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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electronic Drafter

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

EngineeringDesignManufacturingTechnology

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a detail-oriented and highly skilled Electronic Drafter to join our dynamic engineering team. In this pivotal role, you will be the bridge between initial design concepts and tangible, manufacturable products. You will leverage your expertise in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create precise schematics, printed circuit board (PCB) layouts, and comprehensive technical documentation for a variety of innovative electronic systems. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a passion for precision and a deep understanding of electronic components and manufacturing processes. You will collaborate closely with hardware engineers to bring cutting-edge technology to life.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Junior CAD Technician
  • Electronics Technician
  • Associate Drafter

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electronic Drafter / PCB Designer
  • Electrical Designer
  • Hardware Design Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • CAD Administrator / Manager
  • Technical Illustrator
  • Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, modify, and maintain complex electronic schematics, multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB) layouts, and electromechanical drawings using industry-standard CAD software like Altium Designer or OrCAD.
  • Generate and manage comprehensive documentation packages for manufacturing, including fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and Gerber/ODB++ files.
  • Collaborate closely with electrical and hardware engineers to interpret design concepts, sketches, and functional specifications, translating them into detailed and accurate technical drawings.
  • Create and meticulously maintain a standardized library of electronic component footprints and schematic symbols to ensure consistency and efficiency across all projects.
  • Perform thorough Design Rule Checks (DRC) and Layout-Versus-Schematic (LVS) verification to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet all technical and quality requirements.
  • Process and incorporate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and redline markups into existing designs, ensuring all revisions are accurately documented and controlled within a PDM/PLM system.
  • Design detailed PCB layouts for high-speed digital, analog, and mixed-signal circuits, paying close attention to signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management considerations.
  • Interface directly with PCB fabrication and assembly vendors to resolve technical queries, clarify design intent, and ensure adherence to Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) guidelines.
  • Create 3D models of PCBs and electronic assemblies to perform clearance checks for mechanical fit and interference with enclosures, chassis, and other hardware.
  • Generate detailed wiring diagrams, cable harness designs, and interconnect drawings required for complete system-level integration.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the prototyping and new product introduction (NPI) phases by providing clear assembly documentation and assisting engineers in troubleshooting layout-related issues.
  • Review and verify drawings and design packages created by other team members to ensure they adhere to company standards and industry best practices (e.g., IPC, ASME Y14.5).
  • Assist in the selection and evaluation of new electronic components and materials, considering factors such as cost, lead time, availability, and technical specifications.
  • Develop and help maintain drafting standards, design checklists, and internal process documentation to improve the overall quality and efficiency of the design workflow.
  • Participate actively in formal design review meetings, presenting layout progress, discussing technical trade-offs, and addressing feedback from the cross-functional engineering team.
  • Manage and organize complex project file structures, ensuring data integrity, proper revision control, and easy accessibility for all project stakeholders.
  • Provide essential technical support to manufacturing, quality assurance, and field service teams regarding drawing interpretations and design specifications.
  • Research new CAD tools, emerging technologies, and innovative drafting techniques to support continuous improvement for yourself and the team.
  • Prepare and format technical illustrations and documentation for inclusion in product manuals, service guides, and customer-facing reports.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory analysis related to component usage, design reuse, and manufacturing yields.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CAD Software Proficiency: Expert-level skill in at least one major EDA tool suite, such as Altium Designer, Cadence (OrCAD/Allegro), or Mentor Graphics (PADS).
  • Schematic Capture: Ability to create and read complex, hierarchical electronic schematics and understand the relationship between the schematic and the PCB layout.
  • PCB Layout: Demonstrated experience in multi-layer PCB layout, including component placement, routing strategies for high-speed signals, and power plane design.
  • IPC Standards: Strong working knowledge of IPC standards for design, manufacturing, and assembly (e.g., IPC-2221, IPC-6012, IPC-A-610).
  • Manufacturing Outputs: Proficiency in generating and validating manufacturing files, including Gerber/ODB++, BOMs, and pick-and-place data.
  • Component Libraries: Experience creating and managing schematic symbols and PCB footprints according to IPC-7351 and datasheet specifications.
  • 3D Mechanical Integration: Familiarity with exporting 3D models (STEP) from ECAD tools and checking for fit within mechanical assemblies in MCAD software.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail to ensure accuracy in all drawings, component placements, and documentation.
  • Effective Communication: Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers and external vendors.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot design issues and implement effective solutions.
  • Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Team Collaboration: A cooperative mindset with the ability to work productively within a cross-functional team environment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Electronics Technology, or a closely related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) or a related engineering discipline.
  • IPC Certified Interconnect Designer (CID or CID+) certification is a significant plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
  • Electrical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-7 years of professional experience in an electronic drafting or PCB layout design role.

Preferred:

  • Experience in a regulated industry such as aerospace, medical devices, or automotive is highly desirable.
  • Proven track record of managing design data within a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) or Product Data Management (PDM) system.
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