCBs) from concept through production, owning the entire board lifecycle and ensuring every design ships reliably and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- Capture schematics and create multilayer PCB layouts that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and reliability.
- Apply best-practice design rules for signal integrity, power integrity, high-speed digital, analog, and mixed-signal circuits.
- Select components based on electrical, mechanical, thermal, lifecycle, and cost considerations while maintaining high-quality CAD libraries.
- Perform stack-up, impedance, and basic signal-integrity analyses; run comprehensive DRC/DFM checks to achieve first-time-right designs.
- Generate manufacturing files (Gerbers/ODB++, pick-and-place, BOMs) with clear build notes, and document design decisions, test results, and revision history.
- Collaborate closely with electronics, firmware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to define requirements, review designs, and integrate PCBs into complete products.
- Bonus: Oversee fabrication and assembly vendors, develop test plans, bring up prototypes, and debug issues using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and related lab equipment.
Fundamental Requirements
- Minimum 3 years of end-to-end PCB design and layout experience with production hardware in volume manufacturing.
- Expertise with at least one modern PCB CAD suite (e.g. Altium Designer) and familiarity with basic simulation tools for PI/SI analysis.
- Solid understanding of PCB stack-ups, controlled-impedance routing, differential pairs, power distribution, grounding, EMC/EMI mitigation, and DFM / DFA best practices.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent organisational habits, and the initiative to drive designs from concept to production with minimal supervision.
- Bonus: Comfortable with soldering, rework, and laboratory instrumentation for board bring-up and failure analysis.
Why NewOrbit Space?
- Pioneering Space Technology β You will contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.
- Unmatched Ownership and Impact β You will experience a level of ownership thatβs rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
- Equity and Competitive Salary β You will receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring youβre a part of our collective success.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package β Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
PCB Engineer employer: NewOrbit Space Ltd
Contact Detail:
NewOrbit Space Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land PCB Engineer
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest PCB design software, especially Altium Designer, as it's crucial for this role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to sharpen your skills and demonstrate your commitment to mastering the tools of the trade.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the space technology sector. Attend industry conferences or webinars where you can meet people from NewOrbit Space or similar companies. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
β¨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in satellite technology and PCB design. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and publications to engage in conversations about innovations in the field, which can help you stand out during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, particularly those involving end-to-end PCB design and layout. Be ready to explain your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you ensured reliability and manufacturability in your work.
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Engineer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the PCB Engineer position at NewOrbit Space. Understand the key responsibilities and fundamental requirements to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your end-to-end PCB design and layout experience. Mention specific projects where you have successfully managed the entire board lifecycle, showcasing your ability to meet deadlines and ensure reliability.
Showcase Technical Skills: Clearly outline your expertise with PCB CAD tools, particularly any experience with Altium Designer. Include details about your familiarity with simulation tools for power integrity and signal integrity analysis, as well as your understanding of best practices in PCB design.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only highlights your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for working on pioneering space technology. Discuss how your skills align with NewOrbit Space's mission and your eagerness to contribute to their innovative projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at NewOrbit Space Ltd
β¨Showcase Your PCB Design Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous PCB design projects in detail. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in terms of performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
β¨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Brush up on key concepts related to PCB stack-ups, controlled-impedance routing, and signal integrity. Be ready to answer technical questions or even solve problems on the spot to showcase your expertise.
β¨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with electronics, firmware, and mechanical teams in the past. Communication is key!
β¨Prepare Questions About the Company
Research NewOrbit Space and prepare insightful questions about their projects and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the company and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission.