Job Description

DEKA Research & Development is seeking a skilled PCB Layout Designer to join our engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for translating electrical schematics into optimized printed circuit board layouts, ensuring designs meet performance, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements.

This individual will be working across several projects and must be able to communicate design challenges and priorities clearly. They will lay out printed circuit boards under the direction of electrical engineers, provide direct support across all aspects of the PCB design process, and manage the workflow to ensure a smooth transition from schematic to layout to manufacturing. In addition to layout responsibilities, this candidate will be instrumental in vetting components in our library for correctness, ensuring that symbols, footprints, and 3D models match datasheet information and DEKA templates.

How you will make an impact as a PCB Layout Designer:

Design and Layout

• Create PCB layouts from electrical schematics using industry-standard CAD tools (Altium Designer, KiCad, Eagle, or similar)
• Develop multi-layer board designs ranging from simple 2-layer to complex high-speed digital and mixedsignal boards
• Optimize component placement for thermal management, signal integrity, and manufacturing efficiency
• Route high-speed differential pairs, controlled impedance traces, and power distribution networks
• Perform design rule checks (DRC) and electrical rule checks (ERC) to ensure design integrity
• Create and modify library components in our database to ensure symbols, footprints, and 3D models accurately match datasheet specifications and DEKA templates.

Technical Collaboration

• Work closely with electrical engineers to understand circuit requirements and constraints
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure proper fit within enclosures and assemblies
• Interface with manufacturing partners to optimize designs for assembly and cost-effectiveness
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations for layout improvements

Documentation and Standards

• Generate comprehensive fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and bill of materials
• Maintain design documentation and revision control throughout the product development cycle
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (IPC, UL, FCC) and company design guidelines
• Create and maintain PCB design libraries and component footprints

Skills you will need to be successful as a PCB Layout Designer:

• 4+ years of experience in PCB layout design and electrical engineering principles
• Proficiency with PCB design software (Altium Designer preferred)
• Understanding of signal integrity principles, EMI/EMC considerations, and thermal management
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including surface mount and through-hole assembly
• Familiarity with industry standards and design for manufacturability (DFM) principles
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot design issues
• Good communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Continuous learning mindset to stay current with evolving technologies and industry trends

Preferred Qualification

• Experience with high-speed digital design, RF/microwave circuits, or power electronics
• Knowledge of simulation tools for signal integrity and thermal analysis
• IPC certification (CID, CID+, or similar)
• Experience with flexible and rigid-flex PCB technologies
• Understanding of component sourcing and supply chain considerations
• Experience in managing a library of components (symbols, footprints, 3d-models)

About DEKA:

One hour from the beach, Boston, and the mountains, the historic Amoskeag Millyard once housed the largest textile mills in the world. It is now home to DEKA Research & Development, where we are taking the same innovation and cutting-edge technology into the modern age.

Behind DEKA’s brick walls sits a team of professionals who strive to make a difference every day through thoughtful engineering, design, and manufacturing. Here at DEKA, some of the most innovative and life-changing products of our time are created, and new ideas are always welcome and explored.