printed circuit board designer
Key facts
Are you fascinated by electronics and enjoy problem-solving? As a printed circuit board designer, you'll be at the heart of bringing electronic devices to life, creating the intricate blueprints that connect components and make technology work.
Printed circuit board (PCB) designers are responsible for the layout and design of the physical circuit boards found in a vast array of electronic devices, from smartphones to industrial machinery. You'll use specialized software to translate electrical schematics into detailed board designs, ensuring proper component placement, signal integrity, and manufacturability. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, attention to detail, and an understanding of electronic principles.
- • Diagramming and designing PCB layouts using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- • Selecting appropriate materials and components based on performance and cost requirements.
- • Ensuring designs adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, France and 2 more.
Longest-running shortage: Belgium, 3 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could printed circuit board designer fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Dependability?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Initiative?
Future Outlook for printed circuit board designer
The outlook for printed circuit board designer reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could printed circuit board designer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could printed circuit board designer change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- test printed circuit boards
- create technical plans
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- use technical drawing software
- use CAD software
- interpret circuit diagrams
Tasks most exposed to automation
- execute analytical mathematical calculations
- draft design specifications
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Advanced Manufacturing
A typical day as a printed circuit board designer
09 09:00 · Morning interpret circuit diagrams
10 10:30 · Mid-morning test printed circuit boards
12 12:00 · Midday create technical plans
14 14:00 · Afternoon design circuit boards
15 15:30 · Late afternoon draft design specifications
17 17:00 · Wrap-up execute analytical mathematical calculations
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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CAD software
The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.
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design drawings
The drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
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electricity
The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
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electronics
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.
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mathematics
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
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printed circuit boards
Printed circuit boards (PCB) are essential components to almost all electronic devices. They consist of thin wafers or substrates on which electronic components, such as microchips, are placed. The electronic components are electrically connected through conductive tracks and pads.
- CAD software
- design drawings
- electricity
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use technical drawing software
Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
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use CAD software
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
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interpret circuit diagrams
Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
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create technical plans
Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.
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design circuit boards
Draught circuit boards used in electronic product such as cell phones and computers, make sure to include integrated circuits and microchips in the design.
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draft design specifications
List the design specifications such as materials and parts to be used and a cost estimate.
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test printed circuit boards
Test the printed circuit board with special testing adapters to ensure optimal efficiency, functionality, and that everything works according to design. Adapt the testing devices to the type of circuit board.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
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Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does printed circuit board designer fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What skills are most important for a printed circuit board designer?
- Strong proficiency in CAD software (like Altium, Eagle, or KiCad) is essential. Beyond that, a solid understanding of electronics, signal integrity, and manufacturing processes is crucial. Analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail are also key to success.
- Is this a good career for someone transitioning from a different technical field?
- Yes! Individuals with backgrounds in electrical engineering, electronics technology, or related fields often find a natural transition into PCB design. A willingness to learn specialized software and design principles is the most important factor.
- What are the common work arrangements for printed circuit board designers?
- This occupation is primarily employee-based, with many designers working for electronics manufacturers, design firms, or technology companies. However, freelancing opportunities are also common, particularly for specialized projects or short-term contracts.
- Printed Circuit Board Designer — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 12 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 6 reported a shortage and 6 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Printed Circuit Board Designer — what does it pay in the United States?
- $73,720 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $50,840 to $102,070. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.