PCB Design
PCB Design (Printed Circuit Board Design) is the process of creating blueprints for electronic circuit boards - the green or blue boards you see inside electronic devices like phones or computers. Think of it like creating a very detailed road map for electricity, where designers plan out how different electronic components connect and work together. This is a crucial skill in electronics manufacturing, as every electronic device needs these boards to function. PCB Designers use special computer software to lay out these designs, similar to how architects use software to design buildings.
Examples in Resumes
Created PCB Design layouts for consumer electronics products using Altium Designer
Led team of 3 engineers in PCB and Printed Circuit Board projects for automotive sensors
Reduced manufacturing costs by 30% through optimized PCB Design and component placement
Typical job title: "PCB Designers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find PCB Designers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach complex multi-layer PCB designs?
Expected Answer: A senior designer should explain their systematic approach to organizing complex boards, discussing how they plan power distribution, manage signal integrity, and coordinate with manufacturers. They should mention experience with boards having 8+ layers.
Q: How do you handle EMC/EMI issues in your designs?
Expected Answer: They should explain in simple terms how they prevent electrical interference between components, mentioning practical experience with testing and troubleshooting interference problems in real products.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when choosing component placement?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic principles like keeping similar components together, considering heat management, and making sure the board can be easily assembled in production.
Q: How do you ensure your designs are manufacturing-friendly?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they work with manufacturers, understand manufacturing limitations, and design boards that can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What PCB design software have you used?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with at least one major PCB design software like Altium, Eagle, or KiCad, and able to describe basic design tasks they've completed.
Q: Can you explain the basic PCB manufacturing process?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how PCBs are manufactured, including basic concepts like layers, copper traces, and common manufacturing constraints.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic PCB layout and routing
- Understanding of common design software
- Basic component placement
- Simple 2-layer board design
Mid (2-5 years)
- Multi-layer board design
- Design for manufacturing
- Component selection
- Understanding of signal integrity
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex high-speed designs
- Team leadership and project management
- Advanced troubleshooting
- Design review and optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with PCB design software
- Lack of understanding of manufacturing constraints
- No experience with component libraries or datasheets
- Unable to read and understand circuit schematics
Related Terms
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