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Keshav K.

Rockville, Maryland

$75/hr
5.0
7 jobs

I’m a PCB design | Reverse PCB Design Engineer specializing in reconstructing, analyzing, and improving existing circuit boards when original documentation is missing or incomplete. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve reverse-engineered dozens of commercial products ranging from consumer electronics to industrial controllers helping clients recreate legacy hardware, correct design flaws, and prepare boards for manufacturing. Work History & Experience •Rebuilt complete schematic and PCB files from physical boards for multiple clients in the U.S. and Europe •Successfully reverse-engineered 4-layer and 6-layer RF boards, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS modules •Restored obsolete industrial control boards where BOM and Gerbers were no longer available •Converted entire product families from old proprietary boards into modern Altium or KiCad designs •Helped several startups recover and redesign hardware after losing original engineering teams •Reverse-designed battery-powered IoT devices, optimizing power paths, charging circuits, and safety features •Translated raw PCB scans and photos into fully manufacturable Gerber and ODB++ files •Conducted board validation, corrected routing issues, and improved manufacturability for mass production •Supported clients in factory communication, DFM review, stack-up selection, and production testing Core Skills •PCB reverse engineering (from 1-layer to 8-layer boards) •Schematic reconstruction from physical PCB •Net tracing, component identification, and footprint rebuilding •Recreating BOM with equivalent components •Altium, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD •High-speed and RF routing reconstruction •Power supply and charger circuit analysis •Legacy hardware modernization •EMC/ESD improvement and reliability upgrades •Gerber recreation for manufacturing What I Can Deliver •Complete schematic + PCB files from any board •Clean, readable, and logically organized circuits •Rebuilt BOM with part numbers and sourcing links •Improved design ready for prototyping or mass production •DXF/STEP data for enclosure designers •Manufacturing package (Gerber, drill, pick-and-place, PDF docs) Why Clients Choose Me •Hands-on experience with 100+ boards across multiple industries •Ability to reverse-engineer boards without original documents •Fast, precise reconstruction—even for dense multilayer layouts •Professional communication and clear reporting •A strong record supporting real production builds

  • PCB Design
  • Multilayer PCB
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Circuit Design
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Embedded System
  • Consumer Electronics
  • SolidWorks
  • Product Design
  • 3D Modeling
  • Altium Designer
  • KiCad
Youssef M.

Cairo, Egypt

$20/hr
4.9
50 jobs

Are you looking for a freelancer creating accurate and reliable 🔴 Circuits schematics, layouts, and simulations as well as 3D CAD models 🔴? As a mechatronic engineer, I have an electrical and mechanical engineering background. I am introducing myself and my services as a freelancer in the field of electronic circuits and PCB design. Being a mechatronic engineer helps me to integrate both electrical and mechanical considerations into my designs, and that's what sets me apart from other designers. My expertise lies in using: • Autodesk Eagle • Altium designer • EasyEDA • KiCad • Proteus To generate accurate and reliable: • Schematics • PCB layout design • 3D models And I will provide you with: • Detailed PDF files • Images • DXF files • Bill of Materials (BOM) That clearly illustrates the design and its components, and this will not only help you to understand the design better but also allow for quick and efficient manufacturing processes. I can help you design your ⚫ 3D model enclosure ⚫ for your PCB or consider this aspect while designing the PCB itself. This results in a more integrated and optimized solution that meets both your electrical and mechanical requirements. As a new freelancer on Upwork, I am eager to take on any job at the 🔴 most reasonable cost 🔴 to grow on this platform and receive valuable feedback. I am committed to building long-term relationships with my clients by prioritizing clear communication, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction. I am open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to ensure complete satisfaction with my work. I am eager to establish a lasting partnership. If you are looking for a reliable freelancer in the field of electronic circuits and PCB design, I would be honored to work with you. Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your project in more detail and to receive a personalized quote.

  • PCB Design
  • Multilayer PCB
  • CAD
  • CAD Conversion
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Electronic Circuit Design
  • Mechatronics
  • Printable 3D Models
  • Electronic Design
  • ESP8266
  • ESP32
  • CAD Software
Muhammad Usman M.

Rawalpindi, Pakistan

$20/hr
5.0
44 jobs

Innovative Mechatronics Engineer with a passion for designing cutting-edge hardware solutions. Excels in tackling complex engineering challenges with precision and creativity. I can offer: ⭐Product Development ⭐PCB Design ⭐PCB Manufacturing ⭐Fast Prototyping ⭐Hardware Integration ⭐Hardware Debugging ⭐Firmware Development ⭐Technical Documentation I'm committed to bringing your ideas to life and delivering advanced solutions that push the boundaries of technology. Let's start turning your vision into reality and create groundbreaking innovations together!

  • PCB Design
  • Multilayer PCB
  • Printed Circuit Board
  • System Automation
  • Automation
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Mechatronics
  • Hardware Prototyping
  • Hardware Design
  • Altium Designer
  • Embedded System
  • Electronics
  • Problem Solving
  • Technical Documentation
  • Industrial Automation
Chanaka M.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

$35/hr
4.9
68 jobs

I am Chanaka Prasad, Founder and CEO of Idea8, a product development and engineering company specializing in hardware, robotics, IoT, embedded systems, automation, and AI-enabled product development. At Idea8, we help startups, manufacturers, and product companies turn ideas into working prototypes, MVPs, pilot systems, and production-ready solutions. Our team combines electronics, mechanical design, firmware, PCB design, 3D design, software, AI, and manufacturing support under one roof, which allows us to move faster and solve problems end-to-end instead of handing work between disconnected freelancers. What we can help you build: ✅ Hardware product prototypes and MVPs ✅ IoT systems, dashboards, and connected devices ✅ Robotics and automation systems ✅ PCB design and embedded firmware development ✅ ESP32, STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Jetson, and custom electronics ✅ Machine vision and AI inspection systems ✅ UAV, rover, and robotic platform development ✅ 3D CAD design, enclosure design, and 3D printing ✅ Manufacturing-ready product development and supplier support Our approach is simple: we do not just “build what is asked.” We first understand the product goal, technical risk, cost target, user environment, and manufacturing path. Then we design the right engineering solution with the correct balance between performance, budget, timeline, and scalability. We are especially strong in projects where hardware, software, firmware, mechanics, and real-world testing need to work together. Many product development projects fail because each part is built separately. Idea8 solves this by managing the complete development process from concept to working prototype and beyond. Core technical capabilities: • Embedded systems and microcontroller programming • Firmware development using C, C++, Python, and related tools • PCB design, schematic design, and electronics integration • IoT platforms using ThingsBoard, Blynk, cloud dashboards, and custom web apps • Robotics, automation, motor control, sensors, and actuator systems • Computer vision, AI inspection, and real-time data systems • SolidWorks, 3D CAD, mechanical design, and enclosure development • 3D printing, rapid prototyping, testing, and product iteration If you are looking for a team that can think like engineers, execute like product builders, and communicate clearly like a long-term technical partner, Idea8 can help. We are best suited for clients who need serious engineering execution, not just basic task completion. Whether you are building a new hardware product, improving an existing system, automating a factory process, or developing an IoT/robotics solution, we can support you from the first prototype to a manufacturable product. Let’s build something real.

  • PCB Design
  • Prototyping
  • Arduino
  • SolidWorks
  • Product Design
  • Product Development
  • 3D Modeling
  • Drone
  • Machine Design
  • Engineering Design
  • Firmware Programming
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • 3D Design
  • Product Concept
  • Robotics
Julian A.

Mar del Plata, Argentina

$40/hr
5.0
9 jobs

As a proactive electronic engineer with ten years of experience in the industry, I offer complete solutions to bring your ideas to life. Working alongside a team of engineers and industrial designers, we can guide you through the design process from the initial concept to the final product. Our extensive experience in working with PCB manufacturers, component suppliers, and PCBA services ensures a smooth process and high-quality results. Our communication style is professional, yet casual, ensuring a positive working experience for all parties involved. With a focus on precision engineering and attention to detail, we are committed to delivering solutions that meet your requirements. While my Ph.D. and position as a professor at the Mar del Plata National University are important components of my expertise, our focus is on providing complete solutions for your electronic design needs. Let us help you engineer success. Analog/Digital electronics design PCB layout (IPC related) Firmware development for ESP32, PIC, Atmel, Silabs. Low, Medium and high-level programming: Python, C, C++, ASM, Matlab, Arduino Signal conditioning and processing, analog and digital filtering Fuzzy logic & machine learning 3D modeling and printing Product design

  • PCB Design
  • Electronic Design
  • Firmware Programming
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Product Design
  • Physics Tutoring
IBK O.

Ibadan, Nigeria

$35/hr
5.0
4 jobs

3D Industrial Designer & Product Designer & PCB Designer | Fusion 360 · SolidWorks · Rhino · KeyShot | Electronics Enclosure Design | Medical Device Designer | Wearable Device Designer | Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineer | DFMA | Photorealistic Rendering | Startup Product Designer and Industrial Design I take industrial products from concept sketch to manufacturing ready CAD without the redesign cycles that push launch timelines back by months. If your product is going to a toolmaker, a contract manufacturer, or a regulatory submission, it leaves my desk ready to act on, not ready to revise. I work with hardware startups, consumer electronics brands, medical device companies, and wearable device teams. The common problem across all of them is the same: engineering that looks complete on screen but breaks down the moment it reaches production. Draft angles missing. PCB clearances off. Wall thickness inconsistent. BOM not tied to the model. I solve that problem at the concept stage, before it becomes a tooling invoice. WHO I WORK WITH Hardware startups need a product design partner who is thinking about manufacturing from the first sketch, not after the prototype comes back broken. The startup that brings me in early saves three to five weeks on a typical product launch timeline. The startup that brings me in after the prototype fails pays for two development cycles instead of one. Consumer electronics brands need DFM ready CAD that does not come back from the toolmaker with a correction list. I deliver electronics enclosure geometry toleranced for connector positions, mounting boss alignment, and thermal management from day one, not corrected after a failed first prototype. Medical device design teams need DFMA applied at the concept stage, technical drawings with full GD&T, and a Bill of Materials that is production ready before the model is finalized. I do not retrofit manufacturing discipline onto a finished model. I build it in from the first feature. Wearable device companies need mechanical design precision, electronics enclosure engineering, and ergonomic geometry working together in a single manufacturing ready package. I have delivered wearable device housings where the PCB fit, the user interface geometry cleared, and the toolmaker had zero queries on receipt of the files. ELECTRONICS ENCLOSURE DESIGN AND PCB ENCLOSURE Every electronics enclosure I deliver is built around the PCB it houses. I start with the PCB mechanical envelope, work outward through the user interface geometry, and close with a DFM ready CAD model your contract manufacturer can act on the same day they receive it. PCB enclosure geometry designed without mechanical discipline produces fitment problems at assembly. Connector positions off by half a millimeter. Mounting bosses that strip on first assembly. Thermal paths blocked by the housing geometry. My electronics enclosure design process eliminates those problems before the first prototype is cut. INJECTION MOLD DESIGN AND DESIGN FOR INJECTION MOLDING Design for injection molding is not a checklist I run at the end of a project. It is a first principle I apply from the first feature of every model. Draft angles, consistent wall thickness, gate position logic, parting line geometry, and sink mark prevention are built into my concept design workflow, not added when the model is already finished. My DFMA process catches production problems at the CAD stage before they become tooling changes at $800 to $2,000 per engineering change order. DFM ready CAD from my desk means your injection mold design goes to the toolmaker with zero surprises and a technical drawing package that answers their questions before they ask them. MANUFACTURING READY CAD AND TECHNICAL DRAWINGS Manufacturing ready CAD is not a clean 3D model. It is a 3D model where every feature has been evaluated against the manufacturing process, draft for injection molding, flat patterns for sheet metal, print orientation for rapid prototyping, and a drawing package that includes full GD&T tolerancing, surface finish callouts, material specifications, and revision control formatted to the standard your contract manufacturer expects. I deliver manufacturing ready CAD and technical drawings as an integrated package. The model and the drawing are in sync. There are no version control problems between them because they are developed together, not separately. BILL OF MATERIALS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT A complete Bill of Materials is the commercial bridge between your CAD model and your supply chain. Every product development engagement I take to a launch milestone includes a structured BOM with manufacturer part numbers, approved alternates, quantities, and cost flags on long lead components. The BOM is built in parallel with the manufacturing ready CAD so your sourcing team can start moving while the model is still being finalized. Let's build something worth manufacturing. Message me and let's talk.

  • 3D Product Animation
  • 3D Product Rendering
  • 3D Rendering
  • 3D Modeling
  • 3D Design
  • Blender
  • Autodesk Fusion 360
  • Industrial Design
  • Industrial Product
  • Design for Manufacturing
  • Prototype Design
  • SolidWorks
  • CAD
  • Rhinoceros 3D
  • Injection Mold Design
  • Prototyping
  • Mechanical Design
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Product Development
  • Consumer Electronics

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PCB designer hiring guide

The design of a printed circuit board (PCB) is a pivotal stage in electronic product development, transforming schematic diagrams into manufacturable hardware. A skilled freelance PCB designer ensures circuits are functional and optimized for signal integrity, thermal management, and cost-effective assembly. Hiring the right PCB design talent allows you to navigate complex requirements — from high-frequency constraints to compact form factors — and move confidently from concept to production.

What does a PCB designer do?

A PCB designer creates physical printed circuit board layouts from electronic schematics, serving as the bridge between abstract circuit theory and tangible hardware. They utilize CAD software like Altium Designer or KiCad early in the process to translate these designs, frequently collaborating with electrical engineers who design the circuit's logic to ensure the device functions within mechanical constraints.

Beyond basic circuit board design, they manage physical phenomena like signal integrity, thermal dissipation, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The final output of their PCB layout work is a comprehensive production package, including Gerber files, a bill of materials (BOM), and assembly drawings.

How to hire a PCB designer on Upwork

Finding the right PCB designer on Upwork involves a four-step process to secure top talent for your hardware project.

Step 1: Post a job

Your job post serves as the first point of contact with potential PCB designers and directly influences the quality of candidates who apply. Precision in describing your technical requirements helps filter out unqualified applicants and attracts specialists with relevant experience.

  • A well-crafted post should outline your board architecture, required domain expertise, and expected deliverables. For guidance, review our job description examples.

  • Define the board architecture, mention multilayer stacks, flexible materials, or high-density interconnects (HDI), and list required domain expertise. Specify needs for high-speed digital interfaces, RF/microwave frequencies, or power electronics.

  • Outline milestones for prototype delivery and final file handoff.

Use the Job Post Generator powered by Uma™, Upwork's Mindful AI, to instantly draft a customizable PCB designer job post for your review.

Step 2: Evaluate candidates

A systematic approach to candidate assessment ensures you identify designers whose technical capabilities align with your project's complexity. Combining quantitative metrics with qualitative portfolio analysis helps distinguish experienced professionals from those still developing their skills.

  • Use Uma to streamline evaluation with AI-powered shortlists that compare candidates side-by-side.

  • Filter for intermediate or expert experience and tags like PCB design, and analyze portfolio visuals. Check samples for dense routing, clean placement, and 3D renderings.

  • Read reviews to gauge communication style and deadline adherence.

  • Look for credentials like IPC Certified Interconnect Designer (CID/CID+).

Step 3: Interview your top choices

The interview stage provides an opportunity to validate technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to communicate complex engineering concepts. This direct interaction helps you gauge their approach to challenges specific to your project's requirements.

  • Schedule and conduct instant video interviews within Upwork Messages, where you'll receive automatic transcripts and AI-generated summaries. 

  • Explore our guide for common interview questions and adapt for PCB-specific needs.

  • Probe their design workflow, asking how they approach layout, library management, and design rule checks (DRC).

  • Test problem-solving abilities by presenting a scenario, such as handling heat dissipation in a small enclosure.

  • Discuss feedback preferences and coordination with mechanical designers to evaluate collaboration style.

  • Ask them to walk through a previous design file for a live design review..

Step 4: Agree on scope and begin work

Establishing well-defined contractual terms before work begins creates accountability, prevents misunderstandings, and sets measurable benchmarks for project success. 

  • Use Upwork's contract workroom, payment protection, and hourly tracking to provide security throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Select the contract structure of fixed-price for projects with a clear scope or hourly for experimental designs.

  • Define payment milestones, breaking the project into phases like Schematic Complete and Final DFM Approval

  • Clarify intellectual property (IP) rights, generally ensuring that you retain ownership of all source files and libraries.

  • Build in a revision buffer including time for reviews before final file generation.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

The rates and information provided are based on current data available at the time of publication. Freelance rates can vary based on factors such as experience, location, project scope, and market conditions, and readers should conduct their own research as this information may change over time.

How much does hiring a PCB designer cost?

The cost to hire a PCB designer depends on the designer's experience level, the project complexity and the required deliverables. Costs for the similar job of machine learning expert range from $50-$200 per hour. For freelance rates on other related jobs, explore Upwork’s hourly rate guide.

Project-based pricing provides clear scope alignment and predictable budgeting for electronic hardware development. Review the typical costs for these PCB design projects commonly found on Upwork:

Simple PCB layout

$200-$800 /project

Entry-level to mid-level
  • 2-layer board design
  • Basic component placement
  • Simple routing for prototypes

Standard PCB design

$800-$2,500 /project

Mid-level to senior-level
  • 4-6 layer boards
  • Signal integrity analysis
  • Full documentation package

Complex or specialized PCB

$2,500-$8,000+ /project

Senior-level or specialist
  • High-speed digital design
  • RF/microwave circuits
  • HDI/Flex layouts

Ongoing design support

$2,000-$6,000 /month

Mid-level to senior-level
  • Monthly retainer for revisions
  • Continuous optimization
  • Vendor liaison

Strategic design consultation

$5,000-$15,000+ /project

Expert or principal-level
  • Product architecture
  • Technology selection
  • Multiboard system design


When budgeting, consider the hidden costs of inexperience. Entry-level designers may offer lower rates but often lack design for manufacturability (DFM) knowledge, potentially leading to assembly failures. Investing in experienced designers often pays for itself through fewer prototype iterations.

FAQs about PCB designers

Frequently asked questions

Is hiring a PCB designer worth it?

Yes, hiring a professional PCB designer is worth the investment because it helps ensure reliable electronic functionality and prevent costly manufacturing errors. Design-for-manufacturability (DFM) oversights can lead to extensive assembly delays and expensive board respins, making professional expertise crucial for complex projects.

A skilled designer brings specialized knowledge in signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management, typically delivering a strong return on investment by reducing prototype iterations and accelerating time to market.

What skills should I look for in a PCB designer?

When hiring a PCB designer, you should prioritize designers with expertise in your specific board type, such as high-speed digital, RF/microwave, or power electronics. Look for proficiency in tools like Altium Designer, Cadence OrCAD, or KiCad, plus knowledge of IPC design standards and strong communication skills.

How long does it take to hire a PCB designer on Upwork?

It typically takes three to seven days to complete the full hiring process for a PCB designer on Upwork. You can often receive proposals within 24 to 48 hours of posting your job. For urgent projects, using filters to find designers with immediate availability can shorten this timeline significantly.

What's the difference between a PCB designer and an electrical engineer?

The main difference between a PCB designer and an electrical engineer is that a PCB designer specializes in translating circuit schematics into physical board layouts, focusing on component placement, routing, and manufacturing requirements. An electrical engineer typically handles the initial circuit design, component selection, and overall system architecture.

Can I hire a PCB designer for a one-time project?

Yes, you can easily hire PCB designers for single, one-time projects. A fixed-price contract is ideal for a defined scope. Many clients start with a single project to assess the designer's work before engaging them for long-term or ongoing needs.

What files should I expect a PCB designer to deliver?

You should expect a professional PCB designer to deliver Gerber files (or ODB++) for fabrication, a bill of materials (BOM), and pick-and-place (XY) files for automated assembly. You should also request native design files so you retain the ability to make future edits.