Tech Directions- October 2008

The Job There are two types of semiconductor processors: operators and technicians. Operators start and monitor the equipment that performs the various production tasks. The majority of their time is spent at computer terminals, monitoring the operation of equipment to ensure that each of the tasks in the production of the wafer is performed correctly. Technicians are generally more experienced workers who troubleshoot production problems and make equipment adjustments and repairs. They take the lead in assuring quality control and in maintaining equipment. They also test completed chips to make sure they work properly. To keep equipment repairs to a minimum, technicians perform diagnostic analyses and run computations. For example, technicians may determine if a ﬂaw in a chip is due to contamination and peculiar to that wafer, or if the ﬂaw is inherent in the manufacturing process. Personal Characteristics Accurate Methodical ● Ability to work well under pressure ● Strong technical skills ● Ability to solve problems intuitively ● Ability to work in teams ● Excellent communication skills ● ● Where the Jobs Are Most semiconductor manufacturing takes place in California, Texas, and Massachusetts. Some of the big names in semiconductors are Intel, Motorola, Texas Instruments, and National Semiconductor. Working Conditions Production takes place in cleanrooms, where the work pace is deliberately slow. Limited movement keeps the air in cleanrooms as free as possible of dust and other particles, which can destroy microchips during their production. Although workers spend some time alone monitoring equipment, operators and technicians spend much of their time working in teams. Technicians are on their feet most of the day, walking through the cleanroom to oversee production activities. Operators spend a great deal of time sitting or standing at workstations, monitoring computer readouts and indicators. Several highly toxic chemicals are used at various points in the process of manufacturing microchips; however, fabrication plants are designed with safeguards to ensure that these chemicals are handled, used, and disposed of without exposing workers or the surrounding environment. Semiconductor fabricating plants operate around the clock. Night and weekend work is common. In some plants, workers maintain standard 8-hour shifts, 5 days a week. In other plants, employees are on duty for 12-hour shifts to minimize the disruption of cleanroom operations brought about by changes. Managers may also allow workers to alternate schedules, thereby distributing the overnight shift equitably. Employment Outlook The industry is expected to remain a strong source of employment over the next several years. The increasing demand for semiconductors and related devices in most areas of industry, manufacturing, and consumer devices will mea the stead need for personnel trained in their development and processing. Opportunities will be best for those with a twoyear degree and experience working in hightech manufacturing. Professional Associations Advancement Opportunities Workers advance as they become more comfortable with the equipment and better understand the manufacturing process. Employees train workers for several months, after which they become entry-level operators or technicians. After a few years, as they become more knowledgeable about plant operations, they generally advance to the intermediate level. This entails greater responsibilities. Over time, usually 7 to 10 years, workers may become senior technicians, who lead teams of technicians and work directly with engineers to develop processes in the plant. International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians 817-921-9101 www.iscet.org Semiconductor Industry Association 408-436-6600 www.sia-online.org Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center (MATEC) As a partner with the Semiconductor Industry Association, MATEC offers semiconductor manufacturing programs at nearly 100 2- and 4-year institutions nationwide. www.matec.org www.techdirections.com CAREER DIRECTIONS 23 http://www.iscet.org http://www.sia-online.org http://www.matec.org http://www.techdirections.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions- October 2008

Tech Directions Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The Report Technology's Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Automotive Power and Energy Technology Education Career Directions Electronics Special Feature More than fun

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.