NorthwoodSpace

NorthwoodSpace

Senior PCB Designer

Torrance, CA · Senior

Work authorization required$100k-$125kDetected 48 days ago
PythonCybersecuritySolidWorksPCB DesignAltiumCadenceFPGAEMI/EMCElectrical EngineeringCommunicationMentoring

About the role

  • If you like solving complex challenges and seeing your work deployed around the world with real impact, Northwood is the place to do it.

Responsibilities

  • Own the physical layout of complex, high-density, high-layer-count PCBs featuring high-speed, high-frequency digital, RF, mixed-signal, and power distribution systems.
  • Determine optimum layer stackups, perform component placement, routing feasibility studies, and manage strict high-speed/high-frequency constraint rules.
  • Perform ECAD library creation, management, and maintenance for a wide array of active, passive, and high-pin-count components.
  • Collaborate across hardware and production teams to ensure strict adherence to Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Test (DFT) guidelines.
  • Work closely with external PCB fabrication and assembly vendors to resolve technical queries (EQs) and continuously improve internal design rules.
  • Evaluate, select, and champion advanced PCB design tools and automation scripts to establish the technical groundwork for scaling the layout function as the team grows.
  • Serve as the internal authority on high-speed and high-frequency layout practices, mentoring engineers across disciplines on layout-aware design.

Requirements

  • Deep, hands-on expertise in high-speed and high-frequency layout techniques (impedance control, differential pairs, length matching, crosstalk mitigation, and RF-aware routing).
  • Proven experience with advanced packaging technologies, including fine-pitch BGAs, high-pin-density components, and micro-vias (HDI).
  • Track record of operating with significant autonomy, able to set direction and make final layout calls with minimal oversight.
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Nice to have

  • 8+ years of experience designing high-speed, high-frequency, mixed-signal PCBs for FPGA, processor, RF/antenna, or high-performance networking systems.
  • Deep expertise in routing high-speed interfaces such as multi-gigabit SerDes, DDR memory, JESD204B/C, and 10/100G Ethernet.
  • Advanced proficiency in industry-standard ECAD tools (Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or Siemens Xpedition).
  • Strong understanding of IPC standards (e.g., IPC-2221, IPC-7351) and commercial manufacturing tolerances.
  • Experience with ECAD/MCAD co-design and integration workflows (e.g., SolidWorks, STEP files) for tight mechanical constraints.
  • Experience with scripting or automation (e.g., Python, Skill, or Altium scripts) to optimize layout workflows.
  • Excellent communication skills and a proven ability to make sound layout tradeoffs in a fast-paced, collaborative hardware environment.
  • Additional Requirements:

Skills

  • Northwood is looking for a Senior PCB Designer to be our first dedicated PCB layout hire, establishing the discipline from the ground up.
  • These complex boards ensure that our antennas can meet high-rate processing needs no matter where they are deployed around the world.

Compensation

  • PCB Designer/Level 3: $100,000-$125,000
  • PCB Designer/Level 4: $144,000-$180,000
  • PCB Designer/Level 5: $176,000-$220,000
  • Compensation at Northwood Space is based on role, level, location, and alignment with market data.
  • Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise.
  • Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood.

Benefits

  • Individual base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on job-related skills, education, experience, and technical expertise.
  • Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Northwood.
  • In addition to base salary, Northwood Space offers long-term incentives such as company stock options and discretionary performance bonuses.

Company info

  • Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology.
  • We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions such as national security, global connectivity, and disaster response.
  • With a vertically integrated approach, Northwood designs, builds, and rapidly deploys scalable systems that power the next generation of space missions.
  • If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • This position requires successfully obtaining and maintaining a Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of employment
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This listing is sourced directly from NorthwoodSpace's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.