What does a pcb designer do?
PCB designers are professionals who use computer software programs to design printed circuit boards (PCBs), an electronic circuit that supports electronic components such as transistors, diodes, and capacitors. These designers must design and implement various circuit boards and perform revisions to apply changes that are based on the specifications of customers and engineers. They need to collaborate with the companies that fabricate and assemble PCBs to discuss the quality, cost-effective, and timely deliveries of PCBs. PCB designers must also use AutoCAD software to design schematics for the PCB systems.
Pcb designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real pcb designer resumes:
- Control and manage the testing documentation of magnetics and mechanical documents using custom small scale PDM system base on windows files.
- Create training material, design standards and databases for component information using IPC, OrCAD CIS for MWD and LWD systems.
- Verify with contract manufacturer that PCB assembly meets DFM & DFT guidelines.
- Collaborate with local, national and international telecommunication providers to supply T1, DS3, OCN, E1 and Ethernet connectivity.
- Develop software and HMI programs.
- Experience with BGA, micro BGA packaging.
- Design custom CMOS, digital integrate circuit.
- Design to military design standards and mil specs.
- Develop the first micro BGA design PCB at ANALOGIC.
- Design printed circuit boards and assemblies for naval aerospace satellites.
- Update archived designs and import existing designs into Altium design tool.
- Develop CMOS cell libraries (MUX) used during logic design.
- Create I/O wire lists for assembly and programming to work off of.
- Experience in large HVAC unit controls design from concept to factory testing.
- Work on characterization and debugging of the IC design in LBC7 process.
Pcb designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of PCB Designers are proficient in RF, DFM, and PCB Layout. They’re also known for soft skills such as Initiative, Speaking skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of PCB Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- RF, 10%
Designed Base-Band and RF circuits which incorporated High-Density-Interconnect technologies.
- DFM, 7%
Process DFM, and ECO's Conduct design reviews, modify schematic, verify component footprints.
- PCB Layout, 6%
Involved in contract consulting work, on the West Coast, for Packaging Design, Schematic Capture, and PCB Layout.
- Schematic Capture, 6%
Designed printed circuit boards from initial conception through production, utilizing schematic capture for minor modifications.
- IPC Standards, 4%
Create Library parts per IPC standards or manufacturing capabilities using PROTEL or CADENCE/ALLEGRO.
- Assembly Drawings, 4%
Generated fabrication and assembly drawings.
Common skills that a pcb designer uses to do their job include "rf," "dfm," and "pcb layout." You can find details on the most important pcb designer responsibilities below.
Initiative. The most essential soft skill for a pcb designer to carry out their responsibilities is initiative. This skill is important for the role because "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." Additionally, a pcb designer resume shows how their duties depend on initiative: "project managements of service initiatives to enhance integration between e1 erp and sterling order management. "
Speaking skills. Another essential skill to perform pcb designer duties is speaking skills. Pcb designers responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." Pcb designers also use speaking skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed and presented quarterly collections to merchandising and product development teams. "
Writing skills. This is an important skill for pcb designers to perform their duties. For an example of how pcb designer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a pcb designer: "document control: assembling and maintaining prototype masters and boms, writing up and incorporating ecos. ".
Math skills. pcb designer responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." This resume example shows what pcb designers do with math skills on a typical day: "create and maintain schematic symbols and pcb geometrys. "
The three companies that hire the most pcb designers are:
- SpaceX9 pcb designers jobs
- Apple4 pcb designers jobs
- Blue Origin3 pcb designers jobs
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Compare different pcb designers
Pcb designer vs. Engineering trainee
An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research. They also identify cost-efficient materials and resources that meet quality standards and client specifications. An engineering trainee must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports, attending meetings, and ensuring that all reports are submitted for management's reviews, such as contracts from suppliers and vendors.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, pcb designer responsibilities require skills like "dfm," "pcb layout," "schematic capture," and "ipc standards." Meanwhile a typical engineering trainee has skills in areas such as "excellent interpersonal," "fire protection," "technical support," and "boilers." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Engineering trainees really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $63,253. Comparatively, pcb designers tend to make the most money in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $90,002.The education levels that engineering trainees earn slightly differ from pcb designers. In particular, engineering trainees are 12.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a pcb designer. Additionally, they're 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Pcb designer vs. Telecommunication engineer
A telecommunication engineer is responsible for installing, testing, and repairing telecommunication systems including mobile telephone networks and fiber optic and digital satellite systems. Your day-to-day duties include diagnosing and troubleshooting systems faults, installing static and mobile antennae on masts and buildings, and designing, developing, and testing telecommunications equipment and components. As a telecommunication engineer, you are also required to provide guidance and support to telecommunication installers to ensure quality. You are also responsible for providing recommendations to upgrade outdated equipment.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that pcb designer responsibilities requires skills like "dfm," "pcb layout," "schematic capture," and "ipc standards." But a telecommunication engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "telecommunication," "voip," "switches," and "fiber optic."
On average, telecommunication engineers earn a higher salary than pcb designers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, telecommunication engineers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $102,087. Whereas pcb designers have higher pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $90,002.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Telecommunication engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than pcb designers. In fact, they're 8.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Pcb designer vs. Electronics engineer
An electronics engineer specializes in designing and developing electronic components and systems, ensuring efficiency in all aspects. They are primarily responsible for conducting tests and maintenance for systems, identifying any faults or inconsistencies, and performing corrective measures right away. Moreover, an electronics engineer must coordinate with clients to consult them on their needs and meet with other skilled engineers to ensure optimal quality of equipment. An electronics engineer may also perform administrative tasks, mainly to produce progress reports and presentations, manage schedules, and craft instructional written materials for all electronic systems.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from pcb designer resumes include skills like "dfm," "pcb layout," "schematic capture," and "ipc standards," whereas an electronics engineer is more likely to list skills in "analog," "power electronics," "dod," and "test equipment. "
Electronics engineers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $103,397. On the other hand, pcb designers are paid the highest salary in the telecommunication industry, with average annual pay of $90,002.electronics engineers typically earn higher educational levels compared to pcb designers. Specifically, they're 12.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Pcb designer vs. Radio frequency engineer
A radio frequency engineer, also known as RF engineer, specializes in designing and developing communication systems using radio waves. One of their primary responsibilities revolves around creating networks and systems and testing equipment. They make sure that equipment is up to high standards by traveling to different areas as needed, troubleshooting issues to identify the root of problems and performing corrective measures required. Furthermore, a radio frequency engineer must continuously optimize equipment quality and ensure efficiency while adhering to the laws and regulations.
Types of pcb designer
Updated January 8, 2025
