PCB Design Engineer with Security Clearance

Location: Carlsbad, CA (Onsite SCIF)Clearance Required: Active Secret ClearanceEmployment Type: Contract (Full-Time)Duration: 4–12 MonthsHourly Rate: $95/hr. About the OpportunityWe are seeking highly skilled Expert PCB Designers to support a critical program in Carlsbad, CA as part of a subcontract engagement. Selected candidates will work onsite in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) environment and must hold an active Secret clearance. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge defense and communications technology in a highly technical and collaborative environment. Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop complex, multi-layer high-speed PCBs (up to 1 TB) incorporating HDI, fine pitch BGAs, and DDR4 with speeds up to 100 Gigabit EthernetPerform digital high-speed, mixed RF/analog, microwave, and micro-power PWA layoutsDevelop multi-layer flex and rigid-flex circuit designsExecute RF layout development and wire bonding with proper circuit partitioning utilizing shield walls, mounting, and grounding requirementsApply RF routing and grounding techniques to achieve high isolation performancePerform impedance-controlled routing including micro-strip, strip-line, differential pair routing, matched lengths, lead length matching, and delay controlDefine blind and buried micro-vias for Class 3 PCB designsWork collaboratively with Mechanical Engineers (MEs) and Electrical Engineers (EEs) as well as fabrication vendors to define board profiles, technology selections, and stack-upsIncorporate complex mechanical definitions, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and controlled impedance requirementsUtilize IDF/DXF and STEP 3D files for complex component mounting integrationEnsure all designs comply with IPC standards, HDI requirements, EMI shielding specifications, and customer requirementsSupport Valor NPI processes for design validation and manufacturability Required QualificationsActive Secret Security Clearance (required prior to start)Expert-level experience in PCB design with a focus on high-speed digital, RF/analog, and microwave applicationsProficiency in Siemens Mentor Graphics VX and other industry-standard EDA/EDM toolsDemonstrated experience with:HDI designs with high pin count and fine pitch BGAs (.4mm)RF transmission lines, micro-strip, and strip-line impedance designJTAG, DSP, DDR3/DDR4, LVDS, Rocket IO, SerDes, and 100 Gigabit EthernetLow noise RF/analog circuitry designClass 3 PCB design standardsStrong knowledge of PCB materials, laminates, fabrication, and assembly processesFamiliarity with Valor NPI for new product introduction and DFM analysisWorking knowledge of IPC standards, EMI shielding principles, and HDI design rulesAbility to work onsite in a SCIF environment Preferred QualificationsPrior experience supporting defense or government programsExperience working with fabrication vendors on board stack-up definition and technology selectionBackground in complex multi-layer flex and rigid-flex circuit designFamiliarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and mechanical integration using IDF/DXF and STEP 3D files Work EnvironmentThis position requires 100% onsite presence at a classified SCIF facility in Carlsbad, CA. Candidates must be prepared to comply with all facility security protocols and requirements. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.