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

Apr 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing demand for electronic products has led to a rise in the need for PCB hardware technicians. As a result, these technicians are responsible for designing and assembling circuit boards, which are essential components of many electronic products. They must be knowledgeable in soldering and troubleshooting, as well as the latest in PCB hardware and manufacturing processes.

they must be able to read and interpret schematics and diagrams to ensure that the components are connected properly. Without the expertise of these professionals, it would be impossible to manufacture the wide variety of electronic products that we use in our daily lives.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. In order to become a PCB hardware technician, you will need a high school diploma or GED.
Pursue a post-secondary degree in electronics engineering technology. While a bachelors degree is not required to become a PCB hardware technician, pursuing a post-secondary degree in electronics engineering technology can help you gain the necessary skills to become successful in the field.
Enroll in an apprenticeship program. To gain hands-on experience and technical knowledge, enrolling in an apprenticeship program is a great way to start your career as a PCB hardware technician.
Obtain certification. Obtaining certification from an accredited organization such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the International Society of Automation (ISA) can help you build credibility and increase your employment opportunities.
Be up-to-date on technological advances. As with most fields, staying current with technological advances is important for success in the PCB hardware technician field. Make sure to stay abreast of any new hardware and software technologies that may affect your job.

PCB hardware technicians need to be reliable and capable in order to produce quality products. Reliability is achieved by having a thorough understanding of the PCB assembly process and the materials used. Quality is achieved by being able to properly diagnose and troubleshoot any problems that may arise and having the skill to resolve them.

The technician must also be able to recognize potential problems before they occur and take appropriate action. They must have the ability to read detailed schematics and understand the functionalities of different components. they must have the knowledge and skill to accurately assemble and solder components onto the board.

Finally, they must be able to complete all tasks in a timely manner while meeting production deadlines. With these skills, a PCB hardware technician can ensure that the PCBs they produce are reliable, function properly, and are of the highest quality.

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Job Description

Assemble and solder PCB components onto the board.
Inspect the boards to ensure that they meet specifications.
Troubleshoot and repair PCBs that have been damaged or are not functioning properly.
Test the boards to make sure they are working properly.
Install and configure PCBs in various electronic products.
Perform regular maintenance and cleaning of the boards.
Monitor and adjust the settings on the boards to ensure optimal performance.
Follow safety procedures when handling and working with the boards.
Research and develop new PCB designs and technologies.
Keep up with industry trends and changes in technology to stay current with new products and services.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to read and interpret schematics and diagrams
Knowledge of electronic assembly processes and procedures
Experience with soldering, de-soldering, and rework techniques
Familiarity with the various types of connectors and components used in PCBs
Expertise in using specialized tools such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, etc.
Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair complex electronic circuits
Understanding of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) safety procedures
Knowledge of quality control standards for PCBs
Excellent hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and manual dexterity
Proficiency in using computer-aided design (CAD) software

A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) hardware Technician needs to possess a wide range of technical skills in order to be successful. The most important skill for a PCB hardware Technician is the ability to read and interpret electronic schematics, which are the blueprints for the boards layout.

This requires a thorough understanding of the various components that make up the board and their connections. In addition, the technician must be able to troubleshoot any existing problems with the board, such as short circuits, bad connections, and defective parts. This requires knowledge of electronics, soldering techniques, and safety protocols.

Good problem solving and analytical skills are also important as they allow the technician to quickly identify and resolve issues. Finally, the technician must be proficient in using PCB layout software in order to design and create new boards or modify existing ones. All of these skills require a strong technical background and experience in the field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with PCBs?
Describe the most complex PCB device you have worked on.
What procedures do you follow to troubleshoot a PCB system?
What test equipment do you use to troubleshoot PCBs?
How do you approach debugging a complicated PCB device?
How do you stay up to date on new technologies related to PCBs?
What strategies do you use for debugging complex PCBs?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with PCBs?
What challenges have you faced while working with PCBs and how did you overcome them?
Describe a time when your knowledge of PCBs was instrumental in finding an innovative solution.

Common Tools in Industry

Soldering Iron. Used to join two pieces of metal together using heat and solder. (eg: soldering components onto a PCB)
Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (eg: checking for continuity on a circuit board)
Wire Strippers. Used to cut and strip the insulation from electrical wires. (eg: preparing wires for soldering)
Pliers. Used to grip, bend, and twist electrical wire. (eg: making connections between wires)
Safety Goggles. Used to protect the eyes from debris and hazardous substances. (eg: when soldering, working with chemicals, etc. )
Desoldering Pump. Used to remove solder from a circuit board. (eg: when replacing components on a PCB)
Heat Gun. Used to provide heat to shrink tubing or desolder components. (eg: when replacing a damaged component on a circuit board)
Tweezers. Used to hold and manipulate small objects. (eg: when handling small components on a PCB)
Anti-Static Wrist Strap. Used to reduce the risk of electrostatic discharge to sensitive components. (eg: when working with electronic equipment)

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Circuit Technology (ICT)
Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA)
National Electronics Service Dealers Association (NESDA)
Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
National Association of Professional Solderers (NAPS)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
American Institute for Manufacturing Integrated Circuits (AIMC)
American Society of Quality Control (ASQC)
Association Connecting Electronics Industries (IPC-2581)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

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Common Important Terms

PCB Layout. The arrangement of components and patterns on a printed circuit board.
Soldering. The process of joining two metals together with the use of a heated alloy or solder.
Surface Mount Technology (SMT). A method of mounting electronic components onto a printed circuit board using surface mount components and solder paste.
Through-Hole Technology (THT). A technology that uses holes in the printed circuit board to mount components by inserting them through the holes and soldering them in place.
Flux. A chemical used to reduce the surface tension of solder so that it will flow freely and form a secure joint.
E-test. An electrical test that is used to check for any problems with a printed circuit board.
Wire Harness. A collection of wires, connectors and other components used to connect electrical devices.
IPC Standards. A set of standards developed by the Institute of Printed Circuits for the design and manufacture of printed circuit boards.
CAD Software. Computer-aided design software used to create designs for printed circuit boards.
JTAG. Joint Test Action Group, which is a collection of pins used to test and debug printed circuit boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Printed Circuit Board? A1: A Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a board made of non-conductive material with conductive pathways etched or printed onto it, which are used to connect electronic components and create circuits. Q2: What is the purpose of a PCB Technician? A2: The primary purpose of a PCB Technician is to assemble, inspect, test, and repair printed circuit boards in order to ensure that they meet the necessary specifications and are functioning correctly. Q3: What tools are used by a PCB Technician? A3: Commonly used tools for a PCB Technician include soldering irons, multimeters, pliers, tweezers, wire strippers, and X-ray machines. Q4: What qualifications are required to become a PCB Technician? A4: Requirements to become a PCB Technician typically include an associate degree in electrical engineering or a related field, as well as experience in electronics or soldering. Q5: How much does a PCB Technician typically make? A5: The typical salary for a PCB Technician ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.