Staff Electrical CAD Engineer (R3076)

As a Staff Electrical CAD Engineer at Shield AI, you'll be responsible for designing high-quality printed circuit boards (PCBs) that support advanced avionics systems. Your tasks will include collaborating closely with design engineers to develop mixed-signal and high-speed designs, as well as ensuring that all designs comply with manufacturing standards. You'll manage and prioritize tasks, working independently to achieve strategic goals while organizing and maintaining design systems.

To qualify for the Staff Electrical CAD Engineer role at Shield AI, candidates should have at least a Bachelor's or Associate's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, alongside 5+ years of professional PCB design experience, or alternatively, 10+ years without a degree. Proven expertise in high-density and high-speed PCB design is essential, along with strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with ECAD tools such as Altium Designer or Cadence Allegro.

Success as a Staff Electrical CAD Engineer at Shield AI hinges on your ability to design efficient and reliable PCBs. Key skills include proficiency in signal integrity methodologies, understanding design principles for manufacturability and testability, and experience in minimizing EMI/EMC interference. Additionally, strong attention to detail and excellent collaboration skills are vital in this role.

At Shield AI, growth opportunities for Staff Electrical CAD Engineers are abundant. Employees are encouraged to pursue continuous improvement and enhance their skill sets in a supportive environment. With projects that push technological boundaries, you will have the chance to take on greater responsibilities, work cross-functionally with various engineering teams, and contribute to impactful innovations within the defense sector.

The culture at Shield AI is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. As a Staff Electrical CAD Engineer, you’ll be part of a team that values pride in workmanship, continuous learning, and quality. The company actively supports team members in pursuing their passions while contributing to a mission that makes a real difference in protecting lives.

In answering this question, provide an overview of your specific experiences with PCB layout design, mentioning any relevant projects. Highlight your familiarity with tools like Altium Designer or Cadence Allegro and describe a particular challenge you overcame during a project that illustrates your problem-solving skills.

Discuss your approach to designing for manufacturability by explaining how you incorporate feedback from manufacturing teams early in the design process. Mention any specific DFM principles you follow and provide an example of a successful design that was optimized for manufacturing efficiency.

When responding, detail any signal integrity methodologies you apply, such as simulation techniques or specific tools you use to analyze and optimize signal paths in your PCB designs. Mention the importance of these methodologies in ensuring high performance and reliability in your final products.

Select a complex project that showcases your skills and the challenges you faced. Walk through the project scope, your role, and the technologies involved. Focus on the innovative solutions you developed and the positive outcomes achieved, using metrics if possible to illustrate success.

Explain your approach to prioritization, perhaps using a task management tool or technique that helps you keep track of deadlines and project specifications. Share a time when you successfully managed competing priorities without compromising quality.

Talk about your experience collaborating with various roles such as mechanical engineers or manufacturing teams. Share an anecdote where effective communication led to a successful project outcome, emphasizing your collaborative skills and adaptability.

List specific ECAD tools that you have experience with, such as Altium Designer, and explain why you prefer them. Discuss any other technologies, such as simulation software, that enhance your PCB design effectiveness and contribute to high-quality results.

Share how you engage with the PCB design community through online forums, attending workshops or webinars, and reading relevant publications. Mention any recent trends or advancements you have integrated into your work and their impacts.

Choose a significant challenge related to PCB design, such as addressing EMI issues or managing heat dissipation. Detail your analytical approach, the solutions you implemented, and the lessons learned from the experience.

Craft a thoughtful response that reflects your interest in both the company and its mission. Discuss your alignment with Shield AI's values, like innovation and commitment to quality, and how your skills can contribute to its success in developing advanced defense technologies.