-
-
News
News Highlights
- Books
Featured Books
- design007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssuePower Integrity
Current power demands are increasing, especially with AI, 5G, and EV chips. This month, our experts share “watt’s up” with power integrity, from planning and layout through measurement and manufacturing.
Signal Integrity
If you don’t have signal integrity problems now, you will eventually. This month, our expert contributors share a variety of SI techniques that can help designers avoid ground bounce, crosstalk, parasitic issues, and much more.
Proper Floor Planning
Floor planning decisions can make or break performance, manufacturability, and timelines. This month’s contributors weigh in with their best practices for proper floor planning and specific strategies to get it right.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - design007 Magazine
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
April 24, 2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute

In a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
At the heart of this journey is IPC's unwavering commitment to developing National Program Standards that cater to the intricate needs of electronics manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of a highly trained workforce. The approval of the PCB design engineer occupation by the U.S. DOL is a testament to the collective vision and relentless efforts of countless individuals within the IPC community as well as the industry, which believes in the power of education, training, and standardization.
The PCB design engineer role is foundational to the electronics manufacturing value stream, serving as the linchpin that transforms innovative ideas into tangible, functioning technologies. These engineers are tasked with the intricate design of PCBs, which serve as the backbone for nearly all electronic devices. Their work supports not just the creation of new products but also the enhancement of existing technologies, ensuring they meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers and industries alike.
Recognizing the PCB design engineer as a distinct occupation highlights the specialized skill set these professionals bring to the table. It acknowledges the complexity of their work, which requires a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, proficiency in design software, and an acute awareness of manufacturing processes and constraints. More importantly, it shines a light on the critical need for tailored training and education programs that can prepare individuals for success in this challenging and rewarding field.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the April 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Keysight Completes Acquisition of Synopsys’ Optical Solutions Group and Ansys’ PowerArtist
10/17/2025 | Keysight Technologies, Inc.Keysight Technologies, Inc., announced the completion of its acquisitions of the Optical Solutions Group from Synopsys, Inc., and PowerArtist from Ansys, Inc.
RT-Labs Joins STMicroelectronics Partner Program to Accelerate Industrial Communication
10/16/2025 | RT-LabsRT-Labs, a leading provider of real-time software solutions for industrial automation, announces that it has joined the STMicroelectronics Partner Program to integrate its Ethernet-based industrial communication stacks into ST’s development environments and microcontroller platforms.
ASC Sunstone Circuits Adds New Options to OneQuote While Maintaining Real-Time Pricing on Core PCB Features
10/16/2025 | ASC Sunstone CircuitsASC Sunstone Circuits, a leading U.S. PCB manufacturer, today announced a significant expansion of its OneQuote online quoting tool, giving design engineers more control over complex PCB configurations — making it easier for the quote team to quickly clarify and verify specifications, reducing delays from manual quote reviews.
Analog Devices Launches ADI Power Studio™ and New Web-Based Tools
10/14/2025 | Analog Devices, Inc.Analog Devices, Inc., a global semiconductor leader, announced the launch of ADI Power Studio, a comprehensive family of products that offers advanced modeling, component recommendations and efficiency analysis with simulation. In addition, ADI is introducing early versions of two new web-based tools with a modernized user experience under the Power Studio umbrella:
Cadence Giving Foundation Announces Multi-Year Commitment to Expand the AI Hub at San José State University
10/13/2025 | Cadence Design Systems, Inc.The Cadence Giving Foundation today announced a multi-year commitment to expand the AI Hub at San José State University (SJSU) to equip students with the skills, hands-on training and experience needed to excel in careers in artificial intelligence (AI).