PCB Layout Engineer in Guildford

About Cosmic Equipment UK: Cosmic Equipment UK is a growing company in an exciting high technology area at the forefront of new developments powering the green revolution. We are a dedicated, engineering-based organisation with the skills to meet the demanding needs of our growing customer base of semiconductor device manufacturers around the world. We develop solutions for testing challenging new green power technologies such as GaN and SiC, as well as for the latest generation of MOSFETs, IGBTs, diodes, SCR’s and bipolars. Headquartered in the UK, with applications and support facilities in Malaysia and Japan. We are part of the Cosmic Semiconductor Solutions Group and work closely with the other companies in Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and USA. We have a track record of investing in our people and work hard to ensure that all our staff are well informed, well trained and well-motivated to be completely responsive to our customer needs. Product development is core to our existence, and we have introduced a significant new product nearly every year since our origins in the early 1980's. Our Mostrak test platform has been through constant cycles of renewal, whilst always retaining compatibility. We operate seamlessly between our Engineering, Manufacture and Test, Customer Support and Technical Sales groups. Our success also lies in investing in and working closely with our external manufacturing base to ensure we are as responsive and nimble as possible whilst drawing on the experience and production efficiency of our family of dedicated CEM partners and OEM manufacturers. Above all, Cosmic is responsive.

About the role: We are seeking an experienced PCB Layout Engineer to join our R&D hardware team on a 12 month fixed-term contract. In this role, you will design and layout complex Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) for high-power automated test systems. You will handle boards that manage significant voltage and current levels while ensuring safety, reliability, signal integrity, and thermal performance. This is a technically challenging role that combines high-speed digital design with high-power layout expertise in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and layout of complex, multi-layer PCBAs for high-voltage and high-current automated test equipment.
• Develop robust power distribution layouts, including high-current traces, bus bars, heavy copper layers, and appropriate via structures.
• Perform high-speed PCB layout for digital control, communication interfaces, and mixed-signal circuits while maintaining proper isolation between high-voltage and low-voltage sections.
• Ensure compliance with high-voltage design rules including adequate creepage and clearance distances, insulation coordination, and safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with Electrical Design Engineers to optimize schematics for high-power performance, thermal management, and manufacturability.
• Manage critical design aspects such as signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC, thermal dissipation, and high-current handling.
• Create and maintain component libraries (symbols, footprints, and 3D models), with emphasis on high-power and high-voltage components.
• Perform design rule checks (DRC), layout versus schematic (LVS), and generate complete fabrication and assembly documentation packages.
• Support board bring-up, testing, and troubleshooting of high-power PCBAs in the R&D lab.
• Work with PCB fabrication and assembly partners to ensure reliable manufacturing of high-power boards.
• Contribute to multiple R&D projects with varying technical demands and tight timelines.

Core Competencies:

Technical

• Proficiency in Altium Designer (preferred) or other major PCB tools such as Cadence Allegro.
• Strong experience with high-power PCB design: heavy copper, high-current routing, thermal vias, and heat management techniques.
• Solid understanding of high-voltage design principles (creepage, clearance, insulation, isolation barriers).
• Experience with high-speed digital design, controlled impedance, differential pairs, and signal integrity.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards (IPC, IEC 60950, IEC 62368, UL, etc.).
• Familiarity with power semiconductor testing or high-power electronics is a significant advantage.
• Ability to interpret complex schematics involving power electronics, drivers, sensors, and protection circuits.

Personal

• High attention to detail and strong sense of ownership for design quality and safety.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, especially in high-power and high-voltage environments.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative R&D team.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Experience:

Essential

• Minimum 5–8 years of professional experience in PCB layout.
• Previous experience in a dedicated PCB Layout Engineer role is essential.
• Strong background in electronics design with proven experience in high-voltage and/or high-current applications (highly preferred).

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).

What’s in it for you:

This is a full-time 12 month, fixed-term position with competitive salary and excellent benefits. Comprehensive private medical cover including optical and dental support, giving you complete peace of mind. 26 days of annual leave plus all UK bank holidays. Convenient onsite parking for all employees, making your commute simple and stress-free. Regular social events, team activities, and company gatherings that help build a supportive, friendly workplace culture. A competitive pension scheme to support your long-term financial wellbeing.