PCB Layout Designer

Job Title: PCB Layout Designer

Job Description

The PCB Layout Designer will support an advanced satellite constellation program, contributing to the definition and implementation of multiple spacecraft subsystems. You will work across all phases of system design and production, applying deep expertise in PCB layout, assembly, test, and fabrication. This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration and a proven, disciplined design process to deliver reliable, high-performance boards for demanding space applications.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the definition, design, and implementation of multiple spacecraft subsystems, with a focus on PCB layout and integration.
• Own and execute PCB layout design using industry-standard PCB design suites, ensuring high-quality, manufacturable designs.
• Apply recent experience with Mentor Xpedition to create, modify, and optimize complex PCB layouts.
• Design high-speed digital and high-current density circuits, ensuring signal integrity and power integrity across the board.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional technical teams, including electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers, to translate schematic intent into robust PCB layouts.
• Participate in schematic and design reviews, providing expert feedback on layout, manufacturability, reliability, and compliance with design rules.
• Manage multiple PCB layout projects in parallel, prioritizing tasks and meeting schedule and quality commitments.
• Coordinate and oversee work performed by third-party layout services, ensuring adherence to design standards and project requirements.
• Support the development and design for manufacturing of PCBs intended for space environments, focusing on reliability and performance in extreme conditions.
• Incorporate knowledge of PCB failure modes and reliability considerations into layout decisions and design reviews.
• Develop layouts for IPC Class 2 and Class 3 boards, adhering to applicable standards and best practices.
• Serve as a technical lead for small teams of PCB design engineers when needed, guiding design decisions and mentoring less experienced designers.
• Use standard electronics lab equipment to test and debug boards, validating design performance and resolving layout-related issues.
• Utilize tools such as HyperLynx for electrical design rule checking, signal integrity, power integrity, and electromagnetic modeling where applicable.
• Ensure that all PCB designs follow a consistent, demonstrable design process, including documentation, version control, and review checkpoints.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of PCB layout design experience using industry-standard PCB design suites.
• Recent, hands-on experience using Mentor Xpedition for PCB layout.
• 5+ years of experience designing high-speed circuits.
• Experience with high current density PCB designs.
• Proficiency in PCB layout and design, including component placement, routing, stack-up definition, and design rule application.
• Experience with schematic capture and translating schematics into PCB layouts.
• Experience testing and debugging boards using standard electronics lab equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple PCB layout projects in parallel while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Experience managing and coordinating 3rd party layout services.
• Strong understanding of electrical design principles, including signal integrity and power integrity.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional technical teams and participate actively in schematic and design reviews.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• 10+ years of PCB layout design experience using industry-standard PCB design suites.
• Experience developing and designing for the manufacturing of PCBs deployed in space environments.
• Knowledge of PCB failure modes and reliability considerations in extreme environments.
• Experience serving as a technical lead for small teams of PCB design engineers.
• Experience developing IPC Class 2 and Class 3 boards.
• Familiarity with Mentor Graphics tools and workflows for PCB layout.
• Experience with high-speed digital design, including routing strategies for high-speed interfaces.
• Experience with signal integrity and power integrity analysis and mitigation techniques.
• Familiarity with HyperLynx or similar analysis tools for electrical design rule checking, signal integrity, power integrity, and electromagnetic modeling.
• Exposure to Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) concepts as they relate to precision metal components in electronic assemblies.
• Strong documentation, communication, and review skills to support a rigorous design process.

Work Environment

This is a remote role, allowing you to perform your work from a home or remote office environment. You will collaborate with distributed cross-functional engineering teams using modern digital design and communication tools. The work centers on advanced PCB design for space applications, using industry-standard PCB design suites such as Mentor Xpedition and related analysis tools. Work hours are typically aligned with standard business hours, with flexibility to coordinate across teams and meet project milestones in a professional, results-oriented environment.

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.