Originally published at: https://www.protoexpress.com/blog/how-to-become-a-pcb-designer/
PCB designers are crucial in developing electronic devices, from smartphones to spacecraft. Circuit board design involves creating detailed schematics that define the layout and connections of electronic components on a board. Understanding the fundamentals of electronics and mastering design software are crucial stepping stones in the path to learning circuit board design. In this article, you will learn the educational background and essential skills required to become a proficient PCB designer in 2024. Highlights: To become a printed circuit board designer: Learn how to use circuit board design software like Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro, KiCad, and Mentor Graphics PADS. Attain…
What are the key differences between academic projects and real-world PCB design challenges, and how can recent graduates bridge the gap to ensure readiness for professional roles?
What role do internships, co-op programs, or freelance projects play in helping recent graduates gain practical experience and build a portfolio to enhance their job prospects in PCB design?
An absolutely critical one. Companies won’t hire recent graduated students who don’t have industry experience. Especially in hardware and printed circuit board design.
For such a skill as PCB design, only experience matters and those are the candidates that get hired the most (I deal with multiple EEs and their lived experiences and persistent rejections happen all the time, simply because someone had sufficient PCB experience while they had very little or none at all).
So a portfolio of some kind is essential. Mandatory I would say.
The key differences between academic projects and real-world PCB design challenges lie in complexity, constraints, and practical considerations. Academic projects often focus on theoretical concepts with simplified requirements, whereas real-world challenges involve multifaceted constraints like cost, manufacturability, and performance optimization.
Recent graduates can bridge this gap by gaining practical experience through internships, freelance projects, or industry collaborations.
Additionally, staying updated with industry-standard tools, learning project management methodologies, networking with professionals, attending industry events, and seeking mentorship can enhance readiness for professional roles.
I recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and have been exploring various career opportunities. I have an upcoming interview for a PCB designer position, which got me thinking about how to become a PCB designer and whether it’s the right path for me. I have some experience in PCB design and find it interesting, but I’m unsure if this role would fully utilize my EE degree.
The job description doesn’t specifically require an EE degree—it’s more of a “nice to have” rather than a strict necessity. This makes me wonder if pursuing a career in PCB design is the best use of my skills and education. Ideally, I’m looking for a role that is very hands-on, working directly with hardware, doing lab work, learning about circuit design, testing, etc. I’m worried that a job focused on PCB design might not allow me to deepen my core EE knowledge. However, I could be wrong.
On the other hand, the opportunity is with a highly reputable company, which would look great on my resume and could open doors in the future.
I’m also curious about the salary prospects—does a career in PCB design typically offer competitive pay compared to other EE roles? I’m also considering my student loans, so that’s a significant factor. Any advice or insights would be appreciated!
A job title, especially in engineering, can encompass a wide range of responsibilities depending on the company’s size, structure, and specific needs. For instance, the role of a “PCB designer” can vary significantly from one company to another. Here are some points to consider:
Diverse Responsibilities Across Companies: In many medium to large-sized companies in the USA, a PCB designer’s role could range from purely layout-focused tasks to more integrated responsibilities that involve circuit design, component selection, and coordination with other engineering teams. In smaller companies, a PCB designer might wear multiple hats, taking on tasks that, in larger organizations, would be divided among several specialists.
Engineer vs. PCB Designer Roles: Typically, in larger companies:
Design Engineers (Digital, Analog, RF, etc.): These engineers focus on designing and simulating circuits, selecting critical components, and creating the initial schematics. This is likely where you’d be applying more of your core EE knowledge.
PCB Designers: These roles often focus on translating the schematics into a physical layout, taking into account mechanical constraints, production requirements, and other considerations. While this might seem less “EE-focused,” it’s crucial for ensuring that the design can be effectively manufactured and performs reliably in the real world.
Understanding how to become a PCB designer can also vary depending on the company and industry. While the PCB designer role may not always require an EE degree, having one could provide you with a broader understanding of the design implications and allow you to contribute more effectively to cross-disciplinary discussions. It might also position you well for advancement into roles that blend design and layout responsibilities or move into more senior engineering or management positions.
Even in a PCB design-focused role, there are opportunities to deepen your understanding of signal integrity, electromagnetic compatibility, and thermal management—areas that are highly relevant to an EE background. Engaging with these aspects of PCB design can help you develop a more comprehensive engineering skill set.
Considering that the opportunity is with a reputable company, the experience and connections you gain could open doors to other roles that better align with your interests. The salary for PCB designers can be competitive, but it may vary based on location and the company’s size. If you’re concerned about student loans, it’s worth looking at the full compensation package and considering the long-term potential of working at a well-known company.