Senior PCB Design Engineer | SoCal
Darwin Recruitment have partnered with a leading defense technology company to search for a Senior PCB Design Engineer to lead areas of PCB design strategy across advanced aerospace and defense.
This is a hands-on technical role for an expert with deep board architecture experience, combined with strong manufacturing optimization and electrical performance knowledge. The focus is on design ownership, manufacturability strategy, and supplier relationships rather than routine layout execution.
You’ll be the person called when electrical reliability or production issues don’t follow standard processes. The environment involves systems already operating in the field with warfighters where performance and durability are mission-critical. Backgrounds in aerospace/defense electronics, Agile Tech, advanced manufacturing, or high-reliability systems (space, military, automotive) are highly valued.
What will you be doing?
- Own the complete board design process: layer strategy, electrical performance targets, conductor routing, optimization for production
- Design and validate complex printed circuit assemblies across various form factors and environmental constraints
- Engage with manufacturing partners on feasibility assessment and production readiness
- Investigate and resolve electrical or production-related issues in operational systems and implement solutions
- Establish and evolve design guidelines, documentation standards, and technical processes as the engineering team expands
- Support and develop other engineers through technical guidance on board performance and production considerations
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (mechanical, software, manufacturing, operations) on electrical architecture decisions
What can you bring?
- 4+ years of board design and development experience with end-to-end project ownership
- Advanced proficiency with professional design software (industry-standard CAD tools or equivalent)
- Strong technical foundation in electrical performance, signal behavior, high-frequency design principles
- Hands-on experience designing multilayer assemblies with advanced construction methods
- Practical knowledge of production processes, supplier capabilities, and design-for-manufacturability principles
- History of managing multiple technical projects independently with strong prioritization
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical discipline (or equivalent professional experience)
Location & Travel
- On-site position | SoCal region
- Limited domestic travel as needed for supplier evaluation or technical collaboration
What’s in it for you?
- $110,000-$185,000 base compensation (commensurate with experience)
- Equity participation for new team members
- Relocation package for re-locators
- Flexible time-off policy + extended holiday periods
- Full-spectrum health coverage (medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits)
- Comprehensive wellness support including mental health resources and professional services
- Family-friendly leave policies
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.
Kyle Gauntlett