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Fractile

Senior PCB Layout Engineer

Fractile, Bristol, Virginia, United States, 24202

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Fractile is a UK based, fast-moving semiconductor start-up building next-generation AI accelerator systems for deployment in data centres. Our work sits at the intersection of high-performance hardware, thermal efficiency, and system scalability.

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

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

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

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