PCB Layout Engineer

Role Summary (P17)

The PCB Layout Engineer is responsible for designing multi-layer PCB layouts for power electronics hardware such as AC-DC rectifiers, DC-DC converters, inverters, onboard/offboard chargers, SMPS, gate drivers, and control boards.

The role focuses on high-power, high-voltage, high-frequency layout, ensuring thermal performance, EMI/EMC compliance, safety isolation, and manufacturability.

Key Responsibilities

• PCB Layout Design (High Voltage / High Current / High Frequency)
• Design multi-layer PCBs (2–12+ layers) for: – Power stages (MOSFET/IGBT/SiC/GaN) – Gate driver boards – HV/LV sensing circuits – Digital controller boards (MCU/DSP) – Auxiliary power supplies
• Optimize layout for: – Low loop inductance – Controlled impedance traces – Creepage & clearance for HV designs – Short gate loops and Kelvin source routing – High current copper thickness and pours
• EMI/EMC-Optimized Layout
• Apply best practices for: – Minimizing switching noise – Grounding strategy (AGND/DGND/PGND separation) – Shielding and filtering – Common-mode noise control – Differential pair routing (CAN, LVDS, Ethernet)
• Thermal & Mechanical Considerations
• Design layouts supporting: – Heat spreading – Thermal relief, thermal vias – Heatsink and busbar interface – Component derating and spacing
• component supports & PCB mounting considering vibration/shock
• Work with mechanical team for 3D integration.
• Compliance & Safety Layout
• Ensure PCB meets: – Creepage/clearance per IEC/UL standards – Insulation requirements for HV (>800 Vdc) – Automotive or industrial safety rules
• Design as per IPC/IEC standards
• Design isolation barriers with proper spacing and cut-outs.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) & Assembly (DFA)
• Apply DFM/DFA rules with PCB fabs and assemblers.
• Prepare fabrication files Gerber/ODB++, Drill files, Stack-up, Mask files, Assembly drawings, Pick & place data
• Generate 3D models of the PCB
• Perform /coordinate Signal integrity and Power Integrity Analysis
• Library & Documentation Management
• Create and maintain symbols, footprints, and 3D models.
• Maintain layout documentation, revision control, and release notes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work with: – Power Electronics/ Hardware circuit designers – Embedded/control engineers – Mechanical engineers – Manufacturing and quality teams
• Participate in design reviews (DR0/DR1/DR2/DFM review).
  
  

Technical Skills

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong experience in PCB layout for power electronics converters.
• Experience in layout of Control boards with DSP/microcontrollers/FPGA
• Expertise in: – High-voltage (400V, 800V, 1500V) – High-current (>100A) – High-frequency SiC/GaN switching layouts
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC and grounding rules.
• Strong understanding of analog, digital, and mixed-signal routing.
• Understanding of PCB manufacturing constraints, soldering and assembly process
• Good understanding of IPE /IEC standards for PCB layout (IPC2220series, IPC7531 etc)
  
  

Ability to read schematics and understand converter topologies.

Tools

• Cadence Allegro / OrCAD
• Altium Designer
• Mentor Graphics (PADS/Xpedition)
• ECAD-MCAD integration (SolidWorks/Creo)
  
  

Experience

• PCB layout experience in AC-DC PFC, LLC/DC-DC converters, Inverters/traction converters, EV chargers / BESS modules and their controllers
• Experience with wide-bandgap SiC/MOSFET modules is an advantage.
  
  

Qualifications

• B.E / B.Tech in Electronics, Electrical, Mechatronics.
• Experience Levels 4–10 years with 5+ years in PCB layout
  
  

Preferred Experience

• Circuit Design experience.
• Hands-on knowledge of Kelvin source routing, Snubber loop optimization, Gate driver–power stage co-layout
• Knowledge of simulation tools (ANSYS SIwave, HyperLynx) preferred.
• Familiarity with safety standards (UL, IEC 61800, IEC 61000).