Layout Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: PCB Layout Designer

Job Description

This position offers an opportunity to design custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for hand-held, tablet, and human–machine interface applications within a growing, engineering-focused organization. You will apply your PCB layout expertise in high-density, high-speed designs while collaborating closely with hardware engineers and global multidisciplinary teams. The role suits someone who enjoys tackling complex design challenges, managing signal and power integrity, and exploring emerging technologies in embedded electronics.

Responsibilities

• Design PCBs including mechanical outlines, keepouts, component placement, and routing for high-density and high-speed applications.
• Perform PCB layout placement and routing while adhering to design rules, design for manufacturability (DFMA), and design rule checks (DRC).
• Manage impedance-controlled stackups and signal integrity constraints in coordination with hardware engineers and PCB fabricators and assemblers.
• Define and maintain PCB constraints for high-speed signal integrity, including bus tuning, impedance control, and differential pair routing.
• Conduct power distribution analysis using industry-standard tools to ensure robust and reliable power delivery.
• Perform signal integrity analysis and simulation to validate high-speed interfaces and overall board performance.
• Collaborate with global multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, systems, sourcing, and sales, to balance mechanical design and manufacturing trade-offs.
• Interface with PCB fabrication and assembly partners to ensure designs meet manufacturing capabilities and quality standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of PCB design practices, documentation, and design libraries.
• Support projects that operate under formal quality systems and export control requirements as applicable.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in PCB layout, placement, and routing for high-density designs.
• Strong experience applying DRC and DFMA principles in PCB design.
• Proficiency with PCB CAD tools, specifically Siemens (Mentor Graphics) Xpedition and Altium Designer.
• Expertise in managing PCB constraints for high-speed signal integrity, including bus tuning, impedance control, and differential pairs.
• Hands-on experience with PCB constraints management and power analysis.
• Strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work on ITAR-controlled projects (US Person eligibility).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing PCB layouts for advanced stackups and high-density interconnects, including blind, buried, and laser vias.
• Experience with RF PCB design layout.
• Experience with PCB simulation tools, preferably Keysight ADS, for high-speed interfaces such as DDR4/5, PCIe, SERDES, and Gigabit Ethernet.
• Experience using PCB power analysis tools to validate and optimize power distribution networks.
• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tools, specifically SAP.
• Experience working under ISO 9001 and/or AS9100 quality systems and ITAR export control environments.
• Interest in learning and applying high-speed simulation and other emerging technologies in embedded electronics.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional and global teams.

Work Environment

You will serve as the dedicated PCB layout specialist within a hardware team of four engineers, giving you significant ownership and influence over board design decisions. The role is based in an office environment with approximately 30 engineering-focused team members, including hardware, software, and mechanical engineers. The culture is close-knit with a strong family feel, offering a supportive atmosphere where collaboration and knowledge sharing are encouraged. The organization is in a growth phase with substantial opportunities for professional development, exposure to diverse projects, and the chance to work on a wide range of applications and technical challenges. You will work in a modern engineering office setting using professional PCB design, simulation, and analysis tools, supported by a broader global organization with access to additional resources and expertise.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD.

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/hr.

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 Rockville,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.