Space Instrument PCB Layout; Designer​/Drafter

Position: Space Instrument PCB Layout (Designer/Drafter 4/5)
** What You Will Do*
* ** This position will be filled at the Designer/Drafter 4 or 5 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.  Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.*
* Come join our passionate team of R&D scientists and engineers supporting national security! The Space Electronics and Signal Processing (ISR-4) Group is seeking R&D electrical designers to assist and lead the design and development of high-quality, innovative measurement systems followed by their deployment on ground, launched on suborbital rockets, or into space for national security applications and NASA missions. This job is the essence of "Cradle to Grave" engineering;

once designed, built, and tested, you will often provide subject matter expertise for payload delivery, launch, and operations over the life of the mission whether in earth orbit for 10+ years, Mars, or deep space. ISR's 400+ instruments fly on over 200 satellites, including numerous NASA missions like Voyager, that has left our solar system, and the last two Mars Rovers.

Many of the custom instrumentation we produce is utilized to solve significant issues for our nation's security - something we have been doing so since the early 1960's. For more information, see the ISR division webpage: m.lanl.gov/space

If you possess self-initiative and enjoy working in a small team environment of rapid prototype, high quality, low volume, electronics assemblies this is the job for you. ISR-4 is looking for a self-driven PCB Layout designer to assist in the development of custom instrumentation for various detection and measurement systems. These systems can include:

+ Satellite-based detectors for space monitoring programs in support of nonproliferation and nuclear event detection missions;

+ Payloads for planetary science missions;

+ Smallsat and Cubesat systems;

+ Sub-orbital payload systems; and

+ Ground-based test beds, system integration, radar, and deployed sensing systems.

** Designer/Drafter 4 $ 72,800 - $115,400*
* As a Space Instrument Designer/Drafter 4, you will work engineers to understand the specifications, create and revise circuit board layout design in CAD, model and analyze the performance, and engage with fabrication facilities to ensure IPC standards are met. You work on defined tasking with guidance and mentorship while growing toward self-sufficiency in execution and documentation. For full consideration, applicants must submit a resume and comprehensive cover letter addressing each minimum requirement of this position, including detailed examples of past PCB layout projects.

** Designer/Drafter 5 $ 87,800 - $143,000*
* In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at level 5 you are able to apply advanced design methodologies and understand the requirements for high-speed and high-complexity electronics. You will continue to build on your strong communication skills as well as grow in responsibility, autonomy, and influence by serving as a go-to resource for design engineers. You seek out opportunities for growth, such as formal education and participation in professional societies.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* ** Design Expertise*
* + Ability to create and modify printed circuit board designs using Siemens Xpedition or Altium Designer including exporting manufacturing outputs including gerber, OBD+, assembly drawings, fabrication drawings and drill files.

+ Capability to create and modify component library parts based on manufacturers specification.

+ Must have knowledge of layer stackup requirements and experience routing multi-layer boards.

+ Experience applying technical standards, principles, theories, and techniques like Design for Manufacturing and Design for Test (DFM/DFT) standards like IPC to ensure manufacturability and reliability.

** Communication & Teaming*
* + Demonstrated ability to accomplish technical tasks while working independently as well as in a team environment with engineers, scientists, technicians, and fabrication shops.

+ Experience seeking feedback on design layouts, to include peer reviews and formal design reviews.

+ Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.

+ Strong organizational skills.

** In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the Designer/Drafter 5 level requires:*
* + Ability to research, design, and verify board layout solutions.

+ Working understanding of signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI/EMC).

+ Knowledge and experience with high-density layout including high speed digital, RF, and power supplies.

+ Knowledge of controlled impedance traces, RF transmission lines, etched antennas, and grounding techniques.

+ Working knowledge of use of different materials and processes for PCB fabrication and assembly.

+ Apply engineering design principles to design and fabrication of printed circuit boards and assemblies.

**…