What are the responsibilities and job description for the Layout Engineer I position at Mission Microwave?
About the Company
Mission Microwave Technologies was founded in 2014 to revolutionize the next generation of Solid-State Power Amplifiers (SSPAs) and Block Upconverters (BUCs). We leverage advanced GaN transistors, proprietary power-combining techniques, and innovative full-system designs to deliver the industry’s most efficient, compact, and lightweight high-power SSPAs.
With more than 100 years of combined leadership experience supplying high-performance, high-reliability RF solutions to commercial, military, and space customers, Mission Microwave has grown rapidly over the past decade and is backed by a private equity firm committed to long-term innovation and expansion.
We are proud to be ranked #23 on Fortune’s Best Workplaces in Manufacturing & Production and to have been recognized as a Great Place to Work® since 2022.
Mission Microwave is headquartered at 6060 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90603.
About the Role
Mission-critical hardware starts with world-class layout, and that’s where you come in.
As a Layout Engineer I, you will help transform high-frequency circuit designs into reliable, production-ready hardware that supports advanced RF and microwave systems used in aerospace, defense, and satellite communications. Your work will directly influence the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of products deployed in some of the most demanding environments on the planet.
In partnership with electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers, you will create precision PCB layouts, apply RF design best practices, and ensure compliance with rigorous industry and military standards. From concept through qualification and high-rate production, you’ll be a key contributor to the entire product lifecycle.
What You’ll Do
- Create detailed schematics and PCB layouts in Altium (or equivalent).
- Build and maintain library entries for schematic symbols and component footprints.
- Review and interpret datasheets, technical documentation, and manufacturer guidelines.
- Generate accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Complete design checklists and produce clear, compliant technical documentation.
- Troubleshoot and resolve layout-related issues, ensuring optimized signal integrity and RF performance.
- Apply RF layout fundamentals—grounding, shielding, impedance control, and controlled routing.
Ensure designs adhere to company, industry, ISO, and AS standards, including IPC-610 and MIL-STD requirements. - Develop reliable technical solutions and approaches for complex layout and assembly challenges.
- Support quality, repeatability, and manufacturability for products moving into and through production.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
- Communicate directly with PCB/PCBA/CCA manufacturers and review externally produced work.
- Perform peer reviews and validate the work of internal or outsourced layout resources.
- Present design information clearly and confidently to teams across the organization.
What You Bring
- 3 years of direct experience in RF electronic hardware layout and design.
- Hands-on knowledge of RF layout best practices, manufacturing methods, and test principles.
- Proficiency with Altium Designer or an equivalent CAD tool.
- Working knowledge of IPC-610, MIL-STD-883, MIL-STD-750, MIL-STD-1580, and relevant ISO/AS requirements.
- Strong Windows and Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Excellent communication skills—verbal, written, and cross-functional.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong sense of ownership, responsibility, and professional discretion.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
- 3 years of relevant industry experience.
- CID, CIS, or CSE certification(s) preferred.
Mission Microwave is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity, and to maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Mission Microwave maintains a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment background checks and, where permitted by law, substance-abuse testing.
Many of our roles support U.S. Government programs and require the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. Applicants who receive a conditional offer may be subject to government security investigations and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that Mission Microwave may share your application materials, including your resume and any related personal information or documentation, with its subsidiaries or affiliated partners strictly for the purpose of evaluating you for current or future employment opportunities.
Salary : $80,000 - $95,000