Design Engineer V – PCB Layout Engineer

Contract Duration: 5 Months (Potential Extension)
Location: Sunnyvale, CA (Onsite)
Pay rate: $95-$100/hr. on W2

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced PCB Layout Engineer (Design Engineer V) to support an advanced product development team focused on next-generation consumer electronics and augmented reality technologies. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and delivering highly complex PCB layouts that incorporate advanced component technologies, innovative stack-up solutions, and aggressive miniaturization strategies.

This role requires close collaboration with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, DFM teams, signal integrity/power integrity specialists, layout teams, library teams, and external manufacturing partners to deliver high-performance, production-ready PCB designs.

The successful candidate will lead PCB development efforts from initial concept through final tape-out, ensuring design quality, manufacturability, and compliance with project requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Design Execution

• Manage multiple complex PCB layout projects simultaneously, ensuring successful execution, schedule alignment, and timely project updates.
• Lead PCB designs from initial kickoff through tape-out, including:
  • Rigid PCB designs
  • Rigid-flex PCB designs
  • Flexible PCB designs
  • Product and engineering/test platforms
• Drive key design milestones including:
  • Project kickoff meetings
  • Component placement reviews
  • Constraint definition reviews
  • Design verification reviews
• Maintain accurate project documentation, design trackers, and engineering workflow systems.
• Develop and maintain PCB design tool templates, project configurations, metadata, rules, and engineering standards.

Technical Expertise & Problem Solving

• Develop complex PCB layouts supporting advanced electronic products with challenging form-factor requirements.
• Apply strong knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, including:
  • Power distribution networks (PDN)
  • High-speed digital interfaces
  • Signal integrity considerations
  • RF design requirements
• Drive PCB miniaturization strategies for compact, high-density electronic products.
• Identify potential design risks, schedule challenges, and technical blockers early, and collaborate with engineering leadership to develop effective solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend practical design approaches balancing:
  • Electrical performance
  • Mechanical constraints
  • Manufacturing capability
  • Product requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Manufacturing Support

• Partner closely with:
  • Electrical Engineering teams
  • Mechanical Engineering teams
  • Technical Program Managers
  • Signal Integrity/Power Integrity teams
  • Manufacturing and supplier engineering teams
• Resolve PCB design challenges through effective technical communication and collaboration.
• Work with DFM engineers during project initiation to validate manufacturing requirements and PCB fabrication constraints.
• Collaborate with external PCB suppliers and manufacturing partners to address:
  • Design-for-manufacturing (DFM) concerns
  • Yield improvement opportunities
  • Production readiness challenges
• Support successful transition of designs from engineering development into manufacturing.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in complex PCB design and layout engineering.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience using Cadence Allegro PCB Design tools (Version 23.1 or newer preferred).
• Strong understanding of PCB design principles, layout methodologies, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience designing high-density, complex electronic assemblies.
• Strong understanding of mechanical considerations in electronics product design.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience implementing PCB miniaturization techniques for compact consumer electronics products.
• Experience designing PCBs for:
  • Wearable devices
  • Mobile electronics
  • Small-form-factor embedded systems
  • Advanced consumer hardware products
• Experience working with rigid-flex and flexible PCB technologies.
• Experience collaborating directly with PCB fabrication and assembly suppliers.