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Freelance Pcb Layout Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Auburn Hills, MI

$121K - $160K/yr

Review printed circuit board (PCB) layouts with the layout engineer, including component placement, routing, stack-up, manufacturability, and compliance with design rules. * Work directly with U.S ...

We are looking for talented Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer to join our growing Engineering ... layout. - Experience with a wide range of PCBs from 2 to 12 layers. - Ability to develop high ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$104K - $139K/yr

The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional core teams and customers to deliver ... Work with schematic entry and PCB layout design tools to produce high-quality schematics and ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Troy, MI

$104K - $139K/yr

The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional core teams and customers to deliver ... Work with schematic entry and PCB layout design tools to produce high-quality schematics and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Pcb Layout Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance PCB Layout Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance PCB Layout Engineer, you need expertise in electronics engineering principles, circuit design, and PCB layout, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard EDA tools such as Altium Designer, Eagle, or KiCad, and knowledge of IPC standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication with clients are essential soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate, manufacturable designs and successful collaboration with clients and fabrication partners.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance PCB Layout Engineers, and how can they be managed?

Freelance PCB Layout Engineers often face challenges such as communicating effectively with remote clients, managing project timelines, and handling varying design requirements across different industries. To overcome these, it's important to establish clear communication channels, use collaborative design tools, and stay updated with relevant industry standards. Building a routine for regular client updates and documentation can also help ensure projects run smoothly and meet client expectations.

What does a Freelance PCB Layout Engineer do?

A Freelance PCB Layout Engineer specializes in designing the physical layout of printed circuit boards (PCBs) based on electrical schematics and design requirements. They use specialized software to arrange components and routing traces, ensuring signal integrity, manufacturability, and compliance with industry standards. Working as freelancers, they often collaborate remotely with clients in various industries, providing expertise on optimizing PCB design for performance, cost, and reliability.

What is the difference between Freelance Pcb Layout Engineer vs Electronics Design Engineer?

AspectFreelance Pcb Layout EngineerElectronics Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires PCB design certifications, technical skillsRequires electrical engineering degree, circuit design skills
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteIn-house or consulting, often team-based
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, prototyping, freelance platformsUsed in product development, R&D departments

Freelance Pcb Layout Engineers focus on PCB design tasks independently, often working remotely on specific projects. Electronics Design Engineers typically handle both circuit design and PCB layout within a team or company setting. While both roles require technical expertise, the freelance PCB layout engineer emphasizes independent work and specialized PCB skills, whereas electronics design engineers have broader responsibilities in electronic product development.

Infographic showing various Freelance Pcb Layout Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Hardware Design Engineer - PCB layout

General Motors

Warren, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 304 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
Work Arrangement:
Hybrid: This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the successful candidate is expected to report to Warren, MI or Sunnyvale, CA location three times (Tues., Wed., Thurs.) per week, at minimum [or other frequency dictated by the business].
Our Mission:
At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard - from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.
General Motors is at the forefront of the transformation of automotive with the electrification of our portfolio and the development of leading-edge central compute and autonomous capabilities. Our ECU Electrical team is a dynamic, high-energy, and innovative group focused on developing electrical design of next generation ECUs (Electronic Control Units).
The team also reviews and approves production ECU design changes.
We are seeking a high-performing PCB Layout Hardware Design Engineer interested in leading the in-house development of GM electronics design. You will be responsible for the electrical design, development, and review of Electrical Controllers, for our next generation SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) architecture. You will be depended upon to build strong partnerships with internal and external customers.
The Role:
In-vehicle electronics is a fast-growing technology in the global automotive industry featuring many cutting-edge technologies such as Compute, body controllers, multi-view cameras, Gig+Ethernet, PCIe, digital/analog interfaces and more. We are looking for creative and enthusiastic candidates to become part of a fast-moving team who want to lead the future direction of the automotive industry.
The ECU hardware design team's mission is to ensure our products are designed to target the growing needs of our customers while ensuring robust, well-designed hardware which meets GM specifications and testing requirements from early hardware through the production design. In this role you will be responsible for leading product development and integration activities.
Responsibilities for the Hardware Design Engineer - PCB layout include utilizing engineering tools and processes to successfully develop components and systems for vehicle programs. You'll effectively achieve program milestones by thorough and effective program management. You will coach and lead suppliers to timely execution of program work with excellence.
What You'll Do:
  • Responsible for creating and designing the physical layout of integrated circuits (ICs) or printed circuit boards (PCBs). This involves placing and routing components, traces, and other elements to ensure proper functionality and performance.
  • Create / lead / verify the layout design by conducting design rule checks (DRC) and design for manufacturability (DFM) checks. This ensures that the design meets the required specifications, constraints, and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Create / collaborate closely with other design teams, such as circuit designers, system engineers, and packaging engineers, to understand design requirements and constraints. They work together to optimize the layout design for performance, power, area, and manufacturability.
  • Select the appropriate technology and process for the layout design based on the project requirements, such as the target application, performance goals, and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Optimize the layout design for various factors by working with SI/PI/EMC/Thermal/Mechanical subject matter experts. They ensure that the layout design meets the required performance and reliability criteria.
  • Support ECAD librarians by ensuring development of ECAD library parts meet PCBA Design for Manufacturing (DFM) & GM resiliency requirements.
  • Collaborate with component engineers, procurement, and supply chain teams to select appropriate components for PCBA design.
  • Apply Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to ensure PCBA design is optimized for efficient assembly processes.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reduction, and quality enhancement in PCBA manufacturing.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering Required
  • Professional experience creating digital/analog HW interfaces including schematic creation and/or PCB layout, simulation & supportive documentation
  • Up to 7 years working experience in PCB layout design
  • Experience in design & analysis tools like Mentor Graphics (schematic & layout)

What Can Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Previous industry experience with infotainment, telematics or connectivity
  • 5 years or more experience in PCB layout design
  • Knowledgeable in High speed Communication Buses (Ethernet, PCIe, SerDes...)

Compensation:
The compensation information is a good faith estimate only. It is based on what a successful applicant might be paid in accordance with applicable state laws. The compensation may not be representative for positions located outside of New York, Colorado, California, or Washington.
The expected base compensation for this role is: $98,300 - $177,800. Actual base compensation within the identified range will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
Bonus Potential: An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.
Benefits:
GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
Relocation:
This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
#LI-SC1
About GM
Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.
Why Join Us
We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.
Benefits Overview
From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.
Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)
General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.
All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.
We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.
Accommodations
General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, emailus or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

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About General Motors

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General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908