At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and layout PCBs for high-speed digital and RF applications using Altium.
- Company: Leading tech firm in Hampshire with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of technology with your designs.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PCB design with Altium and strong attention to detail.
- Other info: Onsite work required; SC Clearance eligibility is a must.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Talent Specialist @ Sanderson Government & Defence | Dedicated in recruiting SC & DV cleared first-class engineering/technical talent.
PCB Designer
Location: Hampshire Area, UK (Onsite up to 5 days per week may be required)
Experience Required: 5+ years in PCB CAD design using Altium Designer
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced PCB CAD Designer to take responsibility for PCB layout, component placement, and routing for RF and high-speed digital boards. The role involves close collaboration with design engineers to ensure high-quality, manufacturable, and testable PCB designs that meet performance and reliability standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform electronic schematic capture and PCB layout design using the Altium software suite.
- Develop and maintain component libraries, including schematic symbols, footprints, and metadata.
- Execute designs involving mixed technologies (SMT, PTH).
- Conduct component placement and signal routing for complex RF and high-speed digital boards (including mmWave).
- Design and validate multi-layer PCBs, including through-holes, blind and buried vias.
- Define PCB layer stack-up and material selection (substrates, copper thickness, dielectric types).
- Ensure designs meet Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Testability (DFT) requirements.
- Perform signal integrity verification, ensuring controlled impedance, capacitance, and spacing for high-speed traces.
- Design and verify power distribution networks considering current limits, copper weight, and spacing.
- Maintain balanced copper distribution to prevent board bow and twist.
- Prepare comprehensive manufacturing documentation and fabrication data packages.
Standards and Compliance
- In-depth knowledge and application of:
- IPC-A-600
- IPC-6012
- IPC-A-610 (up to Class 3)
- IPC-2221
- Ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in PCB CAD design using Altium Designer.
- Proven track record with RF and high-speed digital PCB design.
- Strong understanding of PCB materials, stack-up design, and impedance control.
- Experience working closely with electrical and mechanical engineers throughout the product design cycle.
- Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to documentation and verification.
Additional Information
To be considered for this role, you must hold active SC Clearance or be eligible to obtain SC Clearance.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Defense and Space Manufacturing
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Printed Circuit Board Designer employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Printed Circuit Board Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the PCB design field, attend industry meetups, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best PCB designs, especially those involving RF and high-speed digital boards. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of Altium Designer and PCB standards like IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you tackled challenges in PCB layout and design.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented PCB designers like you. Keep an eye on our job listings and make sure your application stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Printed Circuit Board Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PCB Designer role. Highlight your 5+ years of experience with Altium Designer and any specific projects that showcase your skills in RF and high-speed digital design.
Showcase Your Skills: In your cover letter, don’t just list your skills—show us how you’ve applied them! Talk about your experience with component placement, signal routing, and ensuring designs meet DFM and DFT requirements.
Be Detail-Oriented: We love attention to detail! Make sure your application is free from typos and clearly structured. This reflects your methodical approach to documentation and verification, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your Altium Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Altium Designer, as it’s a key requirement for the role. Brush up on your PCB layout techniques, component placement strategies, and routing methods, especially for RF and high-speed digital boards. Being able to discuss specific projects where you’ve used Altium will really impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with design engineers, be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with others. Share examples of how you’ve worked in teams to solve design challenges or improve PCB manufacturability. Highlighting your communication skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Attention to detail is crucial in PCB design. Bring examples of your work that showcase your methodical approach to documentation and verification. Discuss how you ensure compliance with industry standards like IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012, and how you handle signal integrity verification and DFM/DFT requirements.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to PCB materials, stack-up design, and impedance control. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your thought process during the design cycle. Practising common interview questions in this area can help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.