At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and layout electronic circuits for cutting-edge RF products.
- Company: Filtronic creates innovative RF solutions for high-frequency communications.
- Benefits: Enjoy pension plans, life assurance, a leave package, remote work, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful technology in telecommunications and defence.
- Qualifications: HND or equivalent with experience in PCB design using Altium Designer.
- Other info: Work with experienced engineers and optimise designs for high-volume manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Filtronic delivers cutting-edge RF and mmWave solutions that power the future of high-frequency communications. From satellite links to next-generation sensing systems, we design and manufacture high-performance components and subsystems—including SSPAs, filters, and transceivers—ensuring seamless connectivity and precision at the highest frequencies.
Working with a team of experienced RF, electronics and mechanical engineers you will contribute to the design of radio frequency products, with responsibility for schematic capture, PCB layout and library management, translating circuit designs into manufacturable PCBs ensuring that electrical performance, quality, cost and manufacturability requirements are met.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Together with inputs provided by our team of RF engineers, you will design and layout electronic circuits incorporating mixed technologies for telecommunications and defence products.
- Collaborate with electrical engineers to ensure optimal component placement and routing, meeting performance, power, and signal integrity requirements.
- Optimize PCB layout for factors such as signal integrity, power delivery, thermal management, and manufacturability.
- Ensure designs comply with design rules, electrical constraints, and manufacturability guidelines.
- Implement best practices for component placement, routing, and layer stack-up to meet stringent design and performance criteria.
- Perform DRC and ERC to identify design errors early in the process and work to resolve issues.
- Manage and maintain a library of components, footprints, and symbols.
- Select appropriate components based on design specifications and ensure proper documentation.
- Generate and maintain detailed design documentation, including assembly drawings, bill of materials (BOM), and stack-up definitions.
- Assist with testing and debugging of prototypes and support manufacturing teams during PCB fabrication and prototype assembly.
- Work with PCB manufacturers to ensure designs are optimized for fabrication and assembly.
- Communicate and negotiate design specs and changes with PCB vendors and CEM subcontractors.
- Handle component obsolescence issues and propose suitable alternatives.
- To meet departmental objectives as allocated by Team Leader.
Requirements:
- Relevant HND (or equivalent).
- Experience in circuit schematic capture, multi-layer, mixed-technology layout and manufacturing pack generation using Altium Designer.
- Strong understanding of PCB fabrication and assembly processes.
- Experience defining stack-ups based on transmission line impedance requirements.
- Proficiency in component selection, schematic capture, and layout techniques.
- Ability to effectively use version control (SVN, Git) within Altium Designer.
- An awareness of high-volume surface mount process/technologies and design for high volume manufacture.
- Ability to conduct minor SMT reworks down to 0402 component size desirable.
- Experience of RF/microwave electronic circuit design and implementation desirable.
Benefits:
- Pension Plans.
- Life Assurance.
- Leave Package.
- Work From Home.
- Training & Development.
PCB Layout Engineer employer: Filtronic
Contact Detail:
Filtronic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCB Layout Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Altium Designer, as it's a key tool for this role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to enhance your skills in circuit schematic capture and PCB layout.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the RF and PCB design community. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for positions like the one at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in PCB fabrication and assembly processes. Understanding new technologies can give you an edge and show potential employers that you're proactive about your professional development.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with component selection and design rules during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've optimised PCB layouts in past projects to meet performance and manufacturability requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Layout Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the PCB Layout Engineer position. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills needed, such as experience with Altium Designer and knowledge of RF/microwave circuit design.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in PCB layout, schematic capture, and any projects that demonstrate your understanding of high-frequency communications. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application stands out.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for RF technology and your ability to work collaboratively with engineers. Mention specific experiences that align with the job's requirements, such as managing component libraries or optimising PCB layouts.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves precision in design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Filtronic
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with PCB layout and schematic capture, particularly using Altium Designer. Highlight specific projects where you optimised designs for signal integrity and manufacturability.
✨Understand RF and Microwave Principles
Since the role involves RF and mmWave solutions, brush up on your knowledge of high-frequency communications. Be ready to explain how you would approach designing circuits for telecommunications and defence products.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
This position requires working closely with electrical engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, especially in optimising component placement and routing.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle design errors or component obsolescence. Think of scenarios where you identified issues early in the design process and how you resolved them effectively.