PCB Layout / ECAD Designer

Roles & Responsibilities

• Perform PCB layout for digital, analog, mixed-signal, power, and safety-critical electronics.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to understand schematics, design intent, routing constraints, and critical circuit requirements.
• Work with mechanical engineers to define board outlines, connector placement, keep-in / keep-out zones, mounting features, and packaging constraints.
• Create and maintain PCB footprints, symbols, component libraries, and ECAD documentation.
• Support design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-for-test (DFT), and design-for-assembly (DFA) reviews.
• Generate fabrication and assembly outputs, including Gerbers, ODB++, pick-and-place files, drawings, stackup notes, and assembly documentation.
• Interface with PCB fabrication and assembly vendors to resolve manufacturing questions and improve board quality.
• Participate in PCB design reviews and contribute to layout standards, checklist development, and release practices.
• Support ECOs, revision updates, and configuration-controlled release packages.
• Help improve Kraken’s ECAD workflows, library discipline, and documentation practices as the team scales.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional PCB layout or ECAD design experience.
• Proficiency with Altium Designer or similar professional PCB design tools.
• Experience laying out multi-layer printed circuit boards.
• Strong understanding of PCB fabrication, assembly processes, component footprints, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to interpret schematics and work closely with electrical engineers to implement design intent.
• Understanding of PCB design principles, including component placement, routing strategy, grounding, power distribution, and layer stack-up development.
• Understanding of signal integrity concepts including EMI/EMC considerations, coupling and crosstalk mitigation, impedance [BS2] control, shielding, and isolation.
• Working knowledge of applicable IPC standards and guidelines, and the workmanship requirements associated with IPC Class 1, 2, and 3 electronic assemblies.
• Experience creating fabrication and assembly output packages.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple board designs or revisions concurrently.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-density, mixed-signal, high-reliability, or safety-critical PCB designs.
• Experience with rigid-flex PCB design.
• Experience with Altium library management, component lifecycle tracking, or ECAD standards development.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFT practices, bed-of-nails test points, production test access, and panelization.
• Experience with IPC standards related to PCB design, component creation & footprints, fabrication, or assembly.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers, PCB fabricators, and assembly houses.
• Background in defense, aerospace, medical device, robotics, or other high-reliability electronics environments.
• Experience supporting ECOs, configuration management, and production release workflows.

Security Requirement

• US Citizen
• Security Statement: This position requires special access to U.S. government information. You must be a U.S. citizen for consideration

Benefits included

• Generous PTO policy
• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).
• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)
• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)
• Generous 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance
• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER