PCB Designer - Coherent Optical Reference Boards
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced PCB Designer to lead the development of high-performance reference and evaluation boards for next-generation coherent optical DSPs and modules (400G/800G/1.6T). These boards enable silicon validation, system bring-up, and customer engagement.This role emphasizes power integrity (PI) and regulator design, while maintaining strong competency in signal integrity (SI) and awareness of mmWave RF line-side routing (90 GHz+). The position also includes technical oversight of external contractors for schematic capture and PCB layout.What you Will Do:Own end-to-end design of reference and validation boards for coherent optical DSP platformsDefine system architecture with strong focus on:Power tree design and sequencingLow-noise, high-current regulator implementationRobust PDN design for digital, analog, and RF domainsDesign and optimize power delivery networks (PDN):Target impedance definition and verificationDecoupling strategy (bulk, mid, high-frequency caps)Plane design, stitching, and return path integritySelect and implement DC-DC converters and LDOs:Efficiency vs noise trade-offsLoad transient performanceThermal considerationsWork with external contractors to execute:Schematic capture (including full power tree)PCB layout implementationReview and enforce design quality for:PI performance (ripple, droop, noise coupling)SI constraints on high-speed interfaces (90 GHz+)Collaborate with SI/PI engineers to validate PDN and channel performanceIncorporate debug and measurement features:Power rail probing, current sensing, and isolation pointsHigh-bandwidth measurement access for noise characterizationDrive Schematics, layout, and DFM/DFA reviews and support tap outSupport bring-up of boards and DSPWhat you Will Bring:Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience5+ years of PCB design experience with strong emphasis on power integrity and power designProven experience designing complex power trees for ASIC/DSP-based systemsStrong experience reviewing and guiding third-party schematic and layout workProficiency with PCB CAD tools (Cadence Allegro) and PI analysis tools (Sigrity)Deep understanding of:PDN design and target impedance conceptsDecoupling capacitor selection, placement, and optimizationSwitching regulator design (buck converters, multiphase regulators)LDO design and noise-sensitive supply generationSolid understanding of:High-speed SI fundamentals (differential routing, return paths, crosstalk)PCB materials and stack-up trade-offsExperience with reference board design and silicon bring-upPreferred QualificationsExperience with coherent optical systems or high-performance DSP platformsExperience correlating simulation with lab measurements (scope probing, VNA, TDR)Knowledge of:Power/ground plane resonance and damping techniquesThermal considerations for high-current regulatorsRF-aware layout practices for 90 GHz+ environmentsSalary Range for US$150,000 - $250,000 Base Annually