Layout Engineer - Labs

About the role

DoorDash Labs is seeking a dedicated PCB Layout Engineer to own the physical electronics design for our drone delivery program. You will function as the primary layout authority, managing the full lifecycle of hardware from initial schematic handoff to final assembly and flight readiness. The role demands ownership of the entire board development flow, translating complex electrical requirements into manufacturable physical circuits. You will be responsible for ensuring that every layer of the board adheres to strict aerospace performance standards. This position is central to the successful deployment of autonomous delivery systems. You will act as the definitive source for all geometric and electrical board definitions. Success in this role requires a commitment to precision and a deep understanding of manufacturing constraints. Your work will directly influence the reliability and safety of flight-critical systems.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute end-to-end PCB layout tasks including floorplanning, component placement, routing, and fabrication release for drone hardware.
• Develop dense, multi-layer, controlled-impedance boards integrating power, motor-drive, RF, and high-speed digital circuitry specific to aerial vehicles.
• Balance size, weight, and thermal constraints for airborne hardware while meticulously maintaining signal and power integrity across all operating conditions.
• Manage DFM, DFA, and DFT processes, generating complete fabrication and assembly documentation that meets strict aviation documentation standards.
• Implement EMI/EMC-aware design strategies to ensure system reliability and regulatory compliance in demanding electromagnetic environments.
• Build and maintain a comprehensive component library and establish formal layout standards tailored for the hardware program's long-term scalability.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, power, and reliability teams to support board bring-up, debug, and rework with minimal downtime.
• Liaise with manufacturing partners to resolve any issues that arise during prototype assembly or high-volume production runs.
• Perform design for testability analysis to ensure that critical in-circuit parameters remain measurable throughout the product lifecycle.
• Author detailed fabrication and assembly drawings that communicate precise requirements to external manufacturing vendors.
• Conduct design reviews and provide layout sign-offs that align with project timelines and engineering quality gates.
• Support the qualification and validation of prototypes through first-article inspections and failure analysis investigations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for layout flows and methodologies to accelerate future product development cycles.
• Ensure all design outputs conform to internal quality management systems and regulatory submission requirements.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or possess equivalent practical experience that demonstrates the same competency level.
• Bring 8+ years of professional PCB layout experience with a documented history of shipping complex, multi-layer designs into production.
• Demonstrate expert proficiency in Altium Designer, including advanced features for constraint management and 3D integration.
• Show deep proficiency in signal integrity, power integrity, and controlled-impedance design techniques critical for high-performance systems.
• Possess hands-on experience with mixed-signal layouts covering power, RF, and high-speed digital domains simultaneously.
• Apply a working knowledge of DFM/DFA and IPC standards such as IPC-2221/2222 and IPC-A-600/610 in previous professional settings.
• Exhibit the ability to work independently as the sole owner of the layout function without requiring constant supervision.
• Maintain a strong commitment to following detailed engineering instructions while also applying sound judgment when deviations are necessary.

Nice to have

• Gain direct experience with drone, UAV, aerospace, robotics, or EV hardware in a professional capacity.
• Demonstrate familiarity with rigid-flex and flex PCB design for constrained spaces common in mobile platforms.
• Show expertise in RF and antenna layout for GPS, cellular, or telemetry systems used in connectivity-critical applications.
• Possess experience with high-current power, ESC, or motor-drive layouts that handle significant thermal loads.
• Show proficiency in ECAD/MCAD co-design using Altium with SolidWorks or Creo to ensure seamless mechanical integration.
• Bring a background in designing for high-reliability or harsh environments involving thermal cycling and vibration encountered in flight operations.
• Experience creating layout processes and standards for early-stage hardware teams that are rapidly evolving.

Skills & tools

• Expert use of Altium Designer for complex board layouts.
• Strong foundation in PCB Layout methodologies and best practices.
• Proven ability in mixed-signal design principles and implementation.
• Advanced skills in RF/High-speed digital routing and termination strategies.
• Comprehensive understanding of DFM/DFA/DFT principles and their application in production.
• Solid grasp of IPC Standards governing printed circuit board design and assembly.

Practical notes

The compensation package for this position includes base salary and equity grants as part of the total rewards strategy. The comprehensive benefits suite features 401(k) with match, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, and medical/dental/vision coverage designed to support diverse lifestyles. Employees receive 80 hours of annual paid sick time and 11 paid holidays annually to promote well-being and work-life balance. DoorDash complies with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance regarding qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records to support inclusive hiring practices. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruiting process to ensure equitable access to all candidates.

About the company

DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with local businesses. Founded in 2013, DoorDash is the largest food delivery company in the United States by market share. The organization operates at the intersection of logistics, software, and hardware innovation to solve last-mile delivery challenges. The Labs division specifically focuses on pioneering new technologies that push the boundaries of conventional commerce. This role represents an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge hardware development within a fast-growing tech environment. The successful candidate will join a team dedicated to solving complex engineering problems under strict operational constraints. The position offers the chance to work on products that impact how goods are delivered globally.