PCB Design Engineer

Principal Pcb Design Engineer

A Principal PCB Design Engineer is responsible for creating, optimizing, and maintaining printed circuit board (PCB) layouts that form the backbone of electronic devices. They work closely with hardware and mechanical engineers to ensure designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and compliance requirements. The Principal PCB Design Engineer establishes library rules for electrical components used in circuit card designs. The Principal PCB Design Engineer maintains a strong working relationship with outside Printed Circuit Board vendors to establish standard PCB guidelines that meet industry standards.

Responsibilities

Design & Development: Create PCB symbols, footprints, pad stacks, layouts and prototypes to meet project specifications, using CAD tools such as Altium Designer, or Siemens Expedition

Schematic & Footprint Creation: Develop schematic symbols and component footprints for accurate PCB integration.

Establish PCB Guidelines: Establish and maintain PCB guidelines for company. Ensure PCB designs meet industry and approved vendor standards.

Documentation: Prepare fabrication and assembly drawings, Gerber files, BOMs, and revision-controlled design documents

Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams (hardware, mechanical, manufacturing) to align PCB design with product goals

Compliance & Standards: Ensure designs meet IPC, JEDEC, EMC, UL, CE, and other relevant standards

Maintenance & Upgrades: Review and update designs for improved performance, cost efficiency, or manufacturability

Qualifications

Education: Associate's degree and relevant experience in electrical engineering, electronics, computer engineering, or related field; bachelor's degree would be preferred but is not required

Experience: Minimum 10–15 years in PCB design;

Certifications: IPC, CID, REACH, or other relevant industry certifications are often preferred

Skills: Proficiency in PCB design software, schematic capture, high-speed design, signal integrity analysis, and DFM (Design for Manufacturability)

Preferred Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail
• Knowledge of PCB materials, manufacturing processes, and thermal management
• Experience with high-density interconnect (HDI) and high-power designs
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, and dependencies

About Us

About Frontgrade At Frontgrade, we build mission-critical electronics that perform without compromise in the world's most demanding environments, from deep space to national defense. With decades of proven heritage, we deliver high-reliability components, subsystems, and integrated solutions trusted when failure is not an option. But our strength is not just in what we build. It is in the people who make it possible. From engineers and product managers to sales teams, marketers, and skilled manufacturing professionals, every role plays a direct part in enabling missions that protect, explore, and connect our world. We move with purpose, collaborate across disciplines, and take pride in delivering solutions our customers rely on in the highest-stakes environments. If you want your work, whatever your specialty, to contribute to something bigger, you will find your place at Frontgrade. Why Work for Us We believe mission success starts with taking care of our people. That's why we offer competitive health, wealth, and wellbeing benefits from day one. You'll also find real opportunities to learn, grow, and advance, whether you're building technical expertise, leading teams, or expanding into new areas. Here, your growth is part of the mission. Additional Information This position may require access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition of any job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you may need to obtain a U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law. Other benefits include:

• Immediate Medical (FSA and HSA), Dental, and Vision
• 401K Match with 100% immediate vesting
• 9X80 compressed work schedule for qualifying roles
• Career Opportunity and Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement/Student Loan Repayment
• Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (9 designated holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave

Job Info

• Job Identification 232
• Job Category Engineering
• Degree Level Bachelor's Degree
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 2815 Newby Road, Huntsville, AL, 35805, US
• Work Schedule 9/80 Rotation A - Exempt
• Minimum Salary 140,000
• Maximum Salary 180,000