Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1093246
30 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2019 with the DoD means I can't give any further specifics about which programs I'm involved in. Shaughnessy: I understand you're working on a design that has hundreds of pages of sche- matics. Pacino: Yes, these systems are definitely some of the most complex and advanced designs I've ever seen. We're pushing every boundary in regard to capabilities, and then going another step further to explore how we can advance current standards and evolve the next genera- tion of technology development. Shaughnessy: You're one of the younger people in the industry. What do you think we should do to attract more young people into this field? Do people your own age know about this as a career option? Pacino: No, most people my age have never heard of what I do as something you can spe- cialize in. As I get more involved in the indus- try, I've realized even more that there really isn't much of a younger generation here at all. I think most pursue the broader umbrella of career possibilities in electrical or mechanical engineering and only briefly learn the extreme basics in PCB design. I find it interesting that it isn't emphasized that this specific part of the process is extremely integral, necessary, and vital when creating new technology, and can be the sole determining factor in a proj- ect's success or failure. I'm not sure why PCB design is overlooked. It seems almost like it's a minimized requirement within our engineer- ing education system. Everyone in the industry seems to only know how to design by "tribal knowledge," or they have become self-taught through years of trial and error. Shaughnessy: Did you receive any sort of PCB design training in college? Pacino: No. I attended Ohio State University and received two degrees that didn't involve engineering. I chose to pursue one in business and the other in communications. I do plan on going back to school in the very near future to pursue a master's degree in electrical engineer- ing. Shaughnessy: Some business education might come in handy. Do you think you'll start your own company? Pacino: That was my thought when I was still in my early twen- ties. I had already started my career in PCB design before going to college, so when I decided I wanted to go to col- lege, it made more sense to go for busi- ness and equip myself with those skills and add that to my foun- dation since I was already mastering the technical side through informal education. And I think it was the Nicole Pacino talks with Editor Pete Starkey.