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ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS
Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.
Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.
Position Summary
Location: On-site at our Pinehurst area location
Kraken Kinetics is seeking a PCB Layout Designer to support the development and release of printed circuit boards for advanced defense products. This role will work closely with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, firmware engineers, and manufacturing partners to turn circuit designs into manufacturable, testable, and configuration-controlled PCB assemblies.
The PCB Layout Designer will provide additional layout capacity and help mature Kraken’s ECAD practices, including library management, layout standards, release documentation, and design-for-manufacturing feedback. This role is ideal for a hands-on designer who can work quickly and independently[BS1] while helping establish disciplined practices that support a growing engineering team.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Perform PCB layout for digital, analog, mixed-signal, power, and safety-critical electronics.
- Collaborate with electrical engineers to understand schematics, design intent, routing constraints, and critical circuit requirements.
- Work with mechanical engineers to define board outlines, connector placement, keep-in / keep-out zones, mounting features, and packaging constraints.
- Create and maintain PCB footprints, symbols, component libraries, and ECAD documentation.
- Support design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-for-test (DFT), and design-for-assembly (DFA) reviews.
- Generate fabrication and assembly outputs, including Gerbers, ODB++, pick-and-place files, drawings, stackup notes, and assembly documentation.
- Interface with PCB fabrication and assembly vendors to resolve manufacturing questions and improve board quality.
- Participate in PCB design reviews and contribute to layout standards, checklist development, and release practices.
- Support ECOs, revision updates, and configuration-controlled release packages.
- Help improve Kraken’s ECAD workflows, library discipline, and documentation practices as the team scales.
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of professional PCB layout or ECAD design experience.
- Proficiency with Altium Designer or similar professional PCB design tools.
- Experience laying out multi-layer printed circuit boards.
- Strong understanding of PCB fabrication, assembly processes, component footprints, and manufacturing documentation.
- Ability to interpret schematics and work closely with electrical engineers to implement design intent.
- Understanding of PCB design principles, including component placement, routing strategy, grounding, power distribution, and layer stack-up development.
- Understanding of signal integrity concepts including EMI/EMC considerations, coupling and crosstalk mitigation, impedance[BS2] control, shielding, and isolation.
- Working knowledge of applicable IPC standards and guidelines, and the workmanship requirements associated with IPC Class 1, 2, and 3 electronic assemblies.
- Experience creating fabrication and assembly output packages.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple board designs or revisions concurrently.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with high-density, mixed-signal, high-reliability, or safety-critical PCB designs.
- Experience with rigid-flex PCB design.
- Experience with Altium library management, component lifecycle tracking, or ECAD standards development.
- Familiarity with DFM/DFT practices, bed-of-nails test points, production test access, and panelization.
- Experience with IPC standards related to PCB design, component creation & footprints, fabrication, or assembly.
- Experience working with contract manufacturers, PCB fabricators, and assembly houses.
- Background in defense, aerospace, medical device, robotics, or other high-reliability electronics environments.
- Experience supporting ECOs, configuration management, and production release workflows.
Benefits included:
- Generous PTO policy
- Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).
- Vision & dental (100% company-paid)
- Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)
- Generous 401(k) retirement plan
- Company-paid life insurance
- Great teammates and well stocked snacks
LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)
Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.
Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.
Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.
We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.
Watch what it’s like to live here: [ Video Link] https://youtu.be/gXuJhhVhcn8
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.
