Nicole Fischer

Electronics CAD and PCB Manufacturing Preparation Specialist

Apr 2023 - Present • 3 yrs 7 mos

Focused on electronic CAD documentation and preparation of PCB design files for manufacturing workflows. Tasks included organizing circuit schematics, checking PCB layouts, preparing editable project files, and reviewing fabrication outputs against available design requirements and manufacturer specifications. Worked with KiCad-based electronic design projects involving component footprints, schematic symbols, board dimensions, copper layers, connector placement, and routing constraints. Reviewed design files for common issues such as incorrect footprints, missing connections, unsuitable clearances, incomplete board outlines, and inconsistencies between schematic and PCB layout. Used ERC and DRC results as part of the review process and documented issues that needed correction. Prepared manufacturing handoff packages containing applicable Gerber layers, Excellon drill files, board outline data, and other agreed documentation. Supported preparation for services such as JLCPCB and PCBWay by considering relevant fabrication capabilities, layer requirements, minimum clearances, drill constraints, and file-export settings. Applied a detail-oriented approach to PCB documentation, file organization, and technical communication. Clarified requirements before making changes and distinguished between verified corrections, unresolved design concerns, and items requiring physical prototype testing. Maintained editable source files where included in the project scope. Relevant technical areas included electronics CAD, PCB design review, circuit schematic documentation, KiCad, Gerber files, drill files, PCB layout, design for manufacturing, fabrication preparation, multilayer board documentation, and electronic hardware development. The focus was on creating understandable and well-organized design deliverables for downstream fabrication.

Electronics CAD and PCB Manufacturing Preparation Specialist

May 2022 - Present • 4 yrs 6 mos

Focused on electronic CAD documentation and preparation of PCB design files for manufacturing workflows. Tasks included organizing circuit schematics, checking PCB layouts, preparing editable project files, and reviewing fabrication outputs against available design requirements and manufacturer specifications. Worked with KiCad-based electronic design projects involving component footprints, schematic symbols, board dimensions, copper layers, connector placement, and routing constraints. Reviewed design files for common issues such as incorrect footprints, missing connections, unsuitable clearances, incomplete board outlines, and inconsistencies between schematic and PCB layout. Used ERC and DRC results as part of the review process and documented issues that needed correction. Prepared manufacturing handoff packages containing applicable Gerber layers, Excellon drill files, board outline data, and other agreed documentation. Supported preparation for services such as JLCPCB and PCBWay by considering relevant fabrication capabilities, layer requirements, minimum clearances, drill constraints, and file-export settings. Applied a detail-oriented approach to PCB documentation, file organization, and technical communication. Clarified requirements before making changes and distinguished between verified corrections, unresolved design concerns, and items requiring physical prototype testing. Maintained editable source files where included in the project scope. Relevant technical areas included electronics CAD, PCB design review, circuit schematic documentation, KiCad, Gerber files, drill files, PCB layout, design for manufacturing, fabrication preparation, multilayer board documentation, and electronic hardware development. The focus was on creating understandable and well-organized design deliverables for downstream fabrication.

Freelance PCB Layout and Hardware Design Specialist

Dec 2021 - Present • 4 yrs 11 mos

Provided PCB layout and electronics design support for projects requiring custom printed circuit boards, circuit schematics, and manufacturing documentation. Worked from client requirements, reference circuits, existing schematics, and component specifications to develop PCB layouts suited to the intended application. Used KiCad to arrange components, route signal and power connections, define board outlines, create copper zones, and prepare single-layer or multilayer PCB projects according to the agreed scope. Considered practical design factors such as connector access, component spacing, mounting positions, trace clearances, and footprint accuracy throughout the layout process. Reviewed schematic-to-PCB consistency and used ERC and DRC checks to identify electrical and layout issues requiring attention. Where appropriate, reviewed manufacturer design constraints and applied DFM principles to improve fabrication readiness. Prepared Gerber layers and Excellon drill files for submission to PCB manufacturers such as JLCPCB and PCBWay, subject to their specifications. Maintained clear communication about deliverables, revision requirements, file formats, and project limitations. Organized editable project files and supporting documentation so clients could review the design and continue development with their chosen manufacturing or assembly provider. Core capabilities included custom PCB layout, circuit schematic development, KiCad project preparation, electronics hardware design, component placement, PCB troubleshooting, design rule checks, manufacturing file exports, and technical documentation. Physical manufacturing, assembly, and prototype validation were handled separately unless specifically agreed.