PCB Layout Engineer (Cadence Allegro)(Penang)

Penang | NCS Global Technology Sdn. Bhd.

Responsibilities

1. PCB Layout & Design

  • Design and develop complex multi-layer PCB layouts using Cadence Allegro PCB Designer, transforming schematics into optimized physical designs.
  • Perform strategic component placement considering signal flow, thermal management, mechanical constraints, connector locations, and assembly accessibility.
  • Execute high-density routing including single-ended signals, differential pairs, high-speed traces, and controlled impedance lines.
  • Define and optimize PCB stack-up including layer count, material selection, copper weights, dielectric thickness, and impedance calculations.
  • Implement advanced routing techniques for high-speed digital interfaces (DDR, PCIe, USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.) and RF/analog circuits.

 

2. Constraint Management & Design Rules

  • Define and maintain comprehensive design constraints using Allegro Constraint Manager, including spacing rules, differential pairs, impedance requirements, and length matching specifications.
  • Establish electrical constraint sets covering trace width/spacing, via structures, clearances, and manufacturing design rules.
  • Implement timing constraints including matched length groups, propagation delay budgets, and phase matching for critical signals.
  • Configure and validate design rule checks (DRC) to ensure compliance throughout the design process.

 

3. Library Management & Component Creation

  • Create, verify, and maintain ECAD libraries including schematic symbols, PCB footprints (land patterns), and pad stack definitions.
  • Develop component footprints following IPC-7351 standards with appropriate tolerances for manufacturing and assembly.
  • Coordinate with component engineering and supply chain teams to ensure library accuracy and currency.
  • Implement library version control and documentation practices.

 

4. Signal & Power Integrity Collaboration

  • Ensure PCB designs meet signal integrity (SI), power integrity (PI), and impedance control requirements through careful design practices.
  • Collaborate with SI/PI engineers to implement simulation recommendations including termination schemes, decoupling strategies, and return path optimization.
  • Design robust power distribution networks (PDN) with appropriate plane structures, decoupling capacitor placement, and voltage rail isolation.
  • Implement controlled impedance routing with specified trace geometries and reference plane assignments.

 

5. Mechanical Integration & 3D Coordination

  • Work with 3D STEP models to ensure proper mechanical fit, component clearances, connector alignment, and enclosure integration.
  • Coordinate with mechanical engineers on board outlines, mounting holes, keep-out zones, and height restrictions.
  • Perform 3D interference checks and mechanical design rule validation.
  • Support thermal management design including heatsink interfaces and thermal via structures.

 

6. Manufacturing Coordination & Documentation

  • Coordinate with PCB fabrication and assembly vendors to support manufacturing processes and resolve technical issues.
  • Generate complete manufacturing documentation including Gerber files (RS-274X), ODB++ data, NC drill files, assembly drawings, fabrication drawings, BOMs (Bill of Materials), and fab notes.
  • Provide technical support during fabrication, answering vendor questions and reviewing fab drawing approvals.
  • Conduct design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) reviews to optimize yield and reduce costs.

 

7. Quality Assurance & Verification

  • Perform comprehensive Design Rule Checks (DRC) and troubleshoot layout issues to ensure design quality and manufacturability.
  • Execute electrical rule checks (ERC), constraint validation, and cross-probing verification against schematics.
  • Review and validate manufacturing outputs before release.
  • Ensure designs comply with relevant industry and quality standards including IPC standards, ANSI, ISO, and ITAR compliance where applicable.

Requirements

Must Have:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 2–4 years of hands-on PCB layout experience in professional product development environment.
  • Strong experience designing complex, multi-layer PCBs (6+ layers) using Cadence Allegro (mandatory).
  • Proficient in Cadence Allegro PCB Designer and Constraint Manager with deep working knowledge of design flows and capabilities.

 

  • Strong understanding of:
    • Multi-layer PCB layout and routing methodologies
    • High-density PCB design techniques
    • Differential pair routing and timing
    • Length matching and delay tuning
    • Signal Integrity (SI) principles and best practices
    • Power Integrity (PI) and PDN design
    • Controlled impedance design and calculations

 

  • Experience creating and maintaining ECAD libraries including footprints, symbols, and pad stacks following industry standards.
  • Knowledge of DFM (Design for Manufacturability), DFA (Design for Assembly), and DFT (Design for Test) principles.
  • Experience working with 3D STEP models for mechanical integration and interference checking.
  • Familiarity with manufacturing deliverables including Gerber files, ODB++, drill files, BOMs, assembly drawings, and fabrication documentation.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with systematic debugging approach.
  • Excellent attention to detail and commitment to design quality.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with hardware engineers, mechanical designers, SI/PI specialists, and external vendors.
  • Able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in fast-paced development environment.

 

Good to Have:

  • Familiarity with IPC standards (IPC-2221, IPC-2222, IPC-7351, IPC-6012) for PCB design and manufacturing.
  • Experience with ANSI, ISO, and ITAR compliance requirements for regulated industries.
  • Exposure to high-speed digital interfaces (DDR3/4/5, PCIe Gen 3/4/5, USB 3.x, HDMI, DisplayPort, 10G/25G Ethernet).
  • Knowledge of RF/microwave PCB design techniques.
  • Familiarity with rigid-flex and flexible PCB design.
  • Experience with blind/buried vias, microvias, and HDI (High-Density Interconnect) technologies.
  • Understanding of thermal management and thermal simulation.
  • Scripting skills (SKILL, Tcl, or Python) for Allegro automation.
  • Knowledge of other EDA tools (Altium, PADS, OrCAD).
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