PCB Layout Design Engineer

Job Title

PCB Layout Design Engineer

Role Summary

Design and deliver high-reliability, production-ready printed circuit board (PCB) solutions for aerospace and defense applications. Work across electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and signal-integrity teams to convert complex schematics and constraints into manufacturable multi-layer PCB layouts.

Role may be filled at Principal or Sr. Principal level and requires on-site presence at the Woodland Hills, CA facility.

Experience Level

Senior - Principal / Sr. Principal level. Specific experience expectations vary by degree and are summarized under Education Requirements.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include translating electrical designs into robust PCB layouts and producing complete fabrication/assembly documentation.

• Execute placement and routing of complex, high-density, multi-layer PCBs, including high-speed digital, RF, mixed-signal, and power circuits.
• Interpret schematics, electrical constraints, and mechanical boundaries to produce optimized layouts that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
• Generate and maintain PCB/CCA fabrication and assembly documentation, artwork, drawings, and data outputs for procurement and assembly partners.
• Apply IPC, military, and aerospace standards for PCB design and verification.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, and signal-integrity engineers to resolve layout-related issues (signal/power integrity, thermal management, packaging).
• Perform and support DFM, DFA, and DFT reviews using automated and manual checks to improve yield and test coverage.
• Interface with fabrication and assembly suppliers to incorporate manufacturing capabilities and constraints into designs.
• Maintain PCB library practices ensuring correct symbols, footprints, and parameter data.
• (Principal) Independently own layout tasks from concept through fabrication data release to meet program cost, schedule, and technical requirements.
• (Sr. Principal) Lead advanced layout efforts (HDI, microvias, via-in-pad, backdrilling, specialized substrates); provide technical guidance, peer reviews, and mentorship.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications are listed first; preferred skills follow.

Must-have:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site full-time at the Woodland Hills, CA location.
• Minimum 2 years of PCB layout experience using Cadence Allegro or a similar enterprise PCB layout tool.
• Experience with multi-layer, high-density PCB placement and routing for high-speed digital, RF, and/or mixed-signal circuits.
• Working knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly processes and common manufacturability/yield considerations.
• Familiarity with IPC industry standards and high-reliability design criteria.
• Experience generating artwork and PCB/CCA documentation for procurement and assembly.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing requirements.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience with signal-integrity or power-integrity analysis tools and workflows.
• Experience supporting environmental qualification and reliability testing from a PCB layout perspective.
• Experience on defense or space flight programs with stringent reliability, documentation, and traceability requirements.
• Expertise in advanced, very high-layer-count PCBs (typically 24+ layers) combining RF, high-speed digital, and high-power sections.
• Experience implementing advanced manufacturing technologies (HDI, microvias, via-in-pad, backdrilling, specialized substrates).
• Experience providing technical guidance, conducting layout reviews, and mentoring junior designers.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline plus 2 years of engineering experience in aerospace or a closely related environment; OR a Master’s degree in an engineering discipline with 0 years of relevant experience. Four years of additional experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree. Fields referenced: engineering disciplines (general engineering).

About the Company

Company: Northrop Grumman

Headquarters: Falls Church, Virginia, United States

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company that provides innovative solutions in mission systems, electronics, and software. With a legacy of significant advancements in technology, we empower employees to tackle complex challenges and create revolutionary systems that enhance global security. Our diverse teams focus on engineering innovation and product development, delivering solutions that support military and civilian customers worldwide.