Freelance Pads Pcb Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on leading the design and development of complex printed circuit boards (PCBs) and related structural assemblies using advanced CAD tools. The PCB Designer collaborates closely with engineering teams to create innovative, manufacturable solutions that meet rigorous technical standards and support multiple product lines. The position requires strong technical expertise in schematic capture, PCB layout, and design validation, as well as the ability to oversee aspects of projects and support less experienced designers.

• Provide leadership in developing practical and innovative PCB design solutions for complex products and components.
• Collaborate with engineering staff to define PCB design concepts, review progress, and refine design approaches throughout the development cycle.
• Take ownership of PCB design oversight for assigned projects or programs as needed.
• Use CAD specialty engineering design software, including PADS Power PCB and PADS Power Logic (with PCAD 8.5 as an optional tool), to develop complex schematics, PCB layouts, detailed drawings, and related structural assemblies and devices.
• Validate designs for conformity to established design standards and specifications, identify design errors or deficiencies, and recommend and implement corrective changes.
• Perform engineering computations and develop designs using computer-aided design (CAD) software, making necessary adjustments to drawings and specifications to ensure accuracy and manufacturability.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive documentation, including schematics, PCB layouts, and design notes, while clearly identifying and tracking design issues.
• Archive engineering data files in accordance with company configuration control procedures to ensure proper version control and traceability.
• Interact with PCB vendors to coordinate the manufacturing of PC boards and electronic assemblies, including providing manufacturing release files and addressing vendor questions.
• Provide guidance and direction to less experienced PCB designers and support staff to ensure consistent design quality and adherence to standards.
• Stay current with evolving CAD techniques, ANSI Y4.15 drawing principles, IPC standards or equivalent, and relevant specialty design software and applications.
• Observe all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational obligations when conducting business on behalf of the company.
• Work in a safe manner at all times, following established operating procedures and safety practices.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned to support the broader engineering and product development teams.

• 5+ years of professional PCB design experience.
• Proficiency with PADS Logic for schematic capture.
• Proficiency with PADS Layout for PCB layout and routing.
• Experience with schematic design and schematic capture for complex electronic systems.
• Hands-on experience with PCB layout, including multilayer board design.
• Ability to build symbols and physical parts within CAD libraries.
• Experience with component placement to meet electrical, mechanical, and thermal requirements.
• Strong skills in board routing with attention to signal integrity, power distribution, and manufacturability.
• Experience implementing design changes efficiently while maintaining design integrity and documentation.
• Knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) considerations in PCB design.
• Knowledge of Design for Test (DFT) considerations in PCB design.
• Experience generating and managing manufacturing release files for PCB fabrication and assembly.
• Experience working directly with Electrical Engineers throughout the design cycle.
• Proficiency with CAD specialty engineering design software, including PADS Power PCB and PADS Power Logic.
• Ability to validate designs against standards and specifications and identify design errors or deficiencies.
• Familiarity with ANSI Y4.15 drawing principles.
• Familiarity with IPC standards or equivalent industry standards for PCB design and documentation.
• Ability to perform engineering computations related to PCB design using CAD tools.
• Strong documentation skills for schematics, layouts, and design issues.
• Ability to interact effectively with PCB vendors to support manufacturing.

• Experience with PCAD 8.5 or similar legacy CAD tools is a plus.
• Experience supporting multiple product lines, including complex systems such as UAVs and associated test equipment.
• Experience working within a configuration control environment for managing engineering data files.
• Ability to provide direction and mentoring to less experienced PCB designers and support staff.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to partner closely with Electrical Engineers and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to staying current with evolving CAD techniques, standards, and best practices.
• Attention to detail and a systematic approach to identifying and resolving design issues.

The PCB Designer works within an Electrical Engineering CAD group responsible for schematic capture, printed circuit board design, and the creation of files needed to manufacture PC boards. The team supports multiple UAV product lines, including UAVs built for government customers, as well as test equipment associated with those product lines and new platform and product development. The group currently includes several PCB designers who work closely together and partner directly with Electrical Engineers throughout the design process, fostering a collaborative and technically focused environment. The role involves regular use of advanced CAD tools such as PADS Power PCB, PADS Power Logic, and related applications, along with adherence to configuration control procedures and industry standards. The position follows a 9/80 schedule: in Week 1, the workday is nine hours Monday through Thursday and eight hours on Friday; in Week 2, the workday is nine hours Monday through Thursday with Friday off, providing a structured yet flexible workweek. The work environment emphasizes safety, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and consistent application of established operating procedures.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.

The pay range for this position is $49.00 - $62.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.