Front End Software Engineer Jobs in New Jersey

Industry: Electronics / Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Manufacturing

About the Role

We are a full-service, vertically integrated U.S. manufacturer of high-reliability printed circuit boards and electronic assemblies. We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Printed Circuit Board (PCB) CAM Engineer to join our front-end engineering department.

In this role, you will be responsible for reviewing incoming customer design data, performing rigorous Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis, verifying layout clearances, and preparing comprehensive production tooling packages. You will ensure full compliance with IPC Class 2 and Class 3 / 3A standards using UCAM / UcamX software.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Data Ingestion & Review: Import, inspect, and verify customer design files across multiple formats (Gerber RS-274X, ODB++, IPC-2581, drill/rout files, netlists, and fabrication drawings).
• Layer Verification & Clean-up: Review all circuit layers (inner and outer signal layers, ground/power planes, solder mask, silkscreen, and paste layers) to identify discrepancies, missing data, or layout errors.
• Spacing & Clearance Audits: Ensure adequate trace-to-trace, trace-to-pad, pad-to-pad, and copper-to-edge clearances based on base copper weight and manufacturing process limits.
• DFM & Stack-up Checks: Perform thorough Design for Manufacturability checks; verify layer stack-ups, dielectric thickness, controlled impedance modeling, and aspect ratios for mechanical and laser drilling.
• Standards Compliance: Ensure tooling and fabrication guidelines strictly adhere to IPC Class 2, IPC-6012 Class 3 / 3A, and aerospace/defense customer flow-down specifications.
• Tooling Preparation via UCAM: Utilize UCAM / UcamX to apply etch compensation, manage annular ring optimization, panelize production working arrays, create drill/rout programs, and generate optical inspection (AOI) / electrical test data.
• Customer Interface & Engineering Queries (EQs): Draft and resolve clear, technical Engineering Queries (EQs) with customers regarding design violations, ambiguous drawing callouts, or DFM recommendations.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work directly with process engineering, quality assurance, wet-process chemistry, and production managers to support yield optimization and troubleshoot scrap issues.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum 3–5+ years of hands-on CAM engineering experience within a quick-turn or production bare-board PCB manufacturing environment.
• Software Proficiency: Proven, expert-level proficiency with UCAM / UcamX (experience with Genesis 2000 or InCAM is a plus, but hands-on UCAM expertise is required).
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of multilayer rigid boards, HDI microvias (blind/buried), via-in-pad plated over (VIPPO/IPC-4761), heavy copper, and specialty high-frequency substrates (e.g., Rogers, Polyimide, high-Tg FR-4).
• Industry Standards: Thorough working knowledge of IPC-A-600, IPC-6012 (Class 2 and Class 3/3A), and military/aerospace specifications (AS9100 / MIL-PRF-55110 familiarity preferred).
• Education: Associate degree, technical certificate, or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical industry experience.
• Citizenship / Regulatory Requirement: Due to ITAR and defense-related customer contracts, candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder).

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong mathematical and spatial reasoning skills with sharp attention to micro-level detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and balance multiple jobs in a fast-paced, quick-turn environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and customer correspondence.
• Proactive problem-solver with a strong commitment to first-pass yield and defect prevention.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays
• Professional development and continuing IPC certification opportunities

How to Apply

Please submit your resume highlighting your hands-on experience with PCB CAM engineering, UCAM software, and IPC Class 3 standards directly through Indeed.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• What PCB CAM software programs do you have hands-on experience with?
• Are you familiar with the PCB Manufacturing process?
• Are you familiar with IPC Class II and III requirements?

Work Location: In person