Principal PCB Design Engineer

The role

The Principal PCB Design Engineer will lead complex board-level design efforts and drive technical direction. This role involves designing high-density, mixed-signal, RF, and power electronics circuit boards for space and aerospace applications.

What you will do

• Serve as the technical SME for PCB design, guiding architecture, layout, and component selection.
• Lead the design and execution of complex, high-density, mixed-signal, RF, and power electronics circuit boards.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Systems, Manufacturing, and Reliability teams.
• Drive design reviews including schematic, layout, DFM, DFA, and signal/power integrity assessments.
• Develop and enforce PCB design standards, workflows, and libraries.
• Provide mentorship and technical support to junior and mid-level PCB designers.
• Partner with leadership to refine organizational structure and staffing.
• Manage vendor interactions related to fabrication and assembly.
• Support failure analysis and root cause investigations.
• Maintain documentation for flight hardware traceability and audit requirements.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related technical field.
• 12+ years of experience in PCB design, including ownership of complex, multi-layer, high-reliability board designs.
• Deep proficiency with industry-standard ECAD tools.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-speed digital design, power distribution design, RF considerations, and signal/power integrity principles.
• Experience driving PCB designs from concept through fabrication, assembly, validation, and release to production.
• Strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles and working with PCB fabrication and assembly vendors.
• Ability to lead technical decision-making, mentor others, and influence cross-functional design outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills and comfort presenting technical content to engineering leadership.
• Must be a U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.
• Ability to sit or stand for long durations, bend, reach, and walk.
• Ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds.

Nice to have

• Experience designing electronics for space or aerospace environments (radiation considerations, thermal constraints, reliability requirements, derating standards, etc.)
• Experience with IPC standards (IPC-2221/2222, IPC-6012, etc.)
• Familiarity with ECSS, NASA, or MIL standards related to electronic hardware
• Experience developing or managing PCB libraries and design processes
• Prior experience providing informal leadership or mentorship within an engineering team
• Altium Designer preferred

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave
• Covered life insurance
• Employee referrals
• Swag

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. Person or lawful permanent resident to comply with U.S. government space technology export regulations.
• Position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

About the company

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. They provide end-to-end satellite solutions including design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support.