Interview With Ben Gao, PCB Engineer at PCBWay

We often forget that much of the technological innovation we see today originates from halfway around the world. Engineers like Ben Gao of PCBWay in Shenzhen, China, are often responsible for printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and prototyping, providing much-needed services for an ever-hungry electronics industry. Ben joins us on Octopart to talk about his work and the current climate of the electronics manufacturing community.

Ben, why don’t you tell us more about yourself and what got you interested in electrical engineering.

I’m from one of the three provinces in Northeast China. It's a place where winters are long and severe. I got interested in electronic engineering in high school. I found it engaging. As it turns out, I’m quite good at it. I’ve been at PCB Way for almost six years now. 

Tell us about the company and your role there.

PCBWay is a world-leading PCB manufacturer located in China and has been devoted to PCB manufacturing for 8 years. We offer a broad spectrum of PCB fabrication, SMT assembly, 3D printing, and CNC machining services. Our services can make your idea a real product. As a PCB engineer in PCBWay, I have multiple responsibilities, which include PCB designs, providing consulting services, and giving corresponding suggestions.

What were you doing before you started at PCBWay? 

I started interning at another electronic company as an engineer when I graduated.  But the working pace is extremely fast and I like a more gradual approach to projects. So I chose to work at PCBWay.

What do you think about the supply chain shortages?

The supply chain shortages affect a lot of industries right now. Not just in the electronics industry. That said, the production and delivery time of electronic products are being delayed. What's worse, the price of PCB raw materials and components has been rising continuously. Manufacturers have no choice but to increase prices. 

Have they impacted your ability to do your job? Do you have to do things differently?

They haven’t impacted my job much. We try our best to optimize the storage environment and the logistics efficiency in the company to ensure that PCB production runs smoothly and on-time delivery. 

Do you think the supply chain shortages have changed the electronics industry forever?

Possibly. Many companies have taken great measures to come up with strategies to deal with supply chain issues for the first time. Yet, even with supply chain shortages, businesses are still able to make a good profit. Therefore, I think the supply chain shortage will probably be a long-term situation. It’s hard to predict what the future will look like. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in electronic engineering?

If you want to be engaged in the electronics industry, I think the most important thing is to practice. Do as many electronic projects as you can while trying to stretch your brain to the greatest extent. And please do not forget to listen and build on other people’s suggestions. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?

Good question! When I’m free, I’m totally obsessed with painting, traveling, and reading. When I’m immersed in doing one of these things, I feel myself become the time manager of the world with all things under my control and well-planned. Without external distractions, I can concentrate on self-thinking, and self-creation, and also find a good way for self-improvement and relaxation.