Staff CAD Engineer

Job Title

Staff CAD Engineer

Role Summary

The Staff ECAD Engineer is the technical lead for PCB design and fabrication across high-performance RF and power product lines. This individual contributor sets CAD standards and design rules, resolves complex signal integrity, power integrity, and reliability issues, and drives quality improvements across programs.

Experience Level

Senior-level. Role expects extensive senior experience; the posting indicates 15+ years of relevant PCB/CAD/fabrication experience.

Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include technical leadership of PCB design, verification, manufacturability, and cross-functional coordination.

• Execute end-to-end PCB design (schematic capture through complex layout) using Altium or Cadence tools for production builds.
• Define and enforce design rules, IPC compliance practices, and sign-off criteria for high-frequency designs.
• Lead root-cause investigations and corrective actions for design and fabrication issues involving SI/PI, thermal, and mechanical interactions.
• Provide DFM/stack-up guidance and prepare complete fabrication and assembly documentation (Gerbers, BOMs, ECOs) for NPI and production release.
• Perform pre- and post-layout SI/PI/EM analysis (Cadence Sigrity or equivalent); develop transmission-line models and PDN analysis.
• Optimize designs and validate interfaces such as DDR4/DDR5, PCIe, SerDes, Ethernet, USB, and RF through simulation-driven methods.
• Apply HDI techniques and advanced routing for fine-pitch BGAs and complex multilayer boards; apply DFx methodologies for manufacturability and testability.
• Mentor and review designs by Staff and Senior engineers; present technical findings and mitigation plans at design reviews.
• Partner with mechanical, procurement, manufacturing, and suppliers to improve yield, cost, process capability, and support supplier qualification and audits.
• Manage Technical Queries (TQs) and ensure accurate, traceable documentation and timely transition into manufacturing.

Requirements

Must-have qualifications and skills for immediate success in this role.

• 15+ years of experience in PCB/PWB design, CAD layout, and/or fabrication/supplier development with progression into senior technical roles.
• IPC certification(s) required.
• Deep hands-on proficiency with ECAD and mechanical CAD tools: Altium, Cadence Allegro, ADS, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CAM350.
• Practical experience with SI/PI/EM simulation tools such as Cadence Sigrity or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of PCB manufacturing processes, materials (including high-frequency laminates), GD&T, and DFM/DFA/DFT/DFR practices.
• Strong RF/high-frequency design experience and familiarity with high-frequency laminates (Rogers, PTFE) and demanding ATE/probe card applications.
• Solid understanding of transmission line theory, impedance control, crosstalk, termination, PDN, and grounding.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience presenting technical analyses to cross-functional audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple concurrent programs and deliver accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering documentation/PLM systems.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience improving supplier process capability, yield, cycle time, and supporting audits at RF/high-frequency fabrication partners.
• Prior experience mentoring senior technical staff and leading cross-program technical direction.

Note: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the Company.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent extensive practical experience will be considered in lieu of a degree. IPC certification(s) are required.

About the Company

Company: Qorvo

Headquarters: Greensboro, NC, US

Qorvo supplies innovative semiconductor solutions that enhance connectivity and power for a variety of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. With a focus on RF and power solutions, Qorvo combines technology leadership and global manufacturing to address complex challenges in fast-growing industries. Their commitment to excellence and innovation drives them to shape the future of wireless communications.