eCad Electrical Engineer - Level 3/4 - Dulles

We are seeking an engineer specializing in PCB layout design to join our growing team of qualified, diverse professionals. In this role, you will focus exclusively on board-level layout responsibilities—this is not a schematic design position. You will work closely with design engineers to implement high-reliability, multilayer circuit boards for spaceflight hardware, applying best practices and aerospace standards. If you’re passionate about layout precision, spaceflight reliability, and pushing design boundaries, this is your mission.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Own the end-to-end PCB layout process using Cadence Allegro PCB Designer.

• Develop multilayer, high-density interconnect (HDI) and controlled impedance layouts optimized for space environments.

• Create and maintain PCB symbols, footprints, and padstacks in accordance with internal library standards.

• Work closely with electrical and mechanical engineer to ensure layout meets electrical, mechanical, and thermal constraints.

• Implement high-speed routing techniques including differential pairs, length tuning, and EMI/EMC compliance practices.

• Support RF and mixed-signal layout requirements, including:

• Controlled impedance and matched-length RF signal traces

• Proper isolation and grounding strategies for RF sections

• Minimization of parasitic effects, signal loss, and coupling across layers

• Placement and routing for connectors, antennas, or filters used in RF paths

• Incorporate blind/buried vias, microvias, and stackup design for rigid/flex and complex assemblies.

• Generate fabrication (Gerber, ODB++) and assembly files, release documentation, and participate in design reviews.

• Apply NASA-STD-8739 and IPC-2221/2222 layout standards for space-rated hardware.

• Participate in DFM/DFX reviews with manufacturing partners to ensure layout readiness for fabrication and assembly.

• Collaborate with engineers to define layout constraints, clearance rules, and placement strategies.

• Drive quality through internal peer reviews, ECAD checklist adherence, and continuous layout optimization.

• Other duties as assigned

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of professional PCB layout experience  – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 0 years of professional experience.   

• No clearance required to start

• Proven experience with Cadence Allegro PCB Designer in an aerospace, medical, or other high-reliability environment.

• Experience with creating and managing ECAD libraries (symbols/footprints).

• Demonstrated expertise in multilayer board layout with signal integrity and power integrity in mind.

• U.S. Citizenship.

• Demonstrated leadership in layout design for flight boards or mission-critical systems.

• Experience with IPC CID or CID+ certification or equivalent layout training.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional PCB layout experience  – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 years of professional experience.   

• No clearance required to start

• Proven experience with Cadence Allegro PCB Designer in an aerospace, medical, or other high-reliability environment.

• Experience with creating and managing ECAD libraries (symbols/footprints).

• Demonstrated expertise in multilayer board layout with signal integrity and power integrity in mind.

• U.S. Citizenship.

• Demonstrated leadership in layout design for flight boards or mission-critical systems.

• Experience with IPC CID or CID+ certification or equivalent layout training.

 Preferred Qualifications:  

• IPC CID or CID+ Certification.

• Experience with NASA-STD-8739.x, IPC-6012, and ECSS standards.

• Experience with RF layout best practices (e.g., maintaining return path integrity, shielding, and connector placement).

• Familiarity with designing for radiation environments and space qualification processes.

• Proficiency with constraint-driven design, stackup development, and controlled impedance routing.

• Experience with thermal/mechanical analysis coordination for layout decisions.

• Prior experience designing layouts for space-rated programs including DoD, NASA, or commercial LEO/GEO missions.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards