PCB Designer (Starshield)

About the role

Join the Starshield team to develop custom hardware for national security missions. You will manage the full lifecycle of printed circuit board layouts, working alongside engineers to translate schematics into functional hardware for applications ranging from solar power to radio arrays. In this capacity, you will own the end to end execution of complex circuit card assemblies, ensuring that every design decision supports mission critical reliability and performance. You will act as the primary layout authority, driving design integrity from concept through production release while maintaining strict adherence to aerospace and defense standards. This role requires a disciplined engineer who can balance aggressive schedules with meticulous attention to detail in a high stakes environment. You will partner with cross functional teams to resolve design constraints, validate electrical behavior, and streamline the transition from prototype to low volume manufacturing. Your work will directly enable the deployment of secure and resilient hardware platforms that power next generation capabilities for national defense and security operations.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define layer stackups and execute component placement, package selection, and routing for analog, digital, RF, and power conversion circuits while anticipating manufacturing and test constraints.
• Build and manage ECAD libraries, ensuring symbol, footprint, and 3D models are accurate, version controlled, and aligned with corporate standards.
• Produce and release fabrication documentation, including detailed drawings, notes, and outputs required for photoplotter and imaging systems.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal teams to refine design rules, manufacturing guidelines, and assembly processes to optimize yield and robustness.
• Evaluate new design software, tools, and methodologies, and provide structured training to team members to lift overall capability.
• Perform design for manufacturability, assembly, and test analyses, identifying risks early and implementing mitigations before tapeout.
• Support signal integrity, power integrity, and electromagnetic compatibility analyses, specifying appropriate components and layout techniques to meet requirements.
• Implement and maintain revision control practices, change notices, and engineering baselines to guarantee traceability and configuration integrity.
• Liaise with mechanical, firmware, and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of circuit boards into larger platforms and enclosures.
• Lead failure analysis and corrective action activities for field or test issues, driving root cause resolution and documentation.
• Champion best practices for documentation, labeling, and quality metrics across the design and production lifecycle.
• Mentor junior layout engineers by providing code reviews, walkthroughs, and constructive feedback to improve team execution.
• Track project milestones and risks, escalating dependencies and resource needs to keep critical timelines on track.
• Contribute to cost and manufacturability trade studies, balancing performance, schedule, and program constraints.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in electrical engineering or 3+ years of professional PCB layout experience, with a strong grasp of circuit theory and practical implementation challenges.
• Minimum 1+ year of professional PCB layout experience, demonstrating a track record of delivering designs into production.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to meet ITAR requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph, meeting stringent personnel eligibility standards.
• Willingness to comply with pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing as required for sensitive positions.
• Commitment to working in a U.S. government related program subject to strict compliance and export control regulations.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, deadline driven environment while maintaining high quality outputs.
• Willingness to follow detailed engineering procedures, standards, and work instructions without deviation.

Nice to have

• 2+ years of experience with layout and routing for fine pitch, high pin density, RF, surface-mount, or BGA components.
• 1+ year of experience with ECAD library configuration, including part lifecycle and revision management.
• Proficiency in Mentor Xpedition preferred or Altium Designer for day to day design tasks.
• Knowledge of high speed buses, FPGA, DRAM, CPU, DC DC converters, and impedance controlled traces.
• Familiarity with IPC, MIL STD, and commercial design standards to ensure robust and compliant implementations.
• Experience with scripting, automation, and monitoring industry parts to improve design and sourcing workflows.
• Active TS/SCI clearance or ability to obtain one, with demonstrated success in cleared programs.

Practical notes

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Salary: Level I ($105,000 - $122,500) or Level II ($120,000 - $150,000).

• Active clearance holders receive a 10% differential (up to $20,000 annually) upon briefing into a classified program.
• Compensation includes stock options, bonuses, 401(k), medical/vision/dental, paid parental leave, and 3 weeks of vacation plus 10+ holidays.
• Expect to work weekends and extended hours during critical project phases.
• Active clearance holders are subject to pre employment and random drug and alcohol testing.