Engineer -PCB Layout

Engineer I-PCB Layout

Company: Microchip Technology Inc.

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Entry-Level Engineer I-PCB Layout Designer to join our Hardware Engineering team. This role focuses on the critical physical design of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), specifically for high‑efficiency power supply and power electronics circuits. The ideal candidate will translate complex electrical schematics into manufacturable, high‑performance physical layouts, ensuring adherence to rigorous industry standards and power integrity best practices.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent BSEE graduate to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world design engineering solutions.

• Translate detailed electrical schematics into optimized PCB layouts using industry‑standard EDA tools.
• Execute strategic component placement to minimize parasitic effects, optimize thermal performance, and meet mechanical constraints.
• Implement multi‑layer routing strategies for high‑current and sensitive control signals, ensuring minimal noise, crosstalk, and maintaining controlled impedance where required.
• Define robust power/ground plane structures to ensure Power Delivery Network (PDN) integrity, minimize ground bounce, and manage electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Perform Design Rule Checks (DRC) and collaborate with PCB fabricators and assembly houses to ensure designs are cost‑effective and manufacturable at volume.
• Generate comprehensive fabrication and assembly data packages, including Gerbers, drill files, assembly drawings, and Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Actively work with Electrical, Mechanical, and Signal/Power Integrity Engineers to resolve technical challenges and incorporate design feedback throughout the layout process.
• Ensure all PCB designs strictly comply with relevant industry specifications, including IPC‑2221, IPC‑2222, and IPC‑6012.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an accredited institution.
• 0–3 years of internship, co‑op, or academic project experience focused on PCB design, power electronics, or high‑speed/high‑current layout.
• Familiarity with professional EDA tools (Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or Mentor Graphics PADS) for schematic capture and PCB layout.
• Solid understanding of power supply topologies (Buck, Boost, Flyback) and the impact of layout on performance, efficiency, and noise.
• Knowledge of IPC standards (IPC‑2221, IPC‑2222, IPC‑6012) and high‑current trace width calculation (IPC‑2152).
• Analytical skills for design constraint analysis and hand calculations of trace current capacity, impedance, and plane resistance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for documenting design decisions and collaborating with cross‑functional teams.
• Basic grasp of Signal Integrity (SI) and Power Integrity (PI) principles, especially loop area minimization for high‑frequency power paths.

Travel Time: 0% – 25%

Physical Attributes: Feeling, Handling, Hearing, Other, Reaching, Seeing, Talking, Works Alone, Works Around Others

Physical Requirements: 10% Standing, 10% Walking, 80% Sitting, 100% Inside.

Pay Range: The annual base salary range for this position, which could be performed in California, is $68,640 – $128,000.
* Range depends on location, skills, and experience.

U.S. Export Controls Requirements:
This job requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by the export laws of the United States. Candidates are required to provide proof of either US citizenship, permanent US residency or classification as a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b (a) (3).

Microchip Technology Inc is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To all recruitment agencies:
Microchip Technology Inc. does not accept unsolicited agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our recruiting team or other Microchip employees. Microchip is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Entry level

Full‑time

Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing and Semiconductor Manufacturing