Senior PCB Layout Engineer (Italy based)

About Us

Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us.

In just four years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 220+ employees (including 49+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 17 different countries and with offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

We have also launched our Metis™ AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million.

Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer.

Are you up for the challenge?

Position Overview

Axelera AI is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior PCB Layout Engineer to join our dynamic team.

As a PCB Layout Engineer, you will play a crucial role in designing and developing printed circuit boards that form the backbone of our state-of-the-art AI systems. This position requires translating schematic diagrams into PCB layouts, proficiency in managing eCAD components libraries, and collaborating with Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) partners for successful PCB manufacturing and assembly.

Key Responsibilities

Component Library Management:

• Maintain and update the CAD components library, ensuring it is up-to-date with the latest components, footprints, and 3D models.

• Collaborate with Mechanical, and Thermal designer to identify and introduce new components to support evolving product requirements.

• Manage tools and workflows for synchronizing data across eCAD platforms and ensuring project database remains consistent.

• Oversee eCAD-MCAD interoperability, enabling seamless model exchange with tools like NX, PTC Creo, and SolidWorks.

Schematic to PCB Design:

• Translate schematic diagrams into PCB layouts while adhering to design guidelines, with strong focus on Signal Integrity (SI), Power Integrity (PI), and EMC/EMI compliance.

• Optimize board utilization and stack-up strategy by balancing electrica, mechanical, and thermal constraints leveraging best practice in component sizing, placement, and routing.

• Design complex, high-density, multi-layers PCBs using tools as Altium Designer, Xpedition, OrCAD, or KiCad.

Layout:

• Design high-speed layout in accordance with SI requirements from LPDDR4+ memory interface, as well as PCIe 3.0+ communication interface.

• Design advanced low-voltage (<1 V), high-current delivery system to support GPUs and High-end. Processor under stringent PI constraints.

• Apply simulation-driven design methodologies using tools such as HyperLynx, Keysight ADS, or equivalent for SI/PI verification.

Collaboration with EMS:

• Work closely with EMS partners to prepare PCB designs for manufacturing, ensuring they meet DFM/DFTguidelines.

• Interface with EMS during the production phase, addressing any technical issues, and providing support for successful PCB assembly.

Test and Validation:

• Coordinate and support functional, electrical, and mechanical validation on final boards, including VNA, TDR, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress tests.

Documentation:

• Create and maintain complete and accurate design documentation, including schematics, layout files, BOMs, stack-ups, mechanical drawings, and manufacturing packages.

• Ensure documentation meets internal standards and supports cross-functional engineering workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or related; Master’s preferred.

• 5–10 years PCB layout experience (multilayer, HDI).

• Skilled with Altium, Xpedition, OrCAD, or KiCad.

• Strong in SI/PI/EMI-compliant layout, stack-ups, controlled impedance, and advanced via structures.

• Able to balance electrical, thermal, and mechanical constraints.

• Solid knowledge of PCB manufacturing, DFM/DFT, and material selection.

• Hands-on with high-speed interfaces (LPDDR4+, PCIe 3.0+) and PDN design for high-current, low-voltage systems.

• Able to interpret SI/PI simulations (HyperLynx, ADS) and co-design with simulation engineers.

• Experience with eCAD-MCAD workflows (NX, Creo, SolidWorks).

• Familiar with VNA, TDR, scopes, logic analyzers, and relevant PCB standards.

• Understanding of thermal cycling, mechanical stress, and reliability testing.

• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to work in fast-paced environments.

• Fluent English; Chinese a plus.

• Collaborative team player, capable of autonomous research and planning.

Location

We offer a flexible working arrangement, with options to:

• Work from one of our Axelera AI offices in Italy (Milan or Florence) if you're already based in the vicinity.

• Work fully remotely from Italy.

• Relocate with us and work from Italy (Florence or Milan) or remote.

Please note that we do not offer new visa/work permit sponsorship for this opportunity in Italy at this time.

What we offer 

This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares.

An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team. 

At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.