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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and layout PCBs using Altium, ensuring high performance and reliability.
- 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 work on cutting-edge RF and high-speed digital projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PCB design with Altium; strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Must hold or be eligible for SC Clearance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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 world, attend industry meetups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best PCB designs, especially those involving RF and high-speed digital boards. We recommend having a few case studies ready to discuss during interviews to really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your Altium Designer skills. We suggest practising common PCB design challenges and being ready to explain your thought process. This will show that you’re not just a designer, but a problem solver too!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented PCB designers like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Printed Circuit Board Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your 5+ years of experience in PCB CAD design, especially with Altium Designer. We want to see your skills in RF and high-speed digital boards shine through!
Showcase Your Projects: Include specific examples of your past PCB designs, particularly those involving mixed technologies and complex layouts. We love seeing how you've tackled challenges in your previous roles!
Highlight Compliance Knowledge: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with industry standards like IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012. We value attention to detail and compliance, so let us know how you ensure your designs meet these standards.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
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.