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Kicad Pcb Layout Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Kicad Pcb Layout information

What is a KiCad PCB layout designer?

A KiCad PCB layout designer is a professional who uses the open-source KiCad software suite to design printed circuit board (PCB) layouts. They create and optimize the physical arrangement of electronic components and the routing of electrical connections on the PCB, ensuring it meets both electrical and manufacturing requirements. Their work involves translating circuit schematics into manufacturable boards while considering signal integrity, component placement, and design rules. KiCad PCB layout designers are essential in the process of developing electronic products, from prototypes to production-ready boards.

What are some common challenges faced when collaborating with hardware engineers as a KiCad PCB layout designer?

As a KiCad PCB Layout Designer, you'll often work closely with hardware engineers to translate schematics into manufacturable board layouts. Common challenges include managing last-minute design changes, resolving component placement constraints, and ensuring signal integrity in high-speed designs. Effective communication and a structured review process are key to addressing these issues, as well as staying updated on best practices in PCB design and DFM (design for manufacturability) requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a KiCad PCB layout designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a KiCad PCB Layout Designer, you need a solid background in electronic circuit design, PCB layout principles, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Proficiency with KiCad EDA software, version control systems, and familiarity with industry standards (such as IPC) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication with engineers and manufacturers are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate, manufacturable, and reliable PCB designs that meet project requirements and timelines.

What is the difference between Kicad Pcb Layout vs PCB Designer?

AspectKicad Pcb LayoutPCB Designer
CredentialsKnowledge of PCB design software, often self-taught or through coursesProfessional certification or degree in electronics or PCB design
Work EnvironmentDesigning PCB layouts using Kicad software, often in small teams or freelanceUsing specialized PCB design tools in corporate or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageHobbyist, prototyping, small-scale projectsCommercial product development, large-scale manufacturing

While both roles involve PCB layout design, Kicad Pcb Layout is typically associated with hobbyists and small projects using free software, whereas PCB Designer often refers to professionals working in industry with advanced tools and certifications.

What job categories do people searching Kicad Pcb Layout jobs in Utah look for?

The top searched job categories for Kicad Pcb Layout jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Kicad Pcb Layout jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Kicad Pcb Layout job openings:

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer - Draper, UT

ProdataKey, Inc.

Draper, UT • On-site

$115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description
The Senior Embedded Systems Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for technical design, development, and validation of embedded hardware and firmware projects within PDK. You will create schematics, PCB layouts and write firmware based upon product requirements. You will be a major contributor to the experience each of our clients has when interacting with their access control system. Your meticulous attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills will be essential for success in this position.
Key Responsibilities
  • Implement embedded firmware for ARM Cortex-M or similar microcontrollers in a FreeRTOS or comparable RTOS environment.
  • Support regulatory compliance efforts (UL, FCC/EMC, CE) and drive mitigation strategies when test failures occur.
  • Collaborate with internal engineers and third-party design partners to integrate microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, wireless modules, and other subsystems.
  • Establish and promote best practices for embedded design, code quality, PCB layout, and system reliability.
  • Mentor mid-level and junior engineers, provide technical guidance, and support the overall direction of the Hardware & Firmware team.
  • Design and review schematics and multi-layer PCB layouts optimized for signal integrity, manufacturability, EMC/EMI compliance, and cost efficiency.
  • Select components and guide hardware architecture for new product designs.
  • Perform other engineering duties as needed in support of company objectives.

Qualifications
  • 6+ years of relevant firmware and hardware engineering experience.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ and embedded system development using RTOS platforms such as FreeRTOS or Zephyr.
  • Experience using PCB design tools such as Altium, DipTrace, KiCad or PADS.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a similar field or equivalent experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while mentoring other engineers and elevating the team's technical output.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of embedded systems concepts, design principles, and best practices.
  • Proficient with version control, simulation tools, debugging utilities, and hardware bring-up workflows.
  • Understanding of the TCP/IP stack and associated security protocols.
  • Working knowledge of wireless technologies, especially Bluetooth.
  • Strong understanding of common embedded interconnects including RS-485, I²C, SPI, Wiegand, and UART/serial communication.
  • Hands-on experience with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, power analyzers, spectrum analyzers, JTAG/SWD tools, etc.
  • Familiarity with Jira, Confluence, and GitHub.

Bonus Skills
  • Experience with physical access control products or other security-related embedded systems.
  • Experience with embedded cryptography (secure boot, key storage, TLS, signing, etc.).
  • Experience providing technical leadership to a team of hardware and firmware engineers.
  • Experience with OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol)

Work Environment & Expectations
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk (standing desks available)
  • Working in an office environment using typical office equipment
  • Ability to lift up to 30 lbs
  • Less than 2% travel required

Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life and AD+D insurance
  • 401k plan with company match
  • 8 paid holidays per year
  • 3-5 weeks paid time off (based upon tenure at PDK)

Compnesation
  • Annual salary depending on experience (starting at $115,000).

About ProdataKey
ProdataKey is a leading innovator of cloud-based access control products and services. We are passionate about creating technology to enhance the security, safety, and experience of the professionals who install electronic access control and the businesses who rely on our products each day as a mission-critical security system.
PDK is ranked among the 100 fastest-growing companies in Utah by MountainWest Capital Network. We have been in business for over ten years and are growing rapidly. We are looking for leaders to grow with us. If you obsess over customers and product quality, have a creative mindset and thrive when self-directed-PDK is a great fit. ProdataKey offers a fun and challenging work environment where teamwork, leadership, and employee success are critical. We are a profitable company with competitive pay and benefits in an industry with high resiliency to economic downturns.
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
If you're looking for a career with a growing company where you are part of a team dedicated to making a difference, you'll enjoy your career with us!