Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.
Common Job Titles
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate semiconductor fabrication equipment including CVD systems, diffusion furnaces, and ion implanters in cleanroom environments following established processing protocols.Proficient
- Hands-onHandle semiconductor wafers and ingots using precision tools while maintaining contamination control standards and preventing damage to delicate materials.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate process parameters and quality control data to ensure compliance with manufacturing specifications and identify deviations.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute chemical etching, deposition, and photolithography processes coordinating multiple workstations to maintain production flow and meet cycle time requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize work priorities and production schedules managing multiple processing steps across different equipment systems under time constraints.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret technical documentation and standard operating procedures for complex semiconductor processing sequences across multiple fabrication steps.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze equipment performance data and processing anomalies using statistical process control methods to maintain yield targets.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate measurement and testing instruments including multimeters, surface profilers, and spectrum analyzers following preventive maintenance schedules and calibration protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeDiagnose equipment malfunctions and process failures using troubleshooting methodologies and collaborating with engineering teams.Developing
- MindsetSupport safety and contamination control protocols by consistently adhering to cleanroom procedures and hazardous material handling requirements.Developing
- KnowledgeApply chemistry and materials science principles to understand chemical reactions and material transformations during semiconductor fabrication.Developing
- MindsetEngage in continuous learning and knowledge updates to maintain proficiency with evolving semiconductor processing technologies and techniques.Developing
Annual wage data for Semiconductor Processing Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
32,150
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $35,980 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $87,190 |
| Workers on average earn | $59,640 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings