Media & Entertainment STEM OPT Jobs in California

JOB SUMMARY

The PCB Designer 2 independently performs schematic capture and full PCB layout for RF/microwave and mixed-signal circuit boards. Working with moderate supervision, this position collaborates closely with RF and electrical engineers on stack-up, material selection, and controlled-impedance routing, and takes on greater responsibility for DFM compliance, documentation quality, and fabrication-vendor coordination than the entry-level role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, recommend, and deploy new layout and schematic capture software tools.
• Collaborate with current and new printed circuit board assembly housings to understand capabilities and successfully deploy DFM internally.
• Independently perform schematic capture and full PCB layout for RF/microwave, digital, and mixed-signal circuit boards.
• Design and manage controlled-impedance transmission lines (microstrip, stripline, grounded coplanar waveguide) per RF engineering requirements.
• Select and specify PCB stack-ups and materials (FR-4, Rogers, PTFE laminates) in coordination with RF and electrical engineers.
• Route high-speed and RF-sensitive traces while managing crosstalk, EMI, and signal integrity considerations.
• Generate complete fabrication and assembly data packages (Gerbers, drill files, IPC netlists, BOMs, assembly drawings) and review for DFM compliance.
• Perform DRC/ERC checks and independently resolve layout violations.
• Coordinate with PCB fabricators and assembly houses on stack-up, tolerances, and manufacturability questions.
• Process ECOs, maintain revision control, and manage component libraries within PLM/PDM systems.
• Support bring-up, debug, and rework of prototype boards alongside RF and electrical engineers.
• Mentor other engineering staff on layout practices, library standards, and documentation quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Technology, PCB Design, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Two to five years of relevant PCB design experience, preferably including RF/microwave or high-speed digital layout.
• Demonstrated proficiency with ECAD tools (Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or similar) and experience working within a PDM/PLM system.
• Solid understanding of controlled-impedance design, stack-up construction, and RF layout practices.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks concurrently with minimal day-to-day direction.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Advanced proficiency in Altium Designer (or equivalent), including multi-layer RF/mixed-signal layout.
• Strong knowledge of controlled-impedance transmission line design (microstrip, stripline, CPWG) and impedance calculation tools.
• Working knowledge of RF laminate materials (Rogers, PTFE) and their electrical/thermal properties.
• Understanding of IPC standards (IPC-2221, IPC-6012, IPC-7351) and DFM/DFT best practices.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC mitigation techniques in layout, including grounding, shielding, and via stitching.
• Working knowledge of PLM/PDM and ERP systems for library, BOM, and ECO management.
• Effective cross-functional communication with RF/electrical engineering and PCB fabrication vendors.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Business Acumen: Awareness and knowledge of and insight into the organization’s vision, structure, culture, philosophy, operating principles, values, and code of ethics; ability to apply this understanding appropriately to diverse situations. Knowledge, insight, and understanding of business concepts, tools, and processes that are needed for making sound decisions in the context of the company’s business; ability to apply this knowledge appropriately to diverse situations.

• Change: Knowledge of and ability to align the organization’s people and culture with changes in business strategy, organizational structure, technology and business processes.

• Communication: Successful communication involves five components. Verbal communication refers to your ability to speak clearly and concisely. Nonverbal communication includes the capacity to project positive body language and facial expressions. Written communication refers to your skillfulness in composing text messages, reports, and other types of documents. Visual communication involves your ability to relay information using pictures and other visual aids. Active listening should also be considered a key communication soft skill because it helps you listen to and actually hear what others say. You need to be able to listen to understand how to best communicate with someone.

• Strategic Thinking: Understands business issues and opportunities and translates or aligns them to a vision, strategy and plans to chart a course of action.

• Teamwork: Collaborate with others to achieve common goals. Build strong, positive working relationships with supervisor and team members/coworkers. Exercise the ability to compromise and be adaptable.

• Problem-Solving / Critical Thinking: Ability to balance the needs of different people in a solution to a problem. Able to meet the needs of different constituents in the solution of a problem. Able to solve problems with multiple criteria that need to be met. Identifies and assesses all potential responses to a problem.

• Integrity / Work Ethic: Deal with Conflict Properly. Report Unethical Behavior. Be upfront about your shortcomings. Be willing to do hard work. Take accountability for your actions. Be a team player. Respect others. Don’t abuse your power. Keep morale up.

• Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal competencies help you interact, communicate, and collaborate with others effectively. Typical examples of interpersonal skills include empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence.