Lead PCB Designer

Lead PCB Designer (RF/Radar) Job Description

An exciting new VC space startup in Seattle, WA is seeking an accomplished Lead PCB Designer to own the architecture, execution, and quality assurance of printed circuit board layouts supporting our scalable electronically‑steered radar (ESR) hardware for sophisticated spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and advanced defense target‑tracking missions. This role blends hands‑on technical layout work with leadership of standards, design processes, and mentoring of a small team of PCB designers.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience developing high‑speed, mixed‑signal, RF, and power boards for space or aerospace environments and thrive in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary setting. As an early‑stage team member, you’ll have the opportunity to share in the company’s growth through equity participation.

• Design and layout high‑speed digital, mixed‑signal, RF front‑end, and power management boards supporting spaceborne radar payloads and phased‑array antenna modules.
• Collaborate with the Responsible Engineer to define and maintain board‑level architecture, layer stack‑ups, and routing strategies ensuring signal integrity, impedance control, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Execute detailed component placement and routing for complex multi‑layer designs including high‑density BGAs, SERDES, DDR, FPGA, and high‑frequency RF interconnects.
• Own the full lifecycle design, from schematic collaboration and layout execution through fabrication, assembly, and bring‑up support.
• Integrate board design within mechanical, RF, thermal, and system‑level constraints, ensuring mechanical compatibility, manufacturability, and serviceability.
• Serve as the point of contact for standardized PCB layout, DFM/DFA/DFT rules, ECAD constraint management, and centralized component‑library oversight.
• Participate in formal design reviews, enforce design rules, and ensure documentation packages meet aerospace and defense standards.
• Coordinate with Contract Design Services partners to ensure alignment with internal engineering standards and deliverables.
• Support PCB fabrication and assembly vendors DFM and inquiries, ensuring compliance with stack‑up, impedance, and material specifications for space/defense environments.
• Contribute to supply‑chain readiness and material qualification efforts for high‑reliability boards.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent experience
• Expert in PCB layout and Altium Designer
• Strong knowledge of constraint‑driven design, impedance control, grounding, thermal management, EMI/EMC mitigation
• Experience with DFM/DFA/DFT and vendor collaboration
• Familiarity with aerospace/defense standards and environmental testing (shock, vibration, thermal, radiation, reliability)
• Skilled in Altium toolchain integration, ECAD libraries, and automation
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Eligible for US DoD TS/SCI clearance

• Experience designing PCBs for spacecraft payloads, synthetic aperture radar systems, or electronically‑steered RF arrays.
• Proficiency with 3D ECAD/MCAD co‑design workflows and mechanical constraint management.
• Knowledge of IPC Class 3 and NASA or MIL specifications for PCB fabrication and assembly.
• Exposure to high‑power or high‑voltage design practices and power‑integrity simulation tools.
• Knowledge of thermal transfer through PCB materials.
• Experience with high‑frequency RF routing principles and circuits.
• Experience developing mission‑critical hardware for space and/or defense environments.
• Significant experience designing complex multi‑layer PCBs with high‑speed interfaces (PCIe, DDR, SERDES).
• Flexibility to support critical program milestones during extended hours when necessary.
• Eligibility to work on U.S. export‑controlled projects (ITAR).

This position is based in an office setting in Seattle, WA. The role may require occasional travel to fabrication partners or testing facilities. Relocation assistance is negotiable for candidates who are interested in relocating to the Seattle area. As an early‑stage team member, you’ll have the…