Course Page: PCB Design Engineer Job Role
📌 Job Role Description
Job Role Name: PCB Design Engineer / PCB Layout Engineer
Industry Category: Electronics / Semiconductor / Embedded Systems / Defense / Automotive / Consumer Electronics / Medical DevicesJob Overview: The PCB Design Engineer is responsible for converting electrical schematics into manufacturable printed circuit boards (PCBs) using EDA tools. This role involves component footprint creation, schematic capture, layout design, impedance control, signal integrity analysis, and generating outputs for fabrication and assembly. Emphasis is placed on practical knowledge of high-speed design, EMI/EMC best practices, and design for manufacturability.
🏷️ Typical Job Designations
- PCB Design Engineer
- PCB Layout Engineer
- Hardware Design Engineer (Layout)
- Signal Integrity Engineer
- Board Design Specialist
💰 Typical Pay Package (India)
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (INR) | CTC Range (Lakhs/Annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 yrs) | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹5 – ₹7.5 LPA |
| Mid Level (2–5 yrs) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,10,000 | ₹7.5 – ₹13.5 LPA |
| Senior Level (5+ yrs) | ₹1,10,000 – ₹1,80,000+ | ₹13.5 – ₹22+ LPA |
🚀 Career Growth Path
| Sl. No. | Future Growth Role | Required Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PCB Design Trainee | Schematic interpretation, EDA tools basics, footprint creation |
| 2 | PCB Layout Engineer | Multi-layer layout, EMI/EMC compliance, routing and placement strategy |
| 3 | Senior PCB Designer | High-speed design, simulation, DFM/DFT knowledge |
| 4 | Signal Integrity Engineer | Transmission line theory, SI/PI simulation tools |
| 5 | Hardware Design Manager | Cross-functional leadership, project planning, review & release to fabrication |
🧠 Core Skills Required (Mapped to Responsibilities)
| Sl. No. | Job Responsibility | Core Skill(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Interpret circuit schematics | Schematic Design Tools, Hierarchical Design |
| 2 | Create and validate footprints and component libraries | Footprint Creation, IPC Standards |
| 3 | Place components based on design constraints | Placement Strategy, Thermal Considerations |
| 4 | Route high-speed, differential, and analog signals | High-Speed Routing, Signal Integrity |
| 5 | Implement ground and power planes | Power Distribution Network, Grounding Principles |
| 6 | Minimize EMI/EMC in layout | EMI Shielding, Return Path Design, Filtering Techniques |
| 7 | Perform design rule and electrical rule checks | DRC/ERC Knowledge, Tool-Based Verification |
| 8 | Generate Gerber, drill, and pick-and-place files | CAM Outputs, Assembly Files |
| 9 | Collaborate with fabrication and assembly vendors | PCB Fabrication Process, DFM Guidelines |
| 10 | Work with cross-functional teams for integration | BOM Handling, Schematic Collaboration, ECO Implementation |
| 11 | Perform layout simulations and reviews | SI/PI Tools, Impedance Matching, Eye Diagram Analysis |
| 12 | Document design steps and maintain version control | Versioning Tools (e.g., SVN/Git), Design Documentation |
| 13 | Ensure standards compliance (IPC, RoHS, etc.) | IPC-2221/7351, RoHS/REACH Requirements |
| 14 | Prepare test boards and support bring-up | Board Bring-up, Probe Points, Boundary Scan |
| 15 | Adhere to safety and ESD procedures | ESD Workbench Usage, Personal Safety Protocols |
This course avoids analog/mixed-signal circuit design or firmware programming. It focuses purely on PCB layout design, signal integrity, and manufacturability, ensuring learners are equipped for layout-related roles across electronics and embedded hardware industries.
Note: The course content may be updated periodically based on ongoing inputs and feedback from industry interactions.