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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver high-complexity PCB layouts for advanced electronics systems.
- Company: Leading engineering consultancy in Defence, Space, and Security sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, career progression, and professional development support.
- Why this job: Join a multidisciplinary team and influence PCB design processes while working on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PCB design, strong Altium experience, and a degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for team events and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
Read on to fully understand what this job requires in terms of skills and experience. If you are a good match, make an application.
Cambridge area | £45,000-£50,000 base Hybrid: 3 days on-site
We're 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.
What you'll work on:
- You'll take responsibility for PCB layout delivery and capability, working alongside RF, digital, analogue, power, and mechanical engineers.
- Typical work includes:
- 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:
- 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
- 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)
- Career progression across technical and capability leadership paths
- Support for professional development
- Collaborative working environment with regular team events
PCB Layout Engineer in Cambridge employer: Vantage Consulting
Contact Detail:
Vantage Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCB Layout Engineer in Cambridge
✨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 insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those technical discussions! Brush up on your Altium skills and be ready to showcase your PCB layout experience. We recommend having a few examples of your work handy to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Layout Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your PCB design experience and Altium skills. We want to see how your background fits with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about PCB layout and how your experience aligns with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with RF boards and any DFM/DFA knowledge. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess in their applications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Consulting
✨Know Your PCB Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your PCB design knowledge, especially with Altium. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you've tackled complex layouts. They’ll want to see that you can convert schematics into manufacturable designs effortlessly.
✨Show Off Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with RF, digital, and mechanical engineers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in multidisciplinary teams. Highlight any experiences where you’ve negotiated stack-ups or managed supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Expect technical discussions during the interview. Think about challenges you've faced in PCB design and how you overcame them. Being able to articulate your thought process will show that you can handle the complexities of the role.
✨Prepare for Practical Tests
Since there’s a PCB CAD skills demonstration, practice using Altium beforehand. Familiarise yourself with common tasks they might ask you to perform. This will help you feel more confident and showcase your technical prowess effectively.
