Senior PCB Layout Engineer

Job description

Fractile is building silicon, systems and software which will redefine the frontier of AI: running the world’s most advanced models at radically higher speed and lower cost. We have an exceptional team across hardware and software capable of bringing about this change, and we are growing fast to meet demand and deliver our product at scale. We are seeking an experienced PCB Layout Engineer to deliver complex, high-speed and high-power PCB designs while also owning PCB library creation, validation, and ongoing management. This role plays a critical part in ensuring electrical performance, manufacturability, and long-term design quality across multiple products. The ideal candidate combines deep layout expertise with a strong understanding of component footprints, land patterns, and library governance best practices. **Key Responsibilities** **PCB Layout & Design Execution** - Create PCB layouts for complex, multi-layer boards supporting high-speed digital and high-power circuits - Own component placement, routing, and constraint implementation from concept through manufacturing release - Collaborate closely with hardware designers to resolve layout-driven electrical and mechanical tradeoffs **High-Speed Signal Integrity** - Route high-speed interfaces such as DDR, PCIe, Ethernet, USB, and SerDes-based links - Apply controlled impedance routing, differential pair tuning, length matching, and return-path management - Implement SI-aware stack-ups and routing strategies to minimise crosstalk and signal loss **High-Power & Power Integrity** - Layout high-current power paths, including VRMs, DC-DC converters, and power planes - Optimise copper distribution, plane structures, and via arrays for current handling and low impedance - Support thermal performance through copper pours, stitching vias, and heatsink interface planning **PCB Library Creation & Management** - Create, validate, and maintain schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and 3D models - Ensure land patterns meet IPC standards and supplier recommendations - Own library quality, version control, naming conventions, and release processes - Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure component accuracy and lifecycle readiness - Drive continuous improvement of library standards and documentation **Collaboration & Reviews** - Participate in schematic reviews, layout design reviews, and SI/PI discussions - Work with SI/PI engineers to implement simulation-driven layout constraints - Support DFM/DFA reviews and interface directly with PCB fabricators and assemblers **Manufacturing & Debug Support** - Generate manufacturing deliverables (Gerbers, ODB++, IPC drawings, pick-and-place data) - Support board bring-up and debug by implementing layout ECOs - Resolve layout- and footprint-related manufacturing or assembly issues **Qualifications & Experience** - Diploma, Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or related field - 7+ years of professional PCB layout experience - Proven experience with high-speed digital and high-power PCB designs - Hands-on experience creating and maintaining PCB libraries for production hardware **Technical Skills** PCB layout tools such as Siemens Xpedition, Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, or equivalent - Library creation and management workflows - High-speed routing (DDR, PCIe, Ethernet, USB, SerDes) - High-current and power integrity layout techniques - Multi-layer PCB stack-ups (10+ layers preferred) **Skills & Competencies** - Exceptional attention to detail and design discipline - Strong ownership mindset for design quality and library integrity - Effective communicator across hardware, mechanical, and manufacturing teams - Comfortable managing multiple designs and revisions in parallel **Preferred Experience (Nice to Have)** - Experience with SI/PI simulation-informed layouts - Familiarity with EMI/EMC-aware layout practices - Experience with HDI, fine-pitch BGAs, and advanced PCB technologies - Experience with AI accelerator or HPC hardware **How we work** - Ownership and execution: you will have full agency to drive your work forward - Rapid iteration: we all work directly with top leadership to move from idea to hardware on ambitious timelines - Full-stack engagement: hardware, software, silicon, and modelling teams all work closely together to create a product with generational impact - Optimistic and pragmatic: we possess the will to win, and to do the hard work to get us there - Team player mentality: the mission is bigger than any of us, and we have the curiosity and technical focus to see the best idea shipped, no matter who’s it is **About us** - Founded in 2022, team of 70+ which is expanding rapidly - Modern, open offices in London and Bristol - Collaborative, problem-solving culture built on deep curiosity, entrepreneurial initiative and technical fluency **Export control and security clearance** Certain roles may involve working on technologies subject to export restrictions. Applicants may be required to undergo additional eligibility checks to ensure compliance with applicable law.