Hardware Design Engineer
survival systems staffingEvanston (IL)
Hardware Design Engineer
Posted 3 days ago
survival systems staffingEvanston (IL)
SENIORITY
Lead
About the role
We are seeking a PCB Design Engineer to take boards from schematic through layout and release for RF or power supply products. You will work closely with hardware, RF, and power engineers to turn designs into manufacturable, high-performance boards, and you will own layout quality from first prototype through production.
What you will do:
- Create schematics and multilayer PCB layouts in Altium Designer
- Develop and maintain component libraries, footprints, and design rules
- Lay out boards for either RF/microwave or power conversion applications, with attention to signal integrity, grounding, thermal performance, and EMIDefine layer stackups and work with fabrication and assembly vendors on materials, tolerances, and process requirements
- Apply DFM, DFA, and DFT practices to reduce respins and speed the path to production
- Generate fabrication and assembly outputs, including Gerbers, drill files, BOMs, and assembly drawings
- Support board bring-up, debug, and design revisions alongside the engineering team
- Review layouts with engineers and incorporate feedback and test results
- Required qualifications3 to 5 years of professional PCB design experience
- Hands-on proficiency in Altium Designer (required)
- Direct layout experience in at least one of the following:
- RF/microwave: controlled impedance, transmission lines, RF isolation and shielding, high-frequency materials, and matching network placement
- Power supplies: high-current routing, switching converter layout (flyback, forward, LLC, buck/boost), thermal management, creepage and clearance, and noise-sensitive grounding
- Working knowledge of IPC standards and PCB fabrication and assembly processes
- Ability to read schematics and collaborate effectively with design engineers
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with both RF and power designs
- Familiarity with high-speed or mixed-signal layout
- Exposure to EMC, safety, and regulatory considerations in layout
- Experience supporting prototypes in the lab, including debug and rework
- Background in defense, telecom, server, or industrial electronics
Before you apply
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A number in mind
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Your notice period
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