Senior PCB Design & Layout Engineer

Role overview

Senior PCB Design & Layout Engineer at Quest Global

We are seeking an experienced Senior PCB Design & Layout Engineer with deep expertise in high-speed, multi-layer PCB design for Automotive, Aerospace, and IoT applications.

The ideal candidate has hands-on mastery of complex layout challenges — DDR routing, controlled impedance, EMI mitigation, and power integrity — and can own the PCB design process from schematic capture through Gerber release and DFM sign-off.

Responsibilities

• PCB Layout & Stack-up Design.
• Design and execute 6–16 layer high-speed PCB layouts for embedded compute, ECU, telematics, avionics, and IoT platforms.
• Define and optimize PCB stack-up for controlled impedance (50Ω single-ended, 90/100Ω differential) in coordination with PCB fabricators.
• Perform component placement with strong emphasis on signal flow, thermal management, and EMI containment zones.
• Route high-density, multi-layer boards with blind and buried vias; apply via-in-pad where required for BGA fanout.
• Ensure DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFT (Design for Test) compliance throughout the layout process.
• High-Speed DDR & Interface Routing.
• Route DDR3/DDR4/LPDDR4 interfaces using fly-by and T-topology topologies with strict length matching and skew tuning per JEDEC specifications.
• Implement PCIe (Gen 1/2/3), USB 3.x, MIPI-CSI/DSI, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet high-speed differential pair routing with matched reference planes.
• Perform pre-layout and post-layout SI simulations using HyperLynx or equivalent tools; validate eye diagrams and ensure timing margin compliance.
• Apply best practices for via transitions, reference plane continuity, and decoupling capacitor placement for high-speed interfaces.
• Route Automotive interfaces — CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1/1000BASE-T1) — with appropriate termination and isolation.
• Power Integrity & Distribution Network (PDN).
• Design robust power distribution networks with appropriate decoupling strategies, copper pours, and via stitching for low-impedance power delivery.
• Route DC-DC switching converters and LDO regulators with attention to switching node containment, feedback loop routing, and thermal pad design.
• Conduct PDN analysis to verify impedance targets; place bulk and high-frequency decoupling capacitors optimally.
• Implement load-dump protection, surge suppression, and in-rush current limiting circuits at the layout level.
• EMI/EMC Layout Practices.
• Apply EMI mitigation techniques at layout stage: solid return planes, stitching vias, guard traces, slot avoidance, and proper partitioning of noisy and quiet zones.
• Place and route EMI filters, ferrite beads, TVS diodes, and common-mode chokes correctly to ensure effective suppression.
• Support pre-compliance EMI testing using near-field probes; iterate board layout to address identified emission hotspots.
• Ensure connector and I/O zone layout complies with CISPR-25, ISO-11452, or MIL-STD-461 test requirements.
• Schematic & Design Documentation.
• Create and review schematics using Altium Designer.
• Develop and maintain PCB footprints, symbols, and component libraries to IPC-7351 land pattern standards.
• Generate complete fabrication and assembly packages: Gerbers (ODB++), drill files, BOM, assembly drawings, and fabrication notes.
• Conduct thorough design reviews (DRC, ERC, SI/PI checks) and collaborate with cross-functional teams for design sign-off.
• Bring-up & Test Support.
• Support board bring-up activities: power rail verification, multi-rail sequencing checks, and debug using oscilloscopes (GHz bandwidth) and logic analyzers.
• Troubleshoot layout-related failures during bring-up; perform rework and ECO implementation.
• Provide ICT/FCT/Flying-Probe test point planning at layout stage; assist test engineers with coverage strategies.
• Use protocol analyzers (I2C, SPI, UART, CAN) for functional validation of hardware interfaces.

Required qualifications

• 5 Years |
• Experience & Education. 6–10 years of hands-on PCB layout experience with at least 4 years on high-speed, multi-layer boards (8+ layers).
• B.E./B.Tech in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• EDA Tools.
• Proficient in at least one major EDA suite: Altium Designer.
• PCB Layout Expertise.
• DDR3/DDR4/LPDDR4 routing — fly-by topology, T-topology, length matching, and skew tuning.
• High-speed differential pairs: PCIe, USB3, MIPI-CSI/DSI, HDMI, Ethernet.
• BGA fanout strategies, via-in-pad, blind/buried vias, and back-drill.
• Controlled impedance design and stack-up planning.
• Power plane design, copper pour, stitching vias, and PDN optimization.
• EMI suppression at layout level: return path integrity, slot-free planes, partitioning.
• DFM/DFT: IPC-2221/2222 compliance, test point placement, solder mask and silkscreen standards.
• Standards & Compliance.
• IPC-2221, IPC-2222, IPC-7351 (land pattern standards).
• CISPR-25 / ISO-11452 for Automotive EMC, or MIL-STD-461 for Aerospace.
• Awareness of ISO-26262 (ASIL) hardware safety requirements; DO-254 exposure is a plus.
• JEDEC standards for DDR memory interface layout.

Preferred qualifications and skills

• Portfolio of completed PCB designs spanning multiple domains (Automotive/Aerospace/IoT preferred).
• Experience with ARINC-429 or ARINC-818 interface layout for avionics boards.
• Exposure to MIPI-CSI camera module integration and ISP board design.
• Familiarity with RF/antenna placement, matching network routing for Wi-Fi, BLE, LTE, GPS modules.
• Knowledge of thermal simulation tools and heatsink/thermal via design for power components.
• Hands-on soldering and rework experience to support prototype bring-up.
• Exposure to ODB++ output generation and working with PCB fabrication/assembly vendors.

Employment details

• Location: Bangalore, India | Domain: Automotive / Aerospace / IoT.
• Location: Bengaluru [Karnataka] [India]

About the employer

• At Quest Global, it’s not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different.

Benefits

• Work on cutting-edge hardware platforms: ADAS compute boards, avionics recorders, telematics units, and embedded vision systems.
• End-to-end PCB design ownership — from blank canvas to production-ready boards.
• Collaborative team with strong hardware culture and rigorous design reviews.
• Competitive compensation; growth into hardware architecture and lead roles.
• Exposure to international customers and multi-domain projects (Automotive + Aerospace + IoT).
• We are known for our extraordinary people who make the impossible possible every day.
• Questians are driven by hunger, humility, and aspiration.
• We believe that our company culture is the key to our ability to make a true difference in every industry we reach.
• Our teams regularly invest time and dedicated effort into internal culture work, ensuring that all voices are heard.
• We wholeheartedly believe in the diversity of thought that comes with fostering a culture rooted in respect, where everyone belongs, is valued, and feels inspired to share their ideas.
• We know embracing our unique differences makes us better, and that solving the worlds hardest engineering problems requires diverse ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds.
• We shine the brightest when we tap into the many dimensions that thrive across over 21,000 difference-makers in our workplace.

Additional role details

• Job Requirements .
• With over 25 years as an engineering services provider, we believe in the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible.
• Our people are driven by the desire to make the world a better place—to make a positive difference that contributes to a brighter future.
• We bring together technologies and industries, alongside the contributions of diverse individuals who are empowered by an intentional workplace culture, to solve problems better and faster.
• Senior PCB Design & Layout Engineer.