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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and prototype PCBs from concept to production, ensuring reliability and timely delivery.
- Company: Join a pioneering space start-up revolutionising satellite technology with innovative propulsion systems.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, equity options, and comprehensive health benefits including dental and optical coverage.
- Why this job: Experience unmatched ownership and impact in the exciting field of space technology.
- Qualifications: Minimum 3 years PCB design experience; expertise in CAD tools like Altium Designer required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams and oversee fabrication processes.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 78000 £ per year.
MERITUS Talent are working with a space start-up company for the recruitment of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design Engineer to join the Berkshire offices on a full-time permanent basis.
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.
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.
- 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.
- Comfortable with soldering, rework, and laboratory instrumentation for board bring-up and failure analysis.
Benefits:
- Pioneering Space Technology - You'll 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 - You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
- Equity and Competitive Salary - You'll 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 you're a part of our collective success.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package - Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
Contact Detail:
Meritus Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCB Design Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest PCB design software, especially Altium Designer, as it's a key requirement for this role. Consider taking online courses or tutorials to sharpen your skills and demonstrate your commitment to mastering the tools of the trade.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the space technology sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, particularly those involving end-to-end PCB design. Be ready to explain your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you ensured reliability and manufacturability in your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by discussing any hands-on experience you have with soldering, rework, or using lab equipment. This practical knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Design Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your PCB design experience, especially any work with multilayer layouts and CAD tools like Altium Designer. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in signal integrity and power distribution.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for space technology and how your background aligns with the company's mission. Mention your experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams and your ability to drive designs from concept to production.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include a portfolio or a section in your application that showcases relevant projects you've worked on. Highlight any prototypes you've designed, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them, particularly in high-speed digital or mixed-signal circuits.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that all technical terms are used correctly. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in PCB design.
How to prepare for a job interview at Meritus Talent
✨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 balancing performance, manufacturability, and cost.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Tools
Make sure you are well-versed in the PCB CAD suite mentioned in the job description, such as Altium Designer. If possible, bring examples of your work or a portfolio that demonstrates your proficiency with these tools.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Research the space start-up and understand their technology and goals, particularly their air-breathing ion propulsion system. This will help you align your answers with their vision and show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to PCB stack-ups, signal integrity, and DFM/DFA best practices. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your thought process and decision-making in past projects.
