PCB Design
What is PCB design?
PCB, or printed circuit board, design is a foundation of electrical engineering, providing the connectivity between components necessary for powered devices such as cell phones, remote controls, and even robots to function. PCB designers assemble top-quality PCBs for specific technological needs and ensure a product excels in the competitive tech market.
How do you hire a PCB designer?
You can source PCB design talent on Upwork by following these three steps:
- Write a project description. You’ll want to determine your scope of work and the skills and requirements you are looking for in a PCB designer.
- Post it on Upwork. Once you’ve written a project description, post it to Upwork. Simply follow the prompts to help you input the information you collected to scope out your project.
- Shortlist and interview PCB designers. Once the proposals start coming in, create a shortlist of the professionals you want to interview.
Of these three steps, your project description is where you will determine your scope of work and the specific type of PCB designer you need to complete your project.
How much does it cost to hire a PCB designer?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced PCB designer may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their PCB design services more competitively.
Rates typically charged by PCB designers on Upwork are:
- Beginner: $25 per hour
- Intermediate: $45 per hour
- Advanced: $200 per hour
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.
How do you write a PCB designer job post?
Your job post is your chance to describe your project scope, budget, and talent needs. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
Job post title
Create a simple title that describes exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to target the keywords that your ideal candidate is likely to type into a job search bar to find your project. Here are some sample PCB designer job post titles:
- Looking for a PCB designer to troubleshoot an Arduino board
- Seeking a PCB designer to design and build a museum- exhibit audio player
- PCB designer needed for a low-level light- therapy project
Project description
An effective PCB designer job post should include:
- Scope of work: From component specs to testing prototypes, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, software, or building tools, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
PCB designer job responsibilities
Here are some examples of PCB designer job responsibilities:
- Design and develop PCB layouts for reliable high-speed circuits
- Test, troubleshoot, and resolve issues with PCB functionality
- Review existing designs for areas that need updating or improvement
- Place components while maintaining integrity between them
PCB designer job requirements and qualifications
Be sure to include any requirements and qualifications you’re looking for in a PCB designer. Here are some examples:
- Experience designing or assisting with designing PCBs
- Background in electrical engineering or mechanics
- Understanding of circuit requirements and limitations
- Experience with CAD (computer- aided drafting) and producing design drawings