Senior PCB Design Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and layout complex multi-layer (4 - 20 layers) rigid, semi-rigid or flexi Printed Circuit Boards, that contain through, buried and blind vias to be used in commercial, security, aerospace and space sectors, following Ultra's processes.
• Design PCB layouts for analogue, RF, digital, power, high-speed and highly reliable circuits in accordance with DO-254 if required.
• Design PCB layouts considering security, EMC and TEMPEST implications and rules.
• Incorporate test points in the layout to make the PCB testable without compromising the performance required by hardware engineers.
• Work with the electronic hardware team to understand circuit requirements such as trace impedances, separations and any limitations, EMC and TEMPEST considerations and signal integrity rules.
• Liaise with bare PCB fabricators and PCB assembly houses to ensure the design is of high quality and conforms to their stack-up, DRC, DFM and DFT requirements.
• Work with mechanical engineers to ensure the PCB design is in accordance with their requirements and space envelope.
• Liaise with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure a seamless transition to manufacture.
• CAD library administration including symbol, footprint generation and database administration.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise workload, and work under pressure to deliver on multiple projects at the same time.
• Participate in design reviews with electrical and mechanical hardware engineers.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of best practice PCB design processes and tools.
• Estimate time and effort required for PCB design activities and deliver to these estimates to ensure cost and schedule adherence.
• Propose improvements in tools, processes and techniques that support quality and innovation and make PCB design more efficient and effective.
• Actively contribute to and/or lead defined aspects of the project to achieve optimal balance between requirements, schedule and cost.
• Generate and review technical proposals, and provide accurate estimates for the associated effort, costs and risks, for bids and proposals, leading to contract awards.
• Explain technically complex concepts clearly to less technical/involved parties.

Qualifications

• Degree in an engineering, mathematical or science-based subject or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years experience of PCB design, routing and layout of complex, high-density electronic circuit assemblies, including through-hole and fine-pitch SMT components.
• Extensive experience of using industry standard toolsets for PCB layout and simulation.
• In-depth knowledge of routing practices, guidelines and IPC standards.
• Experience of implementing DFM and DFT features on PCBs and review processes with suppliers.
• Proven experience of using modern design tools with a record of successful PCB designs covering a range of complex PCBs e.g. multi-layer, high speed digital, RF, analogue and power distribution.

Desirable Experience, Skills and Qualifications

• Experience of signal integrity analysis on routed PCBs.
• Understanding of power distribution and thermal aspects of PCB design.
• Experience of Gerber file and ODB++ manipulation.
• Carrying out complex layout using Altium or PADs.
• Ability to create schematics using Altium or PADs.
• Experience of using Windchill for version control.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export-controlled material as defined by the role's requirements. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance for the role. Due to the nature of our work, you must be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.

Benefits

• Participation in an Annual Bonus Scheme
• Private Medical Cover
• 25 days' holiday (plus Bank Holidays) with the option to buy an extra 5 days
• Pension Contribution
• 4 x Life Assurance Cover
• Flexible working hours with opportunity for a 1pm finish on a Friday
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme, will writing and more
• Security Clearance Allowance - where relevant and subject to you holding the required security clearance