Instagram Stories slider with Swiper

#TakeCharge with #Aimshala

How make a career in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

A career as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the electronics industry by designing the intricate boards that power a vast array of devices. To embark on this career path, individuals typically need a strong academic background in electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field. Pursuing a bachelor's degree is essential, followed by gaining practical experience through internships or projects. Mastery of design software and familiarity with manufacturing processes are crucial for success. Networking with professionals in the field and staying updated with the latest technologies in PCB design are also important. With a combination of education, experience, and passion for electronics, one can build a rewarding career dedicated to advancing PCB technology.

Career in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

Typically, a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics, or a related field is required, with experience in PCB design software preferred.

Key skills include proficiency in PCB design software (e.g., Altium, Eagle), attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong analytical skills.

PCB Designers often work in office environments, collaborating with engineers and technicians, with occasional visits to manufacturing facilities.

Salaries vary widely based on experience, education, and location, with entry-level positions starting around $55,000 and experienced professionals earning over $100,000 annually.

Related careers include Electronics Engineer, Hardware Engineer, and Test Engineer, each focusing on different aspects of electronic systems but sharing a common goal of innovation in technology.

What are the roles and responsibilities in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer?

  • Designing PCBs : PCB Designers create layouts for printed circuit boards, ensuring that components are placed correctly and that electrical pathways are optimized.
  • Collaborating with Engineers : They work closely with electrical engineers to understand requirements and specifications for new products.
  • Testing and Prototyping : PCB Designers may also be involved in testing prototypes to troubleshoot issues and make necessary adjustments.
  • Documentation : They are responsible for creating detailed documentation for PCB designs, including schematics and assembly instructions.
  • Staying Updated with Technology : PCB Designers must keep abreast of advancements in PCB technology and design software to remain competitive in the field.

What education is required to study Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

Check out the dates of the total number of candidates who have appeared in the CUET 2022 exam from the below table.

Stream

Graduation

After Graduation

After Post Graduation

Path 1

Completion of high school with a focus on mathematics, physics, and computer science.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electronics.

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or specialized fields such as Embedded Systems.

Certifications in PCB design software or related technologies.

Path 2

Completion of high school with emphasis on technology or vocational training.

Associate's degree in Electronics or a related field.

Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering.

Certifications in specialized PCB design techniques.

Caption

Feeling unsure about
your future?

Let's find the perfect career path for you!
with AI-powered career guidance

Caption

What are the key skills required for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

  • Design Software Proficiency - Proficiency in PCB design software such as Altium Designer, Eagle, or KiCad is crucial for creating effective designs.
  • Attention to Detail - Meticulous attention to detail is essential to ensure accuracy in designs and prevent errors in manufacturing.
  • Problem-Solving Skills - The ability to identify and resolve design issues is critical to the success of PCB projects.
  • Analytical Skills - Strong analytical skills are necessary for interpreting design specifications and optimizing layouts for performance.
  • Communication Skills - Effective communication is vital for collaborating with engineers and team members throughout the design process.

What are the career opportunities in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer?

  • Electronics Engineer - Electronics Engineers design and develop electronic systems and devices, often working closely with PCB Designers.
  • Hardware Engineer - Hardware Engineers focus on the physical components of electronic devices, including circuit boards and processors.
  • Test Engineer - Test Engineers develop and conduct tests on electronic devices to ensure functionality and compliance with specifications.
  • Embedded Systems Engineer - Embedded Systems Engineers work on integrating software with hardware components, often involving PCB design.
  • Field Application Engineer - Field Application Engineers provide technical support and solutions to customers, often related to PCB design and implementation.

What is the salary and demand for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer?

  • Salary Overview - The typical salary for PCB Designers ranges from $55,000 for entry-level positions to over $100,000 for experienced professionals, with variations based on education and location.
  • Regional Salary Variations - Salaries can vary significantly by region; for example, PCB Designers in tech hubs may earn more than those in less populated areas.
  • Current Job Market Demand - The demand for PCB Designers is growing due to advancements in electronics and the increasing complexity of electronic devices.
  • Future Demand Projections - Future demand for PCB Designers is expected to rise with the ongoing development of consumer electronics and IoT devices.

Leading companies for careers in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

Caption

Intel Corporation

Caption

Texas Instruments

Caption

Broadcom

Caption

NXP Semiconductors

Caption

Qualcomm

Caption

Analog Devices

Caption

Microchip Technology

Caption

Atmel

What are the best colleges for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer in India?

Undergraduate

College

Location

Website

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Mumbai

https://www.iitb.ac.in

National Institute of Technology, Trichy

Tiruchirappalli

https://www.nitt.edu

Vellore Institute of Technology

Vellore

https://www.vit.ac.in

Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

New Delhi

https://www.iitd.ac.in

Birla Institute of Technology and Science

Pilani

https://www.bits-pilani.ac.in

Postgraduate

College

Location

Website

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

Kanpur

https://www.iitk.ac.in

Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Kharagpur

https://www.iitkgp.ac.in

Indian Institute of Science

Bengaluru

https://www.iisc.ac.in

National Institute of Technology, Warangal

Warangal

https://www.nitw.ac.in

Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

Chennai

https://www.iitm.ac.in

What are the best colleges for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer in Abroad?

College

Location

Website

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

https://www.mit.edu

Stanford University

Stanford, California, USA

https://www.stanford.edu

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California, USA

https://www.caltech.edu

University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom

https://www.cam.ac.uk

ETH Zurich

Zurich, Switzerland

https://www.ethz.ch

What are the top entrance exams in India for pursuing a career in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

College

Tentative Date

UG/PG

Important Elements

Website

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

May

Undergraduate

Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

https://www.iitb.ac.in

National Institute of Technology, Trichy

June

Undergraduate

Mathematics, Physics, and General Studies.

https://www.nitt.edu

Vellore Institute of Technology

April

Undergraduate

Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

https://www.vit.ac.in

Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

July

Postgraduate

Engineering Mathematics, Electronics, and General Knowledge.

https://www.iitd.ac.in

Indian Institute of Science

January

Postgraduate

Mathematics, Physics, and Analytical Skills.

https://www.iisc.ac.in

Pros & Cons of a Career in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Designer

Pros

  • PCB Designers contribute significantly to the development of modern electronics, making their work impactful and rewarding.
  • The field offers competitive salaries, especially for those with advanced skills and experience.
  • Professionals in this industry have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and innovate within the electronics sector.
  • The career provides opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement in a rapidly evolving field.

Cons

  • The job can be demanding with tight deadlines, especially during product launches or design revisions.
  • Some roles may require extensive collaboration and communication with teams, which can be challenging.
  • Rapid technological changes can necessitate constant learning and adaptation to new tools and methods.
  • The work can sometimes be isolating, particularly during intensive design phases that require focused attention.

Did you find this information helpful? 

Report

0 out of 0 found this helpful

Caption

Is (Career Name) a Good Career Choice for You?

Assess Your Career Fit Now