At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead PCB layout design for advanced electronics in Defence and Space sectors.
- Company: Innovative engineering consultancy with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-tech projects while collaborating with talented engineers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PCB design, strong Altium skills, and experience with RF systems.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth and influence on processes.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Overview
Senior PCB Design Engineer Cambridge area | £45,000-£50,000 base | Hybrid: 3 days on-site. We are partnered with an engineering consultancy working on advanced electronics systems used in the Defence, Space, Security and Industrial sectors. This role sits within the manufacturing and hardware function and carries ownership of PCB layout capability across the business.
Responsibilities
- Take responsibility for PCB layout delivery and capability, working alongside RF, digital, analogue, power, and mechanical engineers.
- Converting engineers' schematics into manufacturable PCB designs.
- High-complexity PCB layout using Altium.
- Defining and negotiating stack-ups with manufacturers.
- Designing PCBs for RF, antenna, and mixed-signal systems.
- Generating manufacturing data packs and BOM automation.
- Managing PCB libraries, footprints, and scripts.
- Owning supplier relationships with PCB manufacturers and build houses.
- Tracking external deliverables and reporting into project managers.
- Running and contributing to internal and external design reviews.
This role goes beyond layout execution. You'll help:
- Define metrics to estimate PCB complexity.
- Improve layout efficiency and throughput.
- Shape how PCB work is planned and delivered across projects.
Background that fits
Qualifications
- Essential
- HNC/HND or degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering.
- 5+ years experience in PCB design and electronics hardware delivery.
- Strong Altium PCB layout experience.
- Experience setting PCB stack-ups.
- Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
- Confident working directly with suppliers.
- Strong advantage
- Experience with RF boards, including RF or antenna-related layouts.
- Product development background.
- Comfortable co-designing with RF and antenna engineers.
Tools & standards
- Altium Designer (essential).
- Siemens PADS (legacy - beneficial).
- IPC standards for high-reliability designs.
- EMI/EMC best practice.
- SMT design experience.
Team & environment
- Multidisciplinary hardware team.
- Direct reporting line into the Director of Hardware.
- Opportunity to influence process, efficiency, and capability, not just deliver boards.
- Mix of commercial, industrial, and defence projects.
Interview process
- Initial telephone interview with Hiring Manager.
- On-site stage including Technical discussion.
- PCB CAD skills demonstration.
- Conversation with RF or antenna engineers.
Location & package
Based just south of Cambridge. £45,000-£50,000 base salary. Hybrid working (3 days on-site).
Development & culture
- Career progression across technical and capability leadership paths.
- Support for professional development.
- Collaborative working environment with regular team events.
PCB Layout Engineer in Peterborough employer: Vantage Consulting Ltd
Contact Detail:
Vantage Consulting Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCB Layout Engineer in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work in PCB design. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those technical discussions! Brush up on your Altium skills and be ready to showcase your PCB layout experience. We want you to shine during the interview process!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After your interviews, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Layout Engineer in Peterborough
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 or mixed-signal systems. 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 fits with our needs. Don't forget to mention your experience in managing supplier relationships and your approach to improving layout efficiency.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills, especially your PCB layout experience and familiarity with IPC standards. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of DFM and DFA principles, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your PCB Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your PCB design fundamentals. Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with Altium and how you've tackled complex layouts in the past. Being able to articulate your process will show that you're not just familiar with the tools, but also understand the underlying principles.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with RF, digital, and mechanical engineers, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight any specific projects where teamwork led to improved outcomes, as this will demonstrate your ability to fit into their collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical discussions during the interview, especially around PCB stack-ups and DFM/DFA principles. Review common challenges faced in PCB design and think about how you would address them. This preparation will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Their Projects
Research the types of projects the company is involved in, particularly in defence, space, and security sectors. Be ready to discuss how your background aligns with their work and express genuine interest in contributing to their innovative projects. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are excited about what they do.