Digital Design Engineer

This role focuses on the end-to-end design and development of complex, multi-layer digital printed circuit boards (PCBs) for advanced processor, FPGA, and SoC-based systems. You will own the digital subsystem from schematic capture and high-speed interface definition through board bring-up, validation, and manufacturing readiness. You will collaborate closely with layout, firmware, and software teams to deliver high-performance, reliable digital hardware for demanding applications such as data center server boards and network switch or FPGA-based platforms, with potential for conversion to a full-time role.

Responsibilities

• Design complex multi-layer digital PCBs, including schematic capture, component selection, and participation in detailed design reviews for processor-, FPGA-, and SoC-based boards.

• Define and constrain high-speed digital interfaces, including pin planning, interface budgeting, and ensuring robust timing and signal integrity.

• Own the digital subsystem clocking, including clock tree definition, reset strategies, boot and configuration sequences, and general-purpose I/O planning.

• Perform pre- and post-layout signal-integrity analysis and translate the results into routing rules, impedance constraints, and layout guidance.

• Partner closely with PCB layout engineers on routing dense, high-pin-count devices and complex high-speed interfaces.

• Own digital board bring-up, including power-on hand-off, clocking validation, interface initialization, and link validation.

• Debug digital hardware in the lab using high-speed test equipment and a structured, methodical approach to problem isolation and resolution.

• Write, execute, and maintain functional and interface test plans across a range of operating conditions, documenting results and driving root-cause analysis for hardware, firmware, and software integration issues.

• Contribute to manufacturing readiness by incorporating design-for-manufacturability and design-for-test principles, and by developing bring-up procedures and supporting documentation.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including firmware and software engineers, to ensure seamless integration of digital hardware into the overall system.

• Support continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and methodologies for high-speed digital hardware development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or an equivalent discipline.

• 5+ years of industry experience designing digital hardware.

• Proven ownership of complex digital boards from schematic design through bring-up, demonstrating strong understanding of high-speed digital design fundamentals.

• Hands-on experience designing digital PCB assemblies (PCBAs), including server PCBAs for data center applications and circuit boards with network switches or FPGAs.

• Experience with high-speed memory and/or high-speed serial interfaces, such as PCIe and similar technologies.

• Proficiency with industry-standard schematic capture and PCB design tools (EDM), with the ability to implement complex multi-layer designs.

• Hands-on lab proficiency using high-speed test equipment and applying a structured debug methodology to identify and resolve issues.

• Ability to read and interpret datasheets, reference manuals, and user guides and translate them into correct and robust design decisions.

• Experience defining and working with high-speed digital interfaces, including I2C and other common protocols.

• Strong understanding of signal integrity and high-speed digital design practices, including constraints definition and validation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with processor-, FPGA-, or SoC-based hardware design and associated toolchains.

• High-speed memory or serial interface design and bring-up experience, including validation and optimization of high-speed links.

• Signal-integrity simulation experience, including pre- and post-layout analysis and interpretation of results.

• Experience bringing up embedded processors or SoCs and working closely with firmware and software teams on integration and debug.

• Experience in high-reliability or harsh-environment hardware design, including robust design practices for demanding conditions.

• Scripting skills for test automation and data analysis to improve validation efficiency and repeatability.

• Familiarity with Siemens Xpedition tool chain for schematic capture and PCB layout, strongly preferred.

• Interest in long-term opportunities with potential for conversion to a full-time position.

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available * Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term disability * Health Spending Account (HSA) * Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.