Senior Electrical Engineer, PCB Systems
Job description
About the role
Flagship Pioneering, Inc. is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer, PCB Systems to join their growing team in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This role centers on the design and development of printed circuit board systems that form the foundation of hardware solutions for life sciences ventures. The engineer will work within a venture creation environment where electronic systems are conceived, built, and refined to support innovative biotechnology and healthcare companies. The position demands close collaboration with cross-functional teams to define, prototype, and refine PCB architectures from initial concept through final production, ensuring that each design meets the rigorous standards of the life sciences industry. The engineer will have the opportunity to work on diverse hardware challenges across multiple venture stages.
Key facts
This role is part of the core engineering organization at Flagship Pioneering, Inc., where hardware development efforts directly support the company's mission of creating and nurturing life sciences ventures from the ground up. The position is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the center of one of the world's most active biotechnology and innovation ecosystems. The engineer will contribute to projects that span early-stage concept exploration through to production-ready hardware deliverables for portfolio companies. The work involves both individual contribution and team-based problem-solving in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.
What you'll do
Design and develop printed circuit board layouts for life sciences hardware applications and systems
Create system-level electrical architectures that meet detailed product specifications and performance targets
Work closely with mechanical and software engineers to integrate PCB designs into larger embedded systems
Perform thorough signal integrity and power integrity analysis on complex circuit board designs
Select appropriate electronic components and materials for PCB fabrication, assembly, and testing processes
Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation including schematics, layouts, and bill of materials
Conduct design reviews and provide technical guidance to junior engineering staff members
Iterate on hardware prototypes, diagnosing and resolving electrical issues during rigorous testing phases
Ensure all designs comply with relevant industry standards for safety, reliability, and manufacturing
Collaborate with portfolio company teams to understand their hardware requirements and deliver effective solutions
Evaluate and recommend new PCB materials and manufacturing processes to improve product quality
Manage design revisions and maintain version control across multiple hardware project streams
Requirements
Demonstrated experience in electrical engineering with a strong focus on printed circuit board design and development
Strong understanding of analog and digital circuit principles applied to practical system-level design work
Proficiency with PCB design software and electronic design automation tools is expected and valued
Ability to read and interpret technical datasheets, reference designs, and complex application notes accurately
Experience managing multiple hardware projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and demanding work environment
Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical engineering or a closely related technical field
Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
A self-directed approach to problem-solving with consistent attention to detail, quality, and thorough documentation
Familiarity with industry standards such as IPC specifications for printed circuit board manufacturing
Track record of delivering reliable hardware designs on schedule within regulated or quality-focused environments
Nice to have
Familiarity with high-speed digital design and advanced signal integrity techniques for printed circuit board systems
Experience working in a venture capital or startup incubation environment is highly valued
Knowledge of regulatory standards relevant to medical or life science device products and processes
Background in both hardware development and software integration workflows is considered a strong plus
Prior experience with rapid prototyping methods and iterative design validation in a laboratory setting
Skills & tools
Printed circuit board design and layout software for schematic and layout creation
Electronic design automation and schematic capture tools for circuit design workflows
Signal integrity and power integrity simulation software for board-level analysis
Hardware debugging and measurement instruments such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
Version control systems for managing hardware design files and revisions
Technical documentation and specification writing platforms for design record keeping
Printed circuit board fabrication and assembly process knowledge including Gerber file generation
Practical notes
This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and requires regular on-site presence at the company office
The role reports directly to senior engineering leadership within the Flagship Pioneering organizational structure
Candidates should expect to work closely alongside venture teams and portfolio company engineering groups regularly
The hiring process includes technical interviews focused on PCB design principles and systems-level thinking abilities
Flagship Pioneering, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences