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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver advanced PCB layouts for cutting-edge electronics in defence and space.
- Company: Join a leading engineering consultancy with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in high-tech projects while working with a dynamic multidisciplinary team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in PCB design, strong Altium skills, and a degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering.
- Other info: Engage in exciting projects across various sectors and enjoy a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
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.
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
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)
- Career progression across technical and capability leadership paths
- Support for professional development
- Collaborative working environment with regular team events
PCB Layout Engineer employer: Vantage Consulting
Contact Detail:
Vantage Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PCB Layout Engineer
✨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
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best PCB designs and projects. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with Altium and other relevant tools. Mock interviews with friends can help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented PCB Layout Engineers like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a dynamic team working on cutting-edge projects.
We think you need these skills to ace PCB Layout Engineer
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. 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 multidisciplinary team. Let us know what excites you about working in defence, space, and security sectors.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills in PCB layout and design for manufacture. If you’ve got experience with RF boards or have worked directly with suppliers, make sure that stands out. We love seeing those details!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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 your technical expertise, so don’t hold back!
✨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 influenced project outcomes through teamwork.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some deep dives into your technical skills during the interview. Review key concepts like stack-ups, DFM, and DFA. Practise explaining these concepts clearly, as they may ask you to demonstrate your PCB CAD skills on-site.
✨Understand Their Projects
Familiarise yourself with the types of projects they work on, especially in defence and space. Showing that you understand their industry and can contribute to their goals will set you apart from other candidates.
