PCB Layout Designer

Q Microwave, a leader in the precision RF manufacturing, design and manufacture of cutting-edge military and defense microwave solutions, is seeking a  PCB Layout Designer to join our entrepreneurial, collaborative, and fast-paced team located in El Cajon, CA. Q Microwave is recognized for its advanced capabilities in RF filtering and custom RF subassemblies—technologies that require deep technical knowledge and a passion for precision. Our fully vertically integrated facility in San Diego enables close collaboration between design and manufacturing, ensuring unmatched quality and performance in RF product development. As a part of Amphenol’s global network of over 130 business units, Q Microwave operates with the technical focus and agility of a specialized design center while leveraging the strength, stability, and resources of one of the world’s largest interconnect solution providers.

As a PCB Layout Designer, you will play a critical role in developing cutting-edge RF and microwave subassemblies for mission-critical military and aerospace radar and communications systems. You will collaborate closely as part of a highly skilled, cross-functional engineering team—working alongside RF, mechanical, firmware, and test engineers—to design and integrate advanced digital hardware systems, including complex CCAs, flexible circuits, and custom test interfaces.

Key Responsibilities:

• Read, interpret, and capture electrical schematics.
• Capture layouts following standard and HDI processes for board layer count from 2 to 16 with standard, blind, and buried vias and double-sided component placements.
• Experience with layout of digital, analog, and power converter systems.
• Manage and maintain shared component libraries, databases, and shared building block designs.
• Capture new symbols and footprints, including mechanical information.
• Generate manufacturing collateral, including draftsman mechanical drawings and technical specifications.
• Participate in design for manufacturing (DFM) reviews.
• Work closely with power electronic engineers and contract manufacturers, including international manufacturers.
• Ensure processes are followed to comply with quality controls.
• Setup and manage design rules and stack-ups, pad-stacks for various types of designs.
• Advise on cost reduction or high-performance techniques.
• Help establish new and efficient design procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and mentor team members.
• Utilize schematic capture and PCB layout tools (e.g., Allegro or similar) to create robust, space- and noise-optimized designs suitable for high-reliability applications.
• Participate in technical design reviews and work collaboratively with cross-disciplinary teams including RF, mechanical, manufacturing, and quality engineering.
• Support risk management efforts by identifying electrical design risks and developing mitigation strategies.
• Assist in the design optimization of RF performance including circuit analysis and simulation, component, material, and process selection, PCB layout and mechanical packaging.

What We're Looking For:

Minimum:

• In-depth knowledge of the PCB design process.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in a technical field (eg. Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Drafting)
• 3+ years of experience in using Allegro[preferred], Altium, EAGLE, or similar PCB layout software. Including in-depth knowledge of working with a database, net classes, high voltage rules, variants, and job files.
• Experience in working collaboratively with electrical engineering defining PCB design.
• Knowledge of signal integrity, power distribution, and noise mitigation best practices in high-speed digital designs is a plus.
• Proficient in basic office tools including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and email platforms
• This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by US export laws. In order to be eligible for this position, you must be a “US Person” under US export laws (or eligible for approval under a U.S. Government export license).
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance.

Preferred:

• Five (5) to Eight (8+) years experience.
• Active Security Clearance.
• Familiarity with component selection for high-reliability/aerospace/defense applications.
• Hands-on experience with digital and mixed-signal simulation tools (e.g., SPICE-based simulators).
• Excellent technical communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs. of test equipment with assistance.
• Fast-paced environment with frequent interaction with supervisors.
• Comfortable working on your feet in a production environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a collaborative environment with growth opportunities.
• Be part of a supportive team focused on quality and efficiency.
• The work Schedule is a Standard 9/80 @ 7am-4:30pm. With every other Friday off.

Benefits

• 401(k) matching 
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Summary

This position is an excellent opportunity for motivated individuals who are ready to take the next step in their careers in manufacturing and production. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Q Microwave is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today!