Printed Circuit Board Designer - Layout

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · San Diego, CA +1 · Electrical

This role involves designing and routing printed circuit boards using Xpedition layout software, adhering to IPC standards, and applying knowledge of high-speed digital and RF principles. The designer will collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineering teams, as well as manufacturing, to ensure the successful realization of complex circuit designs, utilizing advanced layout techniques and Valor NPI for output file generation.

What you'd actually do

  1. Uses Xpedition layout to place and route printed circuit boards, frequently pushing the limits of the technology, often under schedule pressure.
  2. Follows IPC standards to design circuit boards that are reliable, cost effective, and meeting high expectations of performance.
  3. Leverages deep knowledge of high-speed digital and RF principles to guarantee successful realization of complex circuit designs.
  4. Works closely with electrical engineering to understand the design’s constraints, such as high-speed routing or sensitive signals.
  5. Works closely with mechanical engineering to ensure component heights and PCB envelope meet design requirements.

Skills

Required

  • Knowledge of Xpedition Layout and Valor NPI ECAD tools
  • Background designing to IPC standards, especially IPC Class 3
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills with electrical engineering
  • Familiarity with electrical engineering concepts
  • Use of mechanical drawings and 3D files to inform layout constraints
  • Familiar with high-speed digital signals, differential pairs, crosstalk, impedance control, etc.
  • Knowledge of RF and analog design principles such as transmission lines, isolation, mixed signal layout, etc.
  • Experience with High Density Interconnect (HDI) layout concepts such as blind and buried vias, via in pad, backdrilling, etc.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a US Government secret clearance

Nice to have

  • Can read and rework an electrical schematic as needed
  • Ability to work cross functionally with mechanical engineering
  • Understanding of high voltage, high current, and power supply layout concepts
  • Able to collaborate with manufacturing, both internal teams and external PCB vendors to ensure producibility and yield

What the JD emphasized

  • Secret clearance
  • IPC Class 3