How to Be PCB (Printed Circuit Board) hardware Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 8, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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FAQ

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The development of printed circuit boards (PCBs) has had a profound effect on the hardware engineering industry. PCBs are composed of layers of conducting material, such as copper, sandwiched between insulating layers and connected to electronic components. This reduces the amount of wiring needed, and makes it easier to troubleshoot and repair hardware.

With the increased complexity of modern electronic systems, PCBs have become indispensable to hardware engineers, as they enable faster, more reliable designs. the development of automated PCB fabrication technologies, such as surface mount technology (SMT), has made it possible to quickly and cost-effectively design and manufacture PCBs. As a result, hardware engineers are able to create more complex designs that can be produced quickly and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Earning a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is the first step to becoming a PCB hardware engineer. During your studies, take classes in circuit design, digital and analog electronics, embedded systems, and microcontrollers.
Get Relevant Work Experience. Most employers require PCB hardware engineers to have at least two years of relevant work experience. You can gain experience through internships, summer jobs, or part-time work.
Develop Skills in Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software. CAD software is used to design and test PCBs. You should have a working knowledge of CAD software such as Altium Designer, PADS, KiCAD, and OrCAD.
Become Certified. Employers often prefer candidates who are certified in PCB design and fabrication. Certifications are available through professional organizations such as the IEEE and IPC.
Pursue Advanced Education. If you want to stay ahead of the competition, consider pursuing an advanced degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Master's degrees in electrical engineering and embedded systems are common choices for PCB hardware engineers.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as a PCB hardware engineer, it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies and trends in the industry. This requires a commitment to ongoing education, including attending classes, attending seminars and conferences, reading related journals and books, and engaging in discussions with colleagues. The ability to understand and apply new technologies is essential for staying ahead and qualified in this field.

keeping up with changes in industry regulations, standards and requirements will help ensure that designs are always up to code. Finally, a strong understanding of the various components and materials used in the manufacturing process will ensure that designs are always cost-effective, reliable and of the highest quality.

You may want to check Senior Hardware Technician, Industrial Hardware Engineer, and Embedded Hardware Designer for alternative.

Job Description

Design, develop and test Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and related hardware components.
Create schematics, layout and fabrication drawings for complex PCBs.
Responsible for testing and troubleshooting of PCBs, including soldering and desoldering components.
Perform performance evaluations of PCBs to ensure proper operation.
Analyze test data and make necessary changes to improve the performance of PCBs.
Develop cost-effective solutions to improve yield and reliability of PCBs.
Prepare BOM (Bill of Materials) for each PCB project.
Develop design specifications for PCBs and other related hardware components.
Provide technical support to production personnel in assembly, testing and troubleshooting of PCBs.
Stay abreast with the latest technology developments in PCB design and fabrication.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of PCB design tools and techniques such as Altium Designer, Orcad, Eagle, and PADS
Knowledge of EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools and software
Knowledge of embedded systems design, including microcontrollers and microprocessors
Experience with soldering and rework processes
Understanding of IPC standards for printed circuit board fabrication and assembly
Ability to interpret schematics and electrical diagrams
Understanding of signal integrity and power integrity analysis
Knowledge of electrical engineering concepts such as voltage, current, impedance, etc.
Knowledge of analog and digital circuit design
Experience with board layout, routing and fabrication
Ability to troubleshoot complex hardware problems
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal

A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) hardware engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing circuit boards and other electronic components used in a variety of products. To be successful in this role, it is essential that the engineer has strong knowledge of both electrical engineering and computer programming. they must be able to think critically and solve complex problems in order to develop efficient designs.

The engineer must also have an understanding of manufacturing processes, as well as familiarity with the latest industry standards and regulations. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also an advantage, as collaboration with other engineers is often required in order to successfully complete projects. With the right skills and knowledge, a PCB hardware engineer can play an important role in the development of cutting-edge electronics and products.

Mechanical hardware Technician, Senior Hardware Designer, and Network Hardware Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with PCBs?
How have you addressed challenges in PCB design, layout and assembly?
What CAD tools have you used to design PCBs?
Describe a PCB project you have completed from concept to production.
How do you ensure that the PCB meets industry standards and customer requirements?
How do you troubleshoot complex PCB design issues?
How do you create electrical bill of materials (BOM) for PCBs?
What techniques do you use to reduce costs and optimize PCBs for manufacturing?
What strategies do you employ for testing and debugging PCB designs?
How familiar are you with the IPC standards for PCB design and manufacturing?

Common Tools in Industry

Circuit Design Software. This software is used to create and design PCBs for electronic applications. Examples include Altium Designer, Eagle PCB, and KiCad.
Component Libraries. Component libraries are collections of pre-defined components that can be used in circuit designs. Examples include Digi-Key, Mouser, and SnapEDA.
CAD Software. CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is used to create 3D models of PCBs and components. Examples include Autodesk Fusion 360, Solidworks, and CATIA.
PCB Layout Software. PCB layout software is used to arrange components on the board and draw the traces. Examples include Altium Designer, KiCad, and DesignSpark PCB.
Schematic Capture Software. Schematic capture software is used to create a schematic diagram of the circuit. Examples include OrCAD Capture and PCB123.
Gerber Viewers. Gerber viewers are used to view the Gerber files which contain the printed circuit board artwork. Examples include Camtastic and GC-Prevue.
Circuit Simulators. Circuit simulators are used to simulate the behavior of a circuit before it is built. Examples include LTspice and CircuitLab.

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
National Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (NEMI)
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Printed Circuit Design & Fab Association (IPC)
Association Connecting Electronic Industries (IPC-A-600)
IEEE Components, Packaging, and Manufacturing Technology Society (CPMT)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
American Quality Institute (AQI)

We also have Hardware Specialist, Hardware Developer, and Mobile Device hardware Designer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Soldering. The process of joining two metals together using a heated alloy.
Circuit Board. A flat board made up of electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, and capacitors, connected by conductive pathways.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB). A flat board made up of electronic components and conductive pathways that are printed onto the board using a special ink.
Prototyping. The process of creating a working model of a product before it is manufactured.
Schematic. A diagram that shows the electrical connections and components of a circuit.
PCB Layout. The design process that arranges components and traces on a PCB to create a functional electrical circuit.
CAD Software. Computer Aided Design software used to create and edit PCB layouts.
EMC Testing. Electromagnetic Compatibility testing performed to ensure a device does not emit excessive levels of electromagnetic interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB)? A1: A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a set of electrical components connected together in a specific layout, usually created on a thin board made of a non-conductive material. Q2: What is the purpose of a PCB? A2: The purpose of a PCB is to provide a connection between electrical components, allowing them to communicate with each other and create a functioning device. Q3: What is the difference between a single-sided and double-sided PCB? A3: A single-sided PCB has components on one side of the board, while a double-sided PCB has components on both sides of the board. Q4: How many layers can a PCB have? A4: A PCB can have anywhere from one to sixteen layers, depending on the complexity of the design. Q5: What is the role of a hardware engineer in designing PCBs? A5: A hardware engineer is responsible for designing the layout of the PCB, including component placement and routing of connections. They must also ensure that the design meets all safety and regulatory standards.

Web Resources

PCB Layout and Design Engineer - North Carolina State University online-distance.ncsu.edu
Printed Circuit Board UHNF - University of Houston uhnf.egr.uh.edu
Printed Circuit Boards - Case School of Engineering engineering.case.edu