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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and layout PCBs for cutting-edge defence technology projects.
- Company: Specialist engineering organisation focused on high-impact technology in defence.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, long-term secure projects, and collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Join a mission-critical team and make a real difference in national security.
- Qualifications: 5+ years PCB design experience with Altium and strong IPC knowledge.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a dynamic engineering field.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Contract PCB Designer – PCB Designer contract role supporting secure defence and national security programmes. Hampshire location, up to 5 days per week onsite. Rate up to £410/day (Inside IR35). Security Clearance required.
About the Client
Our client is a specialist engineering organisation delivering high-impact technology programmes across the defence and national security space. Their teams work across electronics, RF, and high-speed digital, supporting mission-critical delivery. Due to continued project demand, they are now looking for an experienced PCB Designer to join the team.
The Benefits
- Work on complex, cutting-edge electronic design programmes
- Long-term pipeline of secure project work
- Collaborative engineering environment, working closely with design engineers
- Strong focus on quality, standards, and engineering best practice
The PCB Designer Role
As a PCB Designer, you will be responsible for PCB layout, component placement, and routing for RF and high-speed digital boards using Altium, in line with internal PCB CAD design guidelines. You will support the wider engineering team across schematic capture, library management, multi-layer PCB layout, and preparation of manufacturing outputs, ensuring compliance with IPC standards and high-reliability expectations.
PCB CAD Designer Essential Skills
- 5+ years PCB CAD design experience using Altium
- PCB layout and routing across RF and high-speed digital boards
- Schematic capture and component library creation (symbols and footprints)
- Multi-layer PCB design, including blind vias and through holes
- DFM and DFT experience
- Manufacturing data pack preparation
- Strong IPC knowledge, including IPC-A-600, IPC-6012, IPC-A-610 (Class 3), IPC-2221
- Ability to validate impedance-controlled routing, spacing, capacitance, and power trace constraints
- Confident supporting PCB material selection and layup definition
To Be Considered
Please either apply through this advert or emailing me directly via kelly.harvey@searchability.com. For further information please call me: 0203 854 0120 / 07889 589 648. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.
Key Skills
- PCB CAD Designer
- PCB Layout
- Altium
- Schematic Capture
- Libraries
- Footprints
- RF PCB
- High-Speed Digital
- Controlled Impedance
- Multi-layer PCB
- DFM
- DFT
- IPC-A-610
- IPC-6012
- IPC-2221
- Manufacturing Data
PCB Designer employer: Searchability
Contact Detail:
Searchability Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCB Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the PCB design world, especially those who work in defence and national security. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your PCB designs, especially those using Altium. This visual evidence of your expertise can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on IPC standards and DFM/DFT principles. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show potential employers that you're the right fit for their high-stakes projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that PCB Designer role.
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PCB Designer role. Highlight your experience with Altium and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving RF and high-speed digital boards. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about PCB design and how your background aligns with our client's needs. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your IPC knowledge and any specific projects that demonstrate your PCB layout and routing expertise. We’re keen to see how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles, so share those experiences with us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Searchability
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Altium and any other PCB design tools mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your skills with PCB layout, routing, and schematic capture. Being able to discuss specific projects where you've used these tools will show your expertise.
✨Understand IPC Standards
Familiarise yourself with IPC standards like IPC-A-600 and IPC-6012. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve applied these standards in your previous work. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and reliability in PCB design.
✨Showcase Your Experience
With 5+ years of experience required, be ready to share detailed examples of your past projects. Highlight your work on RF and high-speed digital boards, and explain your role in multi-layer PCB design and manufacturing data preparation.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s current projects and challenges in the defence sector. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
