At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PCB design projects and collaborate with top engineers in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Innovative aerospace and defence company based in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on engineering excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make an impact on diverse projects from robotics to space systems.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in electronics design, proficient in Altium Designer, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge
Sector: Aerospace, Defence, and High-Performance Tech
Are you a PCB specialist who excels at turning complex, draft schematics into high-integrity physical reality? Do you thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment where your designs move from DC all the way to mmWave frequencies?
The Role
This isn't just a layout role – it’s a position for a design owner. You will be the authority on PCB best practices, working alongside world‑class hardware and mechanical engineers to resolve complex integration tasks. Whether it’s high-performance FPGA platforms or advanced RF systems, you will ensure every design is completed, reviewed, and released with absolute discipline.
Your Technical Profile
- Software Expertise: Highly proficient in Altium Designer (schematic capture and layout). Experience with Siemens PADS for legacy work is a plus.
- Technical Breadth: Proven track record in RF, digital, analogue, and power PCB design.
- HDI Mastery: Expertise in high‑density interconnect technologies, including micro via, stacked via, via‑in‑pad, and back‑drilling.
- HDI Design: Multi-layer controlled‑impedance RF designs (up to mmWave).
- Constraint Management: Advanced skills in constraint managers for net, pin‑pair, and Xnet length matching.
- Standards & Manufacturing: Deep understanding of IPC standards for high‑reliability products, alongside DFM and DFA techniques.
The Ideal Candidate
- Education: Degree, HNC, or HND in Electronic/Electrical Engineering.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years in electronics hardware design and product development.
- Mindset: A finisher – works with urgency and discipline, ensuring no loose ends remain when a design is released.
- Communication: Confident in performing design reviews for both internal teams and external high‑profile customers.
Why Join This Team?
- Technical Ownership: Shape and drive the PCB design process and library management from the ground up.
- Project Variety: Work on a diverse portfolio of projects where no two boards are the same – covering everything from robotics to space‑based systems.
- Professional Standards: Work within an ISO9001 environment that values quality, continuous improvement, and engineering excellence.
- Collaborative Environment: Close integration with mechanical and hardware teams to solve the art of the possible in tight form factors.
The Rewards
- Salary: £45,000 – £60,000 (dependent on experience).
- Growth: A role that rewards innovation and offers a clear path toward technical leadership or specialized consultancy.
Senior PCB Design Engineer | Cambridgeshire | £45-60K in Colne employer: Morgan McKinley (South West)
Join a leading aerospace and defence company in Cambridge, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of innovative PCB designs in a collaborative and high-performance environment. With a commitment to professional development and a diverse range of projects, this role not only offers competitive salary packages but also a clear pathway for career advancement in technical leadership or consultancy. Experience a culture that prioritises quality and continuous improvement, making it an excellent place for passionate engineers to thrive.
Contact Details:
Morgan McKinley (South West) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior PCB Design Engineer | Cambridgeshire | £45-60K in Colne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your PCB designs and projects. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise in Altium Designer and HDI technologies. A visual representation of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with RF, digital, and analogue PCB design. Practice explaining complex concepts clearly, as communication is key when working with teams and clients.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your experience in high-performance tech and your mindset as a finisher. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior PCB Design Engineer | Cambridgeshire | £45-60K in Colne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your PCB design experience, especially with Altium Designer and RF systems. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical expertise!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past projects and how they relate to the high-performance tech sector we operate in.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, highlight instances where you've tackled complex integration tasks or resolved design challenges. We love seeing how you approach problems, especially in high-pressure environments!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan McKinley (South West)
✨Know Your PCB Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your PCB design fundamentals. Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with Altium Designer and Siemens PADS, as well as your understanding of RF, digital, and analogue designs. Being able to articulate your technical expertise will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled complex integration tasks in previous projects. Highlight your experience with HDI technologies and constraint management. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the high-pressure environment they’re looking for.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining your design processes clearly and concisely. Since you'll be performing design reviews for both internal teams and external customers, being able to communicate your ideas effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery.
✨Emphasise Your Finishing Touches
The ideal candidate is described as a 'finisher'. Be ready to discuss how you ensure no loose ends remain when releasing a design. Share specific instances where your attention to detail and discipline made a difference in project outcomes.
