RF PCB Layout Engineer

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary AV is continuously seeking talented RF PCB Layout Engineers to work onsite at our Albuquerque, New Mexico or Germantown, Maryland offices. These positions support the development, integration, verification, and production of advanced RF, phased-array, mixed-signal, digital, power, and electromechanical systems. This posting is intended for candidates at multiple experience levels, with responsibilities aligned to qualifications and program needs. Engineers may support PCB layout, RF implementation, library development, design-rule definition, documentation, prototype bring-up, production transition, and technical leadership. You will collaborate with RF, electrical, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, assembly, quality, and test teams throughout the product lifecycle. Position Responsibilities Create and maintain PCB layouts for RF, mixed-signal, digital, power, and control assemblies, including phased-array tiles and RF front ends. Translate schematics, RF constraints, stack-up requirements, mechanical envelopes, thermal paths, and assembly requirements into manufacturable layouts. Apply controlled-impedance routing, transmission-line geometry, grounding, shielding, isolation, return-current control, thermal-management, and RF-clearance practices. Apply approved stack-ups, footprints, net classes, design rules, keep-outs, differential-pair requirements, and via strategies. Support high-density and repeated-hardware designs while preserving electrical performance, consistency, and design intent. Create and maintain component symbols, footprints, libraries, placement data, fabrication outputs, assembly drawings, bills of materials, and controlled release packages. Perform design-rule checks, drawing checks, peer reviews, and release reviews before fabrication and assembly. Support signal-integrity, power-integrity, electromagnetic-compatibility, thermal, DFM, and DFT reviews. Use Altium Designer or a comparable tool to generate layouts, manufacturing outputs, assembly outputs, and technical documentation. Work with suppliers to resolve fabrication, assembly, yield, rework, inspection, and production issues without compromising RF requirements. Support prototype bring-up, RF testing, hardware integration, failure analysis, engineering changes, and transition to production. Collaborate across RF design, modeling, electrical, mechanical, thermal, manufacturing, quality, and test disciplines. Participate in design, test-readiness, production-readiness, and customer technical reviews. Maintain configuration-controlled records, revision history, engineering changes, and release documentation. Identify tradeoffs involving RF performance, density, mechanical and thermal constraints, cost, schedule, manufacturability, and repeatability. Provide technical leadership, mentorship, or process improvement based on experience. Support occasional travel to customer, supplier, test, or field locations. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, Electronics, CAD, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered. Relevant experience in PCB layout, RF layout, electronics design, drafting, or hardware development. Level will be based on qualifications and experience. Experience with Altium Designer or a comparable PCB layout tool. Ability to interpret electrical and RF schematics and understand signal paths. Working knowledge of multilayer PCB stack-ups, controlled impedance, grounding, shielding, isolation, signal integrity, DFM, and DFT. Experience creating or reviewing fabrication and assembly documentation. Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and technical documentation skills. Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Must be a U.S. citizen. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Experience with RF or mixed-signal boards, phased-array tiles, antenna interfaces, RF front ends, beamforming hardware, or high-density assemblies. Experience with RF shielding, thermal management, flex or rigid-flex boards, blind or buried vias, high-frequency connectors, or advanced PCB fabrication. Experience with DFM, DFT, supplier coordination, prototype bring-up, production transition, or fielded hardware. Familiarity with HFSS, ADS, CST, MATLAB, signal-integrity, power-integrity, or electromagnetic-compatibility tools. Experience with RF test equipment or hardware verification. Familiarity with IPC-A-610, ANSI/ESD S20.20, controlled manufacturing environments, and configuration management. Experience with radar, satellite communications, phased arrays, beam-control systems, or aerospace and defense products. Experience leading layout reviews, establishing design standards, conducting trade studies, or mentoring engineers. Current and active U.S. Department of Defense security clearance. Core Competencies RF and mixed-signal PCB layout Controlled impedance, high-speed routing, grounding, shielding, and isolation PCB libraries, documentation, and configuration control Design for manufacturability, test, and assembly Prototype bring-up, troubleshooting, and production support Signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC awareness Cross-functional collaboration and technical communication Risk identification, tradeoff analysis, and problem solving Task ownership, technical leadership, and mentorship Career Framework Track: Engineering Discipline: Electrical Engineering / PCB Design Level : Based on qualifications and experience Focus Areas: RF PCB Layout, Mixed-Signal Layout, Phased-Array Hardware, RF Front Ends, High-Density Electronics, Signal Integrity, Manufacturing Transition, and Hardware Integration and Test At AV, RF PCB Layout Engineers work hands-on with advanced hardware supporting critical aer