At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop high-quality PCBs, collaborating with engineers across various disciplines.
- Company: Reputable tech engineering firm in Cambridge, specialising in advanced electronic systems.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and strong focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Gain technical ownership and influence in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PCB design, strong Altium skills, and a degree in Electronic Engineering.
- Other info: Friendly culture with opportunities for career progression and regular team events.
We’re supporting a well-established, highly regarded technology engineering business in the Cambridge area that designs and manufactures advanced electronic systems across commercial, industrial and defence sectors. They’re now looking to appoint a Senior PCB Design Engineer to play a key role in strengthening and leading their PCB design capability.
The Role
This is a senior, hands-on PCB design position within a multi-disciplinary hardware and manufacturing environment. You’ll work closely with RF, digital, power and analogue electronics engineers to translate complex schematics into robust, manufacturable PCB designs, supporting projects from early development through to release and build.
Beyond day-to-day design delivery, this role carries genuine ownership: influencing design standards, engaging directly with PCB manufacturers and build houses, and helping evolve the organisation’s PCB technology capability. You’ll act as the technical authority for PCB layout and manufacture, working closely with project managers and reporting into senior hardware leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce high-quality, manufacturable PCB designs from engineers’ schematics across varied technology domains
- Own schematic and PCB footprint libraries, including BoM generation, scripting and manufacturing data-pack creation
- Take technical responsibility for PCB release to external manufacturers and build contractors
- Engage directly with PCB suppliers to agree stack-ups, materials, costs and lead times
- Track and manage external supplier deliverables in line with project schedules and quality requirements
- Maintain and develop supplier relationships, including audits and awareness of emerging PCB technologies
- Ensure compliance with quality systems (ISO9001), specifications and agreed timescales
- Lead and participate in internal and external design reviews, presenting clearly and professionally
- Drive continuous improvement in PCB design efficiency, quality and execution
Technical Background & Experience
- Strong portfolio of completed PCB designs, ideally spanning RF, microwave and millimetre-wave applications
- Experience working with RF materials and high-performance PCB stack-ups highly desirable
- Advanced user of Altium for schematic capture and PCB layout (essential)
- Familiarity with Siemens PADS for legacy designs is advantageous
- Solid understanding of SMT, DFA and DFM best practice
- Working knowledge of IPC standards for high-reliability electronics and EMI/EMC design principles
- Comfortable collaborating closely with electronics and mechanical design teams to solve complex integration challenges
- Confident, self-directed engineer able to manage multiple stakeholders and operate under delivery pressure
Qualifications
- HNC/HND or degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in electronics hardware design and product development, with a clear specialism in PCB design
Package & Environment
- Competitive salary and title aligned to experience and technical depth
- Hybrid working model (typically 3 days on-site)
- Strong focus on professional development, training and long-term career progression
- Friendly, collaborative engineering culture with regular team and company events
- Office location just south of Cambridge with good road and rail access
If you’re an experienced PCB Design Engineer looking for a role with real technical ownership, supplier influence and long-term progression within a high-calibre engineering environment, this is a strong opportunity to explore.
PCB Layout Engineer in Saffron Walden employer: Tech Connect Group
Contact Detail:
Tech Connect Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCB Layout Engineer in Saffron Walden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups or tech events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Senior PCB Design Engineer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best PCB designs, especially those involving RF and high-performance applications. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and being ready to discuss your design process. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve tackled challenges in past projects, especially when it comes to collaborating with other engineers and managing supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Layout Engineer in Saffron Walden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PCB Layout Engineer role. Highlight your experience with Altium and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving RF and high-performance PCBs. We want to see how your skills match 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 makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience with supplier relationships and compliance with quality systems.
Showcase Your Portfolio: If you have a portfolio of your completed PCB designs, make sure to include it! We love seeing real examples of your work, especially if they demonstrate your ability to handle complex schematics and your understanding of best practices in PCB design.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tech Connect Group
✨Know Your PCB Design Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your PCB design knowledge, especially around RF, microwave, and millimetre-wave applications. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, showcasing your experience with Altium and any other relevant tools.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various engineering teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with RF, digital, and mechanical engineers in the past. Highlight your ability to solve complex integration challenges.
✨Understand the Company’s Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO9001 quality systems and IPC standards for high-reliability electronics. Being able to discuss how you ensure compliance and quality in your designs will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions about their PCB technology capabilities, supplier relationships, and how they approach continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.