Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

Who We Are

TRAK TECOM is a U.S. based company providing advanced solutions for mission-critical integrated microwave electronics and antenna systems used for Radar, Electronic Warfare, Satcom, and Missile Systems for the defense and aerospace markets.

We partner with top tier defense contractors to develop bespoke designs for challenging requirements as well as supporting build-to-spec programs that strengthen our military’s missions. We also manufacture off-the-shelf products used for many applications in the defense and commercial space. Our proven engineering expertise and commitment to precision ensure every solution meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Why This Opportunity?

• Play an important role in bringing products from concept to reality by supporting the development, documentation, and integration of high-reliability printed circuit boards used in RF, microwave, antenna, aerospace, defense, space, and satellite applications.
• A PCB design and layout position focused on component placement, PCB routing, schematic-to-layout implementation, controlled-impedance requirements, grounding, power distribution, design-rule compliance, fabrication and assembly documentation, and electrical and manufacturing problem-solving.
• The position benefits from TRAK TECOM’s collocated prototype fabrication, production, and test capabilities, providing the opportunity to see designs progress from layout through prototype build, production, and preliminary engineering evaluation.
• Candidates should be able to discuss and demonstrate practical PCB design knowledge and sound problem-solving ability.
• Work closely with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing personnel, other designers, and technical disciplines throughout the product lifecycle.

U.S. citizenship required. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout printed circuit boards for RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and high-speed circuits in accordance with engineering requirements, company procedures, and applicable standards.
• Perform component placement and routing based on schematics, mechanical constraints, stack-up, controlled impedance, grounding, power distribution, and design rules.
• Generate, check, and release PCB fabrication and assembly documentation, including drawings, Gerber/ODB++ files, drill files, 3D models, and related manufacturing data.
• Create and verify PCB component footprints and library elements in accordance with IPC and company standards.
• Support schematic-to-layout implementation and coordinate with engineers on circuit intent, component selection, routing, layout, and mechanical requirements.
• Support prototype fabrication, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and design updates while working with Engineering, Manufacturing, and external fabrication and assembly suppliers.
• Participate in design reviews, supplier inquiries, technical proposals, and other PCB-related engineering activities as required.
• Maintain accurate PCB design data, documentation, revision control, and configuration records within applicable CAD and PLM systems.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Working knowledge of PCB design and layout principles, including component placement, routing, grounding, power distribution, controlled impedance, vias, stack-up, clearances, and design-rule compliance.
• Working knowledge of RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and high-speed PCB layout practices appropriate to the level of the position.
• Knowledge of basic electrical theory and PCB-related characteristics, including impedance, inductance, capacitance, grounding, and signal integrity.
• Knowledge of PCB materials, laminates, copper weights, surface finishes, fabrication and assembly processes, and component packaging.
• Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, board outlines, design specifications, and engineering requirements.
• Knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly documentation required to accurately communicate designs to manufacturers and assemblers.
• Create and verify PCB component footprints using applicable IPC and company standards.
• Proficiency with schematic capture and PCB design tools such as Cadence Allegro PCB Designer, DxDesigner, and/or PADS, or comparable software.
• Ability to use supporting CAD and documentation tools, including AutoCAD and 3D model data, where required.
• Familiarity with PLM, configuration control, and engineering release processes.
• Knowledge of applicable PCB design and assembly standards, including IPC-2221 and IPC-7351; familiarity with IPC-A-610 is desirable.
• Work independently with limited supervision while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Communicate technical information clearly and professionally with internal personnel, customers, and suppliers, including explaining PCB design decisions, tradeoffs, and problem-solving approaches.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with RF, microwave, mixed-signal, digital, and/or high-speed PCB designs is preferred.
• Aerospace, defense, space, satellite, or other high-reliability electronics experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of directly applicable PCB design and layout experience required; five (5) or more years preferred.
• Experience developing PCB layouts from engineering schematics through fabrication and assembly release.
• Experience creating or modifying PCB footprints, performing component placement and routing, and applying PCB design rules.
• Experience supporting PCB fabrication, assembly, prototype build, troubleshooting, or design verification activities.
• Experience working collaboratively with Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Designers, and manufacturing personnel.

Education

• An AA in Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, PCB Design, CAD/Design, or related technical discipline is preferred.
• Relevant technical-school education, military technical training, or equivalent directly applicable PCB design education, training, and experience will be considered.

Security: U.S. citizenship required. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a government security clearance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

TRAK TECOM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.