Position: PCB CAM Engineer
Location: Remote
Salary: $70,000-$90,000
JOB DESCRIPTION
The PCB CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) Engineer is responsible for the preparation, verification, and release of manufacturing data packages for printed circuit board fabrication. This role serves as the critical link between customer-supplied design data and the production floor, ensuring that all tooling, artwork, drill programs, and process instructions are accurate, manufacturable, and compliant with customer specifications and IPC standards. This is a detail-oriented, technical position requiring close collaboration with Production Planning and Manufacturing departments across all fabrication processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Receive and process customer-supplied Gerber (RS-274X), ODB++, IPC-2581, and drill (Excellon) files
- Perform Design Rule Checks (DRC) to verify layer stackup, copper features, drill-to-copper clearances, annular ring, and trace/space minimums
- Identify and communicate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) issues to Sales and Engineering prior to job release
- Review customer netlists and perform electrical net comparisons to verify data integrity
- Ensure customer specifications (drawings, fab notes, IPC class) are captured and reflected in the job traveler
TOOLING & ARTWORK GENERATION
- Build and optimize panelization layouts to maximize material utilization and meet production equipment requirements
- Generate and verify photoplot-ready artwork films for imaging (inner layers, outer layers, solder mask, legend)
- Apply and verify registration targets, tooling holes, coupons, and fiducials per job requirements
- Create and verify drill and rout programs (CNC Excellon format) for all drill operations
- Assign and document drill tool sizes, compensating for plating allowance on PTH features
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- 1โ5 years of experience in PCB CAM engineering or PCB fabrication engineering
- Proficiency with CAM software (Genesis 2000, InCAM, Valor NPI, or equivalent)
- Working knowledge of Gerber (RS-274X), ODB++, Excellon drill format, and IPC-2581
- Understanding of PCB fabrication processes: imaging, etching, lamination, plating, drill, rout, solder mask, and legend
- Familiarity with IPC standards: IPC-2221, IPC-6012, IPC-A-600