# Freelance PCB Design with Petr Dvorak

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2024-06-07
- Episode: 669
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/669-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak/

## Summary

Freelance PCB designer Petr Dvorak discusses his transition from working at an electron microscope manufacturer to seven years of independent consulting, emphasizing the importance of defining professional limits and maintaining a 'closed-loop' verification process. He advocates for using KiCad for most design tasks, detailing his workflow with Git version control and his strategy for managing multiple clients through frequent communication. Dvorak also shares insights on building a personal brand via consistent LinkedIn posting and the value of learning new skills, such as Mandarin, to stay engaged in his career.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak#t=0) Introduction and KiCad 8 Review
- [8:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak#t=484) Defining Design Limits and Verification
- [11:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak#t=660) Managing Multiple Clients and Workflow
- [20:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak#t=1221) Version Control and Git Workflow
- [27:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak#t=1631) Electron Microscope Engineering
- [32:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak#t=1951) Transitioning to Freelancing and LinkedIn Strategy
- [41:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-07-freelance-pcb-design-with-petr-dvorak#t=2517) Learning, Constraints, and Shenzhen Experience

## Topics

- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- KiCad (tool)
- LinkedIn (other)
- Benny Devices (company)
- Git (tool)
- Lazygit (tool)
- Duolingo (tool)
- Eagle (tool)
- Altium (tool)
- PADS (tool)
- Mentor Graphics (company)
- GitHub (tool)
- CERN (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [353: Red for the Ones That Might Blow Up](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-11-26-353-red-for-the-ones-that-might-blow-up) (Embedded.fm)
- [Scaling an Electronics Design Business: Insights from Jordan Danko](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-04-22-scaling-an-electronics-design-business-insights-from-jordan-danko) (OnTrack)
- [Solving the Hard Problems: Combining AI and Physics for PCB Design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-06-23-solving-the-hard-problems-combining-ai-and-physics-for-pcb-design) (Moore's Lobby)
- [20: Soldered Together By Monkeys](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-09-26-20-soldered-together-by-monkeys) (Embedded.fm)
- [171: Perfectly Good Being Square and Green](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-10-12-171-perfectly-good-being-square-and-green) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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