Electronics Layout Designer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers’ hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today’s challenges.   

We are looking for an Electronics Layout Designer (Technical Specialist – Electronics IV – Laboratory Support) to join xLab’s systems and design engineering staff in our El Segundo, CA facility.  You will create printed circuit board (PCB) layouts from electrical schematics using CAD software tools.  You will work cross functionally with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure layout meets design requirements including:  fit, EMI, power capacity and signal impedance.  Layout BGA components, including FPGAs, microprocessors and memory.  Work with fabrication suppliers to meet class 3 requirements and provide technical expertise to design for manufacturability. 

What You’ll Be Doing

• Partner with electrical engineering teams and understand schematic design requirements to efficiently design PCB layouts

• Create PCB layouts from electrical schematics using Siemens PADS Software

• Collaborate with mechanical engineers for form, fit, function of final PCB integration into system

• Create new parts, draw component symbols, decals

• Review technical part data sheets when required

• Present layout designs and technical requirements to peers during program reviews

• Work closely with in-house electronics assembly technicians to answer questions during assembly, when needed

• Work with fabrication suppliers to meet class 3 requirements and provide technical expertise to answer questions and resolve issues during board fabrication and assembly. 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Completed vocational trade school, 4-year Apprenticeship Program, or equivalent industry experience

• Ten years experiencing using eCAD layout tools for PCB layout

• Experience with high density, multi-layer PCB construction, high-speed digital PCB routing constraints, controlled impedance layouts; including the use of BGAs, FPGAs, microprocessors, and memory

• Understanding of IPC design requirements

• Understanding of fabrication, assembly, and documentation processes

• Understanding of signal integrity principles, like crosstalk, stubs, reflections and grounding

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required.

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience with Siemens PADS Software Suite (Standard and Expedition); including, Library management and part revision control

• Experience with high-speed (1GHz+) PCB layouts

• Experience with blind and buried vias

• Experience with mixed signal, high power, and hi-frequency RF PCBs

• Experience with flex and rigid flex

• Experience working in DoD / space industry

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills. 

(Min - Max)

$41.36 - $62.04

Pay Basis: Hourly

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who: