Principal PCB Designer

Gables Engineering Inc, a HEICO company, is a leader in custom avionic controls and advanced cockpit solutions. Our engineers stay at the cutting edge of control panel technology, partnering closely with aircraft operators to deliver tailored solutions for modern fleets. We are vertically integrated, enabling faster design‑to‑production cycles, superior quality control, and reliable on‑time delivery. At Gables, innovation moves quickly—from concept to cockpit.

JOB TITLE:                            Principal Printed Circuit Board Designer

FLSA STATUS:                    Exempt

REPORTS TO:                    Director, Hardware Engineering

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Principal PCB Designer leads the design and layout of complex, high reliability printed circuit boards for Gables product line. This role applies deep technical expertise in signal and power integrity, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and electrostatic discharge (ESD) mitigation to drive robust and compliant designs. The Principal PCB Designer establishes design strategies, defines and enforces best practices, and ensures adherence to aerospace standards throughout the development lifecycle. Utilizing advanced ECAD tools, this role provides technical leadership and guidance while influencing design quality, efficiency, and overall system performance.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the design and development of complex, multi-layer PCB layouts for avionics systems, including high-speed digital, analog, RF, and power circuits.
• Define, apply, and enforce advanced signal integrity and power integrity constraints, including differential pair routing, impedance control, controlled trace lengths, and propagation delay optimization.
• Design, develop, and validate complex electrical schematics, including high-speed, multi-functional, and tightly constrained designs, ensuring design integrity and alignment with overall system architecture.
• Ensure full compliance with EMC/EMI and ESD protection standards, proactively addressing risks throughout the design lifecycle.
• Own the creation and release of complete fabrication and assembly documentation packages, including Gerbers, ODB++, drill files, detailed drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Partner cross-functionally with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering teams to drive optimal design solutions and ensure successful system integration.
• Lead and actively contribute to design reviews, including engineering, DFM, and DFA evaluations, providing technical guidance and recommendations.
• Oversee prototyping, debug efforts, and design iterations, driving root cause analysis and implementing improvements based on test results and production feedback.
• Own and continuously improve PCB libraries, components, and design templates within the CAD/Altium environment to support standardization and efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to aerospace standards, internal processes, and configuration control requirements, serving as a subject matter expert on design compliance.
• Interface with manufacturing teams, including SMT production, to resolve technical issues, improve producibility, and support successful product builds.
• Conduct root cause analysis for PCB-related failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide estimates for layout effort, timelines, and complexity during project planning phases.
• Mentor junior designers or contribute to design best practices and knowledge sharing within the team.
• Interface directly with customers or program teams on technical design considerations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives for PCB design processes and tools.

Qualifications & Experience

• Associate degree, PCB Design technical certification, or equivalent experience in electronics circuit design.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in PCB layout, preferably within high-reliability or aerospace applications.
• Proven understanding and application of IPC standards (e.g., IPC-2221, IPC-7351, IPC-A-600).
• Demonstrated expertise in high-speed PCB design, including differential pair routing, impedance control, and signal integrity considerations.
• Proficiency with industry-standard ECAD tools, such as Altium Designer and/or Cadence Allegro/OrCAD.
• Experience with rigid-flex and high-density interconnect (HDI) PCB technologies.
• Strong knowledge of PCB fabrication and assembly processes, including the ability to collaborate effectively with manufacturing teams.
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC design practices and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection methods.
• Experience addressing thermal management challenges and mechanical constraints in aerospace or similarly complex environments.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and manufacturing specifications.
• Prior experience working within AS9100 or ISO9001-certified quality systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sedentary Work- This role may require exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Most essential functions are performed while sitting but walking and standing is required as needed.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and specialized design tools.
• Visual acuity required to review detailed schematics, PCB layouts, and technical drawings on-screen and in print.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, via phone, and through virtual meetings.
• Ability to access and navigate laboratory or production areas, including SMT manufacturing environments, when supporting builds or troubleshooting activities.

Gables Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug Free Workplace. V/D