Kraken Kinetics provides bespoke kinetic solutions for modern weapon systems, focusing on unmanned and autonomous delivery platforms. With decades of specialized DoD experience, we rapidly engineer high-performance warheads and fuzing solutions —designed for manufacturing—serving defense technology partners, the US Government, and our allies.
We are seeking a highly skilled PCB Layout Designer to join our dynamic team. At Kraken Kinetics, the PCB Layout Designer plays a critical role in transforming cutting-edge electronic system concepts into mission-ready hardware. Working closely with electrical, software, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers, the PCB Layout Designer ensures every board meets rigorous performance, reliability, and manufacturability standards for safety critical systems.
As a PCB Layout Designer, you will be part of the team responsible for the design, development, and integration of embedded electrical systems within Kraken Kinetics’ defense systems. You will ensure that all systems meet stringent performance, security, and reliability requirements.
PCB Layout Design: Develop high-quality, manufacturable PCB layouts for embedded systems, electronic safe and arm devices (ESADs), and other defense-related products.
Position components optimally on the PCB to meet electrical, mechanical, and thermal requirements while minimizing signal interference and maximizing performance.
Route signal, power, and ground traces to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and manufacturability of the PCB.
Design for Manufacturability (DFM): Work closely with the engineering team to ensure the PCB layout meets design for manufacturability (DFM) standards, facilitating ease of production and assembly.
Design Rule Checks (DRC): Perform design rule checks (DRC) to ensure that the layout adheres to electrical and mechanical specifications, including industry standards and MIL-STDs.
Collaborate with Engineers: Work closely with electrical engineers to ensure the PCB layout aligns with the schematic and system design, addressing any technical challenges as they arise.
Prototyping and Testing Support: Support the prototyping and testing phases by reviewing PCBs for potential issues, assisting in debugging, and providing layout revisions based on test results.
Generate and maintain detailed design documentation, including Gerber files, BOM (Bill of Materials), and assembly drawings, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of records.
Contribute to the improvement of design processes and tools, actively researching new layout technologies, software updates, and best practices.
Educational Background: The ideal candidate will have an associate’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical field. Technical Skills: Proficiency in PCB design software, such as Altium Designer, Eagle, or KiCad. Experience with designing for manufacturability (DFM) and electrical design rule checks (DRC). Knowledge of high-speed digital design, including controlled impedance routing and differential pairs. Ability to read, and interpret, electrical schematics and technical drawings. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical material to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Competent with Microsoft Office software tools.
Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional engineering teams, including electrical engineers and mechanical engineers.
DoD Security Clearance.
This full-time, on-site exempt position offers an annual salary range of $85,000 to $105,000 depending on qualifications and experience. In addition to a competitive salary, Kraken Kinetics offers a comprehensive benefits package including full medical insurance for the employee plus dependents (80% of premium is paid by the company), vision and dental coverage (100% of premium is paid by the company), short-term and long-term disability coverage (100% of premium is paid by the company), a generous 401k retirement plan with profit sharing provisions, life insurance, and a selection of workplace amenities designed to enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.