PCB/Circuit Designer

The PCB/Circuit Designer will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic circuits for robotic platforms, including quadrupeds, humanoids, and industrial automation systems. This role requires expertise in PCB layout, circuit design, power distribution, and signal integrity, ensuring robust, high-performance electronics for real-world robotic applications.

Key Responsibilities

1. PCB Design & Development

• nDesign and layout multi-layer PCBs using Altium Designer, KiCad, Eagle, or equivalent tools.
• Optimize component placement and routing to meet design constraints, including power efficiency, thermal management, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Ensure manufacturability and scalability by following DFM (Design-for-Manufacturability) and DFA (Design-for-Assembly) best practices.

2. Circuit Design & Simulation

• Develop electronic circuits for power management, motor drivers, and sensor integration in robotic systems.
• Perform schematic capture and simulation using LTspice, PSpice, or Multisim to verify circuit functionality.
• Ensure system reliability by conducting signal integrity analysis and noise reduction techniques.

3. Hardware Prototyping & Testing

• Assemble and validate prototype PCBs, ensuring design accuracy and performance.
• Conduct debugging and diagnostics using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and logic analyzers.
• Work with manufacturing teams to develop high-quality PCB prototypes and validate electrical and mechanical integration.

4. Power Distribution & Signal Integrity

• Design power distribution networks (PDNs), optimizing voltage regulation, power efficiency, and thermal dissipation.
• Ensure signal integrity for high-speed communication interfaces, including SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, and Ethernet.
• Develop noise reduction techniques to prevent interference and power fluctuations in robotic applications.

5. Sensor & Actuator Interface Development

• Design circuits for integrating robotic sensors (IMUs, LiDAR, cameras) and actuators (motors, servos, BLDCs, stepper motors).
• Develop analog and digital interfaces to ensure accurate data acquisition, processing, and motion control.

6. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain detailed design documentation, including schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs (Bill of Materials), and test procedures.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, including IPC, EMI/EMC, and safety regulations for robotics and industrial electronics.

Required Skills - Education & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in PCB design, circuit development, and hardware prototyping, preferably in robotics, industrial systems, or consumer electronics.

Technical Expertise

• PCB Design & Layout: Proficiency in Altium Designer, KiCad, Eagle, or similar tools for multi-layer PCB design.
• Circuit Simulation & Validation: Experience with LTspice, PSpice, or Multisim for verifying electronic designs.
• Power Electronics & Distribution: Strong understanding of power supply design, voltage regulation, and current sensing.
• Communication Interfaces: Expertise in SPI, I2C, CAN, UART, and Ethernet for embedded and robotic applications.
• Hardware Debugging & Testing: Skilled in oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and in-circuit testing tools.

Preferred Skills

• High-Speed PCB Design: Experience in signal integrity optimization for high-speed communication interfaces.
• Thermal Management & EMI/EMC Compliance: Knowledge of thermal analysis, electromagnetic shielding, and compliance standards.
• Robotics-Specific Circuitry: Familiarity with motor control circuits, sensor interfaces, and embedded system integration.
• Manufacturing & DFM/DFA Practices: Understanding of PCB manufacturing processes, assembly techniques, and design best practices.