Senior PCB Designer

About the Company

Northwood is a modern space infrastructure company bringing the benefits of space to the masses through advanced communications technology. We are building a global network of phased array ground stations that enable real-time, reliable communication for satellite missions.

Responsibilities

• Own the physical layout of complex, high-density, high-layer-count PCBs featuring high-speed, high-frequency digital, RF, mixed-signal, and power distribution systems
• Determine optimum layer stackups, perform component placement, and manage high-speed/high-frequency constraint rules
• Perform ECAD library creation, management, and maintenance
• Collaborate with hardware and production teams to ensure adherence to DFM, DFA, and DFT guidelines
• Generate and release comprehensive documentation packages for fabrication and assembly
• Work with external vendors to resolve technical queries and improve design rules
• Evaluate and champion advanced PCB design tools and automation scripts
• Serve as the internal authority on high-speed and high-frequency layout practices

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience in complex, high-density PCB layout
• Deep expertise in high-speed and high-frequency layout techniques (impedance control, differential pairs, length matching, crosstalk mitigation)
• Proven experience with advanced packaging technologies (fine-pitch BGAs, HDI)
• Strong command of PCB materials and dielectric properties
• Demonstrated experience applying EMI/EMC mitigation techniques and designing robust PDNs
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under ITAR

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience designing high-speed, high-frequency, mixed-signal PCBs for FPGA or RF systems
• Expertise in routing multi-gigabit SerDes, DDR memory, JESD204B/C, and 10/100G Ethernet
• Advanced proficiency in Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or Siemens Xpedition
• Strong understanding of IPC standards
• Experience with ECAD/MCAD co-design (SolidWorks, STEP files)
• Experience with scripting or automation (Python, Skill, or Altium scripts)