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Semiconductor Manufacturing & Semiconductor Equipment Technician

Semiconductor Manufacturing

Nature of the Work

Semiconductors---also known as computer chips, microchips, or integrated chips---are the myriad of tiny aluminum wires and electric switches that manipulate the flow of electrical current. The process of manufacturing a semiconductor involves several hundred steps, each of which is controlled by a semiconductor processor.

Electronic semiconductor processors do production work that resembles the work of precision assemblers of electrical and electronic equipment. Also, many electronic semiconductor processors have academic training in semiconductor technology which emphasizes scientific and engineering principles. Other occupations that require some college or postsecondary Vocational training emphasizing such principles as electrical and electronic technicians and science technicians.

Semiconductor processors manufacture semiconductors in disks about the size of dinner plats. These disks, called wafers, are thin slices of silicon on which the semiconductor wiring is layered. Each wafer is then mechanically cut into dozens of individual semiconductors.

Semiconductor processors make wafers using photolithography, a printing process for creating plates from photographic images. Operating automated equipment, workers imprint precise microscopic patterns of wiring on the wafers, etch out the patterns with acids, and replace the patterns with silicon and other materials. The wafers then receive a chemical bath to make them smooth, and the imprint process begins again on a new layer with the next pattern.

Employment & Working Conditions

Semiconductor processors held 58,000 jobs in 1996. Nearly all of them were in electronic semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

The work pace in clean rooms is deliberately slow. Limited movement keeps the air in clean rooms as free as possible of dust and other particles, which can destroy semiconductors during production. Because machinery sets operators' rate of work in the largely automated production process, workers keep an easy-going pace as well.

Job Outlook

Between 1996 and 2006, the number of electronic semiconductor processor jobs is projected to increase by 12 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increase 10 to 20 percent. Besides the creation of new jobs additional openings will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupations. Growing demand for semiconductors and semiconductor processors will stem from the many existing and future applications for semiconductors in appliances, vehicles, computers, and other equipment.

The electronic components and accessories industry is projected to be one of the most rapidly growing manufacturing industries. Moreover, industry development of semiconductors made from better material of transmitting electricity means that semiconductors will become even smaller and more powerful. This technological development will lead to new applications in commercial markets, resulting in employment growth in the industry.

Job prospects should be best for people with post-secondary education in electronics or semiconductor technology. Prospects should also be favorable for high school graduates with a strong science background, particularly for those who are willing to work toward a post-secondary degree while employed.

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Semiconductor Equipment Technician

Nature of the Work

Semiconductor equipment technicians monitor, maintain, and perform a variety of complex repairs on wafer and semiconductor fabrication equipment. They perform periodic preventative maintenance procedures as defined by equipment specifications. They provide technical assistance in the form of troubleshooting, installation, diagnostics, adjustment, repair, modification, assembly, and calibration of equipment. These technicians refer to layout plans, blueprints, manuals, drawings, and verbal or written instructions to perform their job duties.

Education and Training Requirements

These occupations require an Associate degree in electronics engineering with coursework in semiconductor technology.

Wage Estimates

Wage information specific to this occupation was not available. Semiconductor Equipment Technicians are a subset of the general category Electronics Engineering Technicians. The 1997 Texas mean wage for these technicians (OES 22505) was $16.14 per hour. (Source: Texas Workforce Commission/Labor Market Information Department)

Outlook

In 1996 there were 18,750 Electronics Engineering Technicians employed in Texas. The projected growth rate is 24.8%. The number of openings (based on growth and replacements) through 2006 is projected to be 960 per year. (Source: Texas Workforce Commission/Labor Market Information Department)

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