Connect the Dots: Designing for Reality: Strip-Etch-Strip
Dana on Data: Merging 2D Electrical, 3D Mechanical Worlds
Fresh PCB Concepts: PCB Design Essentials for Electric Vehicle Charging
From Construction Work to PCB Design in Under a Year
November 27, 2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute
At the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show in October, I had the opportunity to talk with some new PCB designers, including Jon Smith of Frontgrade Aethercomm.
During the Anaheim show, John Watson, a PCB design instructor at Palomar College, led a panel of his past and present students, including Jon, who shared his story of switching from a construction career to PCB design in a matter of months, courtesy of Watson’s Palomar College design curriculum.
After the panel discussion, I asked Jon to expand on his personal and professional story. How many other potential PCB designers are out there in fields like construction? Thanks to instructors like Watson, the time it takes to produce a trained PCB designer—from scratch—is less than you might think.
Andy Shaughnessy: Jon, you've already graduated from John's class, and you had a completely non-electronic job before this. How did you get into this? What were you doing before?
Jon Smith: I used to be in construction and I got tired of being in pain. Something had to change. I ended up taking classes at Palomar College, specifically drafting and design. It wasn't until I started John Watson's class that something just went off in my head. I was instantly intrigued. It was just the craziest thing I've ever seen. Who knew that this career even existed? When you think of a PCB designer, you think “electrical engineer.” But you don’t have to be an engineer to be a PCB designer. One thing led to another and it’s been great.
Shaughnessy: Your wife even called John and said, “Thank you for helping my husband.” She really noticed a change in your happiness level.
Smith: Yes, she did. Working in construction, and being in pain, you act differently. So, once you find yourself again, it impresses other people. You also impress yourself and things get a lot better.
Shaughnessy: What kind of construction were you in?
Smith: I was in sewer pipe rehabilitation—very nasty, very heavy stuff with very long hours. Working in the middle of the street was very dangerous. All around, it was not a fun place to be.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the November 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Growth Unfolds: The First of STARTEAM’s Trio of Factories Set to Expand
12/05/2024 | STARTEAM GLOBALSTARTEAM is thrilled to share news of our upcoming 3-step expansion at JST, with each step adding 50,000m² per month which began on May 27, 2024. This carefully planned extension is designed to significantly increase our production capacity and expand our talented team. Currently, our production space covers 30,000m². Through this expansion, we are setting our sights on incrementally increasing our capacity from 70,000m²/month to a remarkable 130,000m²/month.
American Standard Circuits Earns IATF 16949 Automotive Re-Certification
12/05/2024 | American Standard CircuitsAnaya Vardya, President and CEO of American Standard Circuits and ASC Sunstone has announced that his company’s West Chicago Division has passed their recent IATF 16949 Automotive re-certification.
Real Time with... electronica 2024: NCAB—Shaping the Future of Electronics Manufacturing
12/05/2024 | Real Time with... electronicaMichael Larsson, Global Director of Sales at NCAB, shares insights into the company's focus on sourcing production outside of China as well as their commitment to sustainability through innovative materials for recyclable PCBs.
Flex PCB Design Best Practices
12/04/2024 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007David Lackey, a flex circuit expert at American Standard Circuits, speaks about the advantages and challenges of designing with flexible and rigid-flex PCBs. He also discusses how consulting before the design phase can save time and costs by avoiding manufacturing issues and highlights the reliability and packaging benefits of flex technology, especially for compact designs in sectors like aerospace.
The Training Connection Difference
12/04/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007Bert Horner, president of The Test Connection, has recently launched The Training Connection, a new company that addresses critical training needs in test engineering and development. With a focus on essential methodologies like design for test (DFT) and IPC standards, the initiative promises to enhance the skills of professionals in the field. At PCB Carolina, Bert talked about the program, its positive reception, and the growing demand for practical, effective training solutions within the industry.