Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

As a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer, your job is to design and develop the layout of electronic circuits. These circuits may take the form of individual components and/or entire systems, and may be located on a single printed circuit board, system back panel, chassis, or other electronic enclosure. Your work is used in a wide range of industries, from consumer electronics to computer hardware to medical devices.

Becoming a PCB Designer

Becoming a PCB Designer typically involves earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, such as computer engineering or computer science. Some schools may offer a dedicated program in PCB design. Alternatively, you may choose to study engineering technology for two years at the associate level, which enables you to transfer to a four-year engineering program and complete a bachelor's degree.

While in your program, you should focus on coursework in circuit design, digital logic, microprocessors, and software applications, which employers seek in new hires.

In addition to formal education, many employers recommend that PCB Designers obtain professional certification, which is a valuable way to demonstrate your knowledge and stand out from the competition. The most common certification is the Certified Printed Circuit Designer (C.P.C.D) from the IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries), which can be earned by passing an exam.

Essential Skills

To be successful in this career, you should have: