Senior PCB Designer (RF Layout) – Defense Industry
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior PCB Designer with strong RF layout expertise to join our engineering team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience designing complex, high-speed, multi-layer PCBs for mission-critical applications, preferably within the defense or aerospace industry. This role requires deep technical knowledge of RF design principles, signal integrity, and industry compliance standards, along with proficiency in Altium Designer, Siemens Xpedition (Mentor), and Cadence Allegro.
Key Responsibilities
• Design and develop complex, multi-layer PCBs (including rigid, flex, and rigid-flex) for RF and high-speed digital applications
• Perform RF layout for controlled impedance structures, transmission lines, antennas, filters, LNAs, Client, and mixed-signal designs
• Implement best practices for signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), EMI/EMC mitigation, and thermal management
• Collaborate closely with RF, hardware, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers throughout the product lifecycle
• Create and maintain PCB libraries, stack-ups, and design rules
• Generate fabrication and assembly documentation packages
• Support prototype bring-up, testing, and debugging activities
• Ensure compliance with IPC standards (IPC-2221/2222/6012, etc.) and defense-related requirements
• Interface with PCB fabricators and CM partners to resolve DFM/DFT issues
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical leadership/mentorship to junior designers
Required Qualifications
• 8+ years of professional PCB design experience
• Extensive RF layout experience (GHz-range designs preferred)
• Strong proficiency in:
o Altium Designer
o Siemens Xpedition (Mentor Graphics)
o Cadence Allegro PCB Designer
• Experience with high-layer-count boards (10+ layers preferred)
• Deep understanding of:
o Controlled impedance routing
o Differential pair routing
o Crosstalk mitigation
o Return path management
o Grounding and shielding strategies
• Experience working with high-speed interfaces (e.g., SERDES, DDR, PCIe, Ethernet, etc.)
• Familiarity with stack-up design and material selection for RF performance
• Working knowledge of SI/PI analysis tools
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in the defense, aerospace, or military electronics industry
• Familiarity with MIL-STD requirements and ITAR-controlled environments
• Experience designing for harsh environments (temperature, vibration, shock)
• Security clearance (active or eligible)
• Experience with simulation tools (HFSS, ADS, HyperLynx, etc.)
• IPC CID/CID+ certification
Soft Skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation discipline
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, regulated environment
• Leadership mindset with mentoring capability
Education
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Why Join Us
• Work on cutting-edge RF and mission-critical defense technologies
• Collaborative engineering culture
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on national security programs
Nesco Resource offers a comprehensive benefits package for our associates, which includes a MEC (Minimum Essential Coverage) plan that encompasses Medical, Vision, Dental, 401K, and EAP (Employee Assistance Program) services.
Nesco Resource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
