Overview
You'll serve as the foundational electrical engineering lead for an advanced hardware program in a mission-critical domain. As SR PCB Design Project Lead, you'll architect and drive the development of complex multi-layer, rigid-flex, and backplane PCBs that operate reliably in demanding environments. You'll work cross-functionally with mechanical, embedded systems, firmware, and test teams to bring prototypes to field-ready systems - and you'll guide future team growth. This is a rare chance to shape the hardware roadmap from day one.
Location : On-Site in Melbourne, FL
Domain : Advanced Electronics & Embedded Systems (Defense / Aerospace Adjacent)
About the Role
You'll serve as the foundational electrical engineering lead for an advanced hardware program in a mission-critical domain. As SR PCB Design Project Lead, you'll architect and drive the development of complex multi-layer, rigid-flex, and backplane PCBs that operate reliably in demanding environments. You'll work cross-functionally with mechanical, embedded systems, firmware, and test teams to bring prototypes to field-ready systems - and you'll guide future team growth. This is a rare chance to shape the hardware roadmap from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead architecture, schematic, and PCB layout (multi-layer, rigid-flex, backplane) from concept through production.
- Derive electrical designs that satisfy system requirements, signal integrity, thermal, and manufacturability constraints.
- Integrate power management (switching, protection), analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuit modules.
- Collaborate with mechanical, firmware, RF, and test engineering to ensure system coherence.
- Oversee PCB assembly, bring-up, debug, and validation activities.
- Enforce EMI / EMC best practices, shielding, and grounding strategies.
- Mentor junior engineers and establish design standards, processes, and review practices.
- Serve as a technical authority and interface with suppliers and manufacturers.
Required Qualifications
Strong experience designing multi-layer, rigid-flex, or backplane PCBs using tools like Altium, KiCad, or equivalent.Proficiency in schematic capture, layout, and DFx (design for test, manufacturability).Hands-on experience in PCB bring-up, debugging, and field validation.Deep understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, noise coupling, EMI mitigation.Experience integrating analog, power, and digital domains.Excellent cross-disciplinary collaboration, communication, and leadership in small teams.Preferred / Differentiators
Experience with RF, wireless modules, or sensitive mixed-signal systems.Prior work in ruggedized, aerospace, defense, or harsh environment hardware.Familiarity with IPC class standards, advanced fabrication techniques, or rigid-flex stack-ups.Experience managing suppliers, contract manufacturers, or PCB houses.What Makes It Compelling
Ground-up hardware leadership in a high-stakes, mission-driven program.Direct impact on system performance, reliability, and field success.Opportunity for growth into senior technical or managerial roles.Close collaboration with a multi-disciplinary, high-performance engineering team.Exposure to challenging environments and cutting-edge designs.About Blue Signal
Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly / 46Gs4yS
Seniority level
Mid-Senior levelEmployment type
Full-timeJob function
Project Management and DesignIndustriesDefense and Space ManufacturingWe're unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
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