PCB Design Specialist

PCB Design Specialist

Job Description

The PCB Design Specialist will collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to own the end-to-end design of printed circuit boards. This role focuses on translating schematics into robust PCB layouts, performing predesign analysis, and ensuring that all assemblies meet electrical, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing requirements. You will contribute to a variety of cutting-edge projects in areas such as space, R&D, and semiconductors, while receiving training and mentorship to grow into an intermediate-level designer.

Responsibilities

• Import electrical schematics into PCB layout tools and ensure the integrity and intent of the original design are fully maintained.
• Gather and interpret electrical requirements from engineering teams and perform predesign analysis as needed to guide layout decisions.
• Define component placement, planes, and routing strategies with careful consideration of EMI, signal integrity, and high-speed design constraints.
• Create appropriate PCB stack-ups for each design, working directly with fabrication shop field application engineers to optimize manufacturability and performance.
• Apply design for fabrication (DFF) and design for assembly (DFA) rules in accordance with internal standards and industry best practices.
• Collaborate closely with ECAD, electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineering teams to ensure all functional, mechanical, and thermal specifications are met.
• Produce detailed fabrication drawings and documentation using AutoCAD to support manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Communicate regularly with project managers regarding design status, proactively report any delays, and provide clear updates on progress and risks.
• Present PCB designs in open team reviews and Critical Design Reviews, respond to feedback, and resolve all resulting action items in a timely manner.
• Ensure the complete design package is prepared, verified, and ready for release into engineering change order (ECO) processes.
• Communicate with PCB vendors during fabrication, resolve technical queries, and ensure that vendor processes align with design intent and internal standards.
• Work with vendors through DFF and DFA processes to confirm that designs meet manufacturability and assembly requirements.
• Design multi-layer PCBs with emphasis on IPC standards, including rigid-flex, multi-layer flex, and HDI configurations.
• Contribute to designs involving high-speed, low-noise digital and analog circuits, as well as switching power supply layouts.
• Participate as an active member of a small design team, sharing knowledge, supporting peers, and contributing to continuous improvement of PCB design practices.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of PCB layout experience in a similar role, with a strong foundation in printed circuit board design principles.
• Proficiency in PCB design, including schematic interpretation and layout design from concept through release.
• Solid understanding of PCB layer structures, including planes, signal layers, and stack-up configuration.
• Experience defining routing strategies with a focus on EMI control, high-speed digital design, and low-noise performance.
• Hands-on experience using Siemens PADS VX design tools for PCB layout.
• Proficiency with Altium Designer for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Ability to create detailed fabrication drawings and documentation using AutoCAD.
• Experience with high-speed and low-noise digital and analog circuit design considerations in PCB layouts.
• Experience with switching power supply PCB designs, including layout techniques for efficiency and thermal management.
• Ability to design rigid-flex, multi-layer flex, and HDI (High-Density Interconnect) PCBs.
• Experience designing multi-layer PCBs with emphasis on IPC standards and industry-compliant practices.
• Strong understanding of tracing and routing techniques for complex, high-density designs.
• Ability to work effectively with ECAD, electrical, mechanical, and thermal engineering teams to meet cross-functional requirements.
• Clear and professional communication skills for interacting with project managers and PCB vendors, including reporting status and resolving technical issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technologist diploma and/or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Certified Interconnect Designer (CID+ or CID++) designation is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with Siemens, Altium, and Allegro environments and workflows for PCB design is beneficial.
• Knowledge of design for fabrication (DFF) and design for assembly (DFA) principles and their application to PCB design.
• Exposure to projects in domains such as space, R&D, and semiconductor applications is an advantage.
• Strong foundational knowledge in PCB design with a desire to learn, develop skills, and progress to an intermediate-level designer.
• Ability to present designs in team reviews, accept constructive feedback, and incorporate improvements.
• Comfort working with vendors and fabrication shop field application engineers to refine stack-ups and manufacturing approaches.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site role working five days per week, typically from 8:00 . to 5:00 . You will join a small, collaborative team of approximately five people, offering close interaction with peers and leaders and ample opportunity for mentorship and skill development. The environment is project-driven and technically focused, with exposure to diverse applications including space, R&D, and semiconductor-related designs. You will work with modern ECAD tools such as Siemens PADS VX, Altium Designer, and AutoCAD, and collaborate regularly with fabrication shops and vendors. The setting supports professional growth, encourages open design reviews, and values patience and development for candidates with strong foundational knowledge. Dress expectations align with a typical professional engineering and design offic

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Waterloo, ON.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $36.00/hr.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waterloo,ON.

À propos d'Actalent

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