Circuit board jobs include designers, assemblers, and inspectors, each with different education and experience requirements. Designers create electronic schematics and convert them into a printed circuit board, while assemblers attach components and external wiring to circuit boards. Inspectors visually examine and test PCBs for defects.
There are many circuit board jobs including designers, assemblers and inspectors. Each of these important positions contributes to the creation of electronics, from smartphones to refrigerator controls. These professions have various education and experience requirements.
One of the main jobs of the circuit board is the design of circuit boards. This profession requires knowledge of circuit layout and component placement. The designer must create electronic schematics and convert them into a printed circuit board (PCB); each product that requires a PCB has different needs and limitations that the designer must consider. Appliances that get extremely hot, such as generators, must have a PCB design that can withstand constant heat. For other applications, the designer must prevent components from freezing temperatures, creating a tightly packed circuit board that remains functional in extreme cold.
Most circuit board design jobs require a two- or four-year college degree. Computer design and engineering are typical degrees earned by successful PCB designers. Students learn electronic theories and circuit construction, as well as design boards through computer layout programs.
Many circuit board jobs have to do with assembling printed circuit boards. Assemblers attach components and external wiring to circuit boards on a production line. Although many boards are manufactured by robotic systems, some are too sensitive for mechanized assembly. As a result, assemblers physically build the frame and test its functions; normally, a printed circuit board does not leave the production line until all circuits and components operate within the desired specifications.
Fitters can learn their trade through on-the-job training or by attending a two-year degree or certificate program in electronics at a local community college or trade school. Workers with a mix of education and experience tend to have more responsibilities on the production line, such as final testing processes. Successful assemblers move to different production areas throughout the day to gain more skills and alleviate fatigue from repetitive motion.
Circuit board jobs also include PCB inspection. Inspectors visually examine the exterior of the circuit board for defects or loose components. In addition, the worker will test PCB operations to verify proper design and assembly; however, large production lines often only allow the inspector to test one or two sample PCBs from a manufacturing batch to ensure a quality finish.
Inspectors generally earn their positions as a result of hands-on experience; most were formerly employed as assemblers. As a result, the inspector understands the physical construction of the printed circuit board and possible defects from previous assembly experience. Typically, a circuit board inspector does not need to have a college degree.
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