Principal PCB Layout Engineer

Job Description

About Powerus

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Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

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Mission

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Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

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Why Join Powerus

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Powerus manufactures autonomous aerial systems with growing platform diversity across defense and commercial programs. Board complexity is increasing with each generation — higher layer counts, tighter impedance tolerances, denser component placement, and more constrained mechanical envelopes.

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This role focuses on the physical layout side of PCB development. The position sits within the engineering organization and works directly with schematic designers, mechanical engineers, and contract manufacturers.

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Position Overview

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Powerus is seeking a Principal PCB Layout Engineer to lead the physical design function across the company’s board portfolio. The role involves defining layout standards, driving adoption of advanced packaging and interconnect technologies, mentoring layout engineers, and resolving the most complex placement and routing challenges across programs. Reports to the Head of Engineering.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Define PCB layout standards, constraint management practices, and physical design methodology across all programs

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• Lead layout of the most complex boards — HDI, rigid-flex, high-layer-count, fine-pitch BGA, and RF sections

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• Evaluate and qualify advanced interconnect technologies including microvias, via-in-pad, and embedded components

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• Direct stackup engineering across the board portfolio, coordinating with fabricators on material and process capability

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• Mentor and technically direct layout engineers at all levels

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• Drive layout automation, scripted design checks, and EDA tool customization to improve throughput

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• Own the layout-to-manufacturing interface including panel design, fabrication notes, and assembly process requirements

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• Resolve escalated layout feasibility issues on constrained boards

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• Participate in program technical reviews and design authority decisions

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• Evaluate new EDA tools, fabrication technologies, and assembly processes for adoption

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Qualifications

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• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Charlotte, NC

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• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology, electrical engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience

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• 10+ years of experience in PCB physical design, with multiple production programs delivered

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• Expert-level proficiency in Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or equivalent layout tool

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• Deep experience with HDI, rigid-flex, and high-layer-count board constructions

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• Experience defining layout standards and mentoring layout engineers

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• Experience with advanced interconnect technologies including microvias, via-in-pad, sequential lamination, and embedded passives

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• Familiarity with IPC standards and industry specifications for board design and fabrication

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• Experience in defense, aerospace, or other regulated industries

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• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

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Preferred Qualifications

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• Experience with layout for UAS, autonomous vehicles, or flight-critical electronics

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• Experience with DO-254 or equivalent hardware design assurance processes

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• IPC CID+ certification

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• Experience automating layout tasks via scripting or EDA tool APIs

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• Experience with contract manufacturer qualification and fabrication process auditing

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• Active or prior U.S. security clearance

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What We Look For

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The right candidate has defined how a team does layout — standards, constraint sets, review gates — and has the depth to take the hardest boards personally when needed. Experience pushing fabrication process boundaries while maintaining production yield is the differentiator.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

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Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.