Design Engineer

Contract Duration: 5 Months (Potential Extension)

Location: Sunnyvale, CA (Onsite)

Pay rate: $95-$100/hr. on W2

We are seeking an experienced PCB Layout Engineer (Design Engineer V) to support an advanced product development team focused on next-generation consumer electronics and augmented reality technologies. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and delivering highly complex PCB layouts that incorporate advanced component technologies, innovative stack-up solutions, and aggressive miniaturization strategies.

This role requires close collaboration with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, DFM teams, signal integrity/power integrity specialists, layout teams, library teams, and external manufacturing partners to deliver high-performance, production-ready PCB designs.

The successful candidate will lead PCB development efforts from initial concept through final tape-out, ensuring design quality, manufacturability, and compliance with project requirements.

Project Management & Design Execution

• Manage multiple complex PCB layout projects simultaneously, ensuring successful execution, schedule alignment, and timely project updates.
• Lead PCB designs from initial kickoff through tape-out, including:
• Rigid-flex PCB designs
• Product and engineering/test platforms
• Project kickoff meetings
• Component placement reviews
• Design verification reviews
• Maintain accurate project documentation, design trackers, and engineering workflow systems.
• Develop and maintain PCB design tool templates, project configurations, rules, and engineering standards.

Technical Expertise & Problem Solving

• Develop complex PCB layouts supporting advanced electronic products with challenging form‑factor requirements.
• Apply strong knowledge of electrical engineering concepts, including:
• Signal integrity considerations
• Drive PCB miniaturization strategies for compact, high‑density electronic products.
• Identify potential design risks, schedule challenges, and technical blockers early, and collaborate with engineering leadership to develop effective solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend practical design approaches balancing:
• Electrical performance
• Mechanical constraints
• Manufacturing capability
• Product requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Manufacturing Support

• Partner closely with:
• Electrical Engineering teams
• Mechanical Engineering teams
• Technical Program Managers
• Signal Integrity/Power Integrity teams
• Manufacturing and supplier engineering teams
• Resolve PCB design challenges through effective technical communication and collaboration.
• Work with DFM engineers during project initiation to validate manufacturing requirements and PCB fabrication constraints.
• Collaborate with external PCB suppliers and manufacturing partners to address:
• Design-for-manufacturing (DFM) concerns
• Yield improvement opportunities
• Production readiness challenges
• Support successful transition of designs from engineering development into manufacturing.

• 8+ years of experience in complex PCB design and layout engineering.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience using Cadence Allegro PCB Design tools (Version 23.1 or newer preferred).
• Strong understanding of PCB design principles, layout methodologies, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of mechanical considerations in electronics product design.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience implementing PCB miniaturization techniques for compact consumer electronics products.
• Small‑form‑factor embedded systems
• Advanced consumer hardware products
• Experience working with rigid‑flex and flexible PCB technologies.
• Experience collaborating directly with PCB fabrication and assembly suppliers.

Russell Tobin is a leading minority‑owned professional and technical recruitment and staffing advisory organization. We are comprised of specialized practices focusing on a variety of skill sets and industries. Having a depth and…