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Working in the
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Industry
A Career Guide for
Students, Parents
and Educators
A collaborative effort among Motorola, Inc.,
Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center,
and the Semiconductor Industry/Education Partnership
This Guide is based on a project developed for Motorola, Inc., Austin, Texas, by Olga Azios of L.B.J. High School
and Sari Waxler of Sidney Lanier High School. A special thank you is given to Linda Brown, Motorola, Austin.
Additional Acknowledgement
Michele Bush, Director of Community Partnerships and Programs, GateWay Community College
Barbara Clark, AZ External Education Manager, Motorola
Jan Dietrich, Counselor, Dobson High School, Mesa Public Schools
Arthur Lebowitz, Director of Curriculum, Phoenix Union High School District
Julia Watson, Counselor Trainer, Phoenix Union High School District
Dr. Mike Lesiecki, Director, Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center
Dr. Susan Holt Maas, Co-Director, Urban Systemic Initiative, Phoenix Union High School District
Bassam Matar, Instructor, Glendale Community College
Dr. Lakshmi Munukutla, Associate Dean, ASU East College of Technology and Applied Sciences
Richard Newman, Faculty Development Specialist, Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center
Bev Merril, Curriculum Coordinator, Gilbert Public Schools
Tom Bartz, Coordinator/Technical Education, Scottsdale Public Schools
Dr. Debra Duvall, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Mesa Public Schools
Mick Connor, SSTG, Motorola
Tom Foster, Foster & Associates
Clyde Perry, Chair, Division of Industrial Technology, GateWay Community College
John Bentley, Program Advisor, Mesa Community College
Robert Zamia, Program Advisor, Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Sara Greenspan, Paradise Valley Unified School District
Maria Reyes, EIT, Minority Engineering Program Coordinator, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Arizona State University
Risa Gepner, Educational Media Specialist, MATEC
Support for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced
Technological Education (ATE) Program through Grant #DUE 9602373.
Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science
Foundation.
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Table of Contents
Introduction to the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry
Page
4
Working in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry
Page
7
Training and Educational Programs in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Page 12
Getting a Job in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry
Page 17
Appendix
Page 22
Frequently Asked Questions
Model Workplace Skills Standards - State of Arizona
SCANS Foundation Skills
Sample Course Pathway
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Introduction to the
Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry
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What do Semiconductor Manufacturing
Companies Do?
A semiconductor is a material, such as silicon, which conducts electricity better than an insulator,
like glass, but not as well as a conductor, like copper. Because semiconductors act as conductors
under certain conditions but act as insulators under different conditions, they can be used to control
the flow of electricity.
Semiconductor manufacturing companies use heat and chemicals to transform thin disks of silicon,
called wafers, into different electronic components. The manufacturing area where the wafers are
processed are called wafer fabs. Many wafer processes are performed in clean rooms, which are
kept much more sterile than hospital operating rooms in order to protect the wafers’ delicate surface.
People who work in the clean rooms need to wear special outfits, called bunny suits, to protect the
wafers from being contaminated by bits of hair, skin or dust. The tiny electronic circuits that are
made on the wafers are called chips and are separated and packaged individually. The term
semiconductor also refers to the complete electronic component that is formed during
manufacturing.
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Semiconductors Are Everywhere!
Semiconductors help make many products work.
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Auto/Anti-lock brakes
Computers
Satellites
Microwaves
Video Games
Pacemakers
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Cell Phones
Fax Machines
Telephones
Stereos
Traffic Lights
Hearing Aids
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Working In The
Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry
Dozens of jobs and career opportunities
are available within the semiconductor
industry. If you have an aptitude in math
and science, you’re sure to do well in
terms of both income and job
satisfaction.
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What Types of Occupations Are There?
Manufacturing Associates/Operators convert silicon wafers to packaged
integrated circuit products.
Equipment and Process Technicians troubleshoot and maintain the equipment
and process used in wafer manufacturing.
Facilities Maintenance Technicians troubleshoot, install, repair and service all of
the specialized equipment and instruments used in making chips.
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$$$ How Much Will I Make?
Employees in the industry are generally rewarded for excellence on the job
through promotions and increases in salary. In the semiconductor
manufacturing industry the quality of your work and how well you relate with
others is more important than your age or experience.
Benefits, such as health and dental insurance, profit sharing, and retirement
plans, are a significant part of your financial package.
Typical Entry Level Wages, 1998
High School Diploma: $8/hr
Technical Certificate: $9-11/hr
Associates Degree: $13-14/hr
Bachelor’s Degree: $18-21/hr
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Where are the Jobs?
Many well known companies throughout the United States need you to
manufacture semiconductors. All of the states shaded in below contain
fabrication plants, or fabs, where silicon wafers are converted to packaged
integrated circuits.
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How Many Jobs Are Out There?
The growth rate for semiconductor manufacturing technicians over the
last five years has been 20 % and resulted in 43,000 new jobs. This trend
is expected to continue.
In Thousands of Jobs
260
250
240
230
220
210
200
190
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Training and Educational Programs
In Semiconductor Manufacturing
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Lifelong Learning
As a high school graduate, you can begin a career in the semiconductor manufacturing
industry and take advantage of training programs offered by your company. In
addition to providing on-the-job training, many employers will pay tuition costs at
accredited colleges so that you can continue your education. As you acquire more
training, you will have access to many opportunities within the industry and be able to
earn more money. Students who are working toward a Certificate in Semiconductor
Technology, an Associates Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree also have opportunities for
employment while attending college or technical school.
Jobs available to High School Graduates:
•Manufacturing Associates
•Building Maintenance
•Food Service Preparation
•Cashiers
•Administrative Support
•Data Entry Clerks
Entry level wage:
$8/hr
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Technical Certificate Programs
If you work well in “hands-on” classes such as industrial technology, construction, or mechanics,
you can start with a certificate program at your local community college. These programs can
prepare you for a variety of positions in only six to eighteen months.
Jobs available to Certified Technicians:
•Manufacturing Associate
•Wafer Fab Technician
•Facilities Systems Technician
•Construction Technician
•Computer Technician
•Design Technician
•Supplier Company Technician
•Mask Design Technician
Entry level wage:
$9-11/hr
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Associates Degree Programs
If you earn an Associates Degree in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) through your
local community college, you will be in high demand. The semiconductor industry has partnered
with many community colleges to ensure that SMT classes are taught by highly qualified instructors
with state-of-the-art technology.
Jobs available to graduates of an SMT program:
• Process, Equipment and Device Technicians
• Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology
• Engineering & Design Graphics
• Computer Aided Drafting
• Electronics
• Facilities Systems Technology
• Electromechanical Technology
Entry level wage:
$13-14/hr
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Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Many educational programs are available if you want to attend a university or if you already have
your associates degree and are looking to advance. Engineering degrees emphasize theory while
technology degrees focus on application.
Degrees available to students interested in the semiconductor industry:
• Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology
• Environmental Engineering or Environmental Engineering Technology
• Chemical Engineering or Chemical Engineering Technology
• Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
• Safety Engineering or Safety Engineering Technology
• Materials Engineering or Materials Engineering Technology
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Four year degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, material science, environmental
science, computer technology, semiconductor physics, and semiconductor technologies also prepare
you for work that is vital to the semiconductor industry.
Entry level wage:
$18-21/hr
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Getting a Job in the
Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry
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What Skills Do I Need?
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Foundation in science and math
Interpersonal skills
Flexible, self-directed team player
Computer literate
Strong communication skills
Ability to stay current in work skills
Ability to deal with change
Sense of responsibility
Ability to appreciate a diverse workplace
Aptitude for technology and electronics
Ability for teaming with others on projects
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How Do I Complete An Employment
Application?
1. Read the application and follow directions exactly.
2. Fill in all appropriate blanks.
Print your answers neatly using a black ballpoint pen. Answer all questions completely and honestly.
Use “NA” for “not applicable” when the question doesn’t apply to you.
3. List your experience carefully.
Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Include all part-time jobs and any volunteer
activities that are related to the position.
4. Get permission for references.
Always choose a non-family member (such as a teacher, counselor, or employer) as a reference. Ask
them in advance for permission to use their name.
5. Review the entire application.
Check for spelling and accuracy. If you made an error, ask for a new application.
Make sure you have included your signature and the date in the appropriate blanks.
Adapted with permission from CORD Communications, Inc.
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What Questions Do Interviewers Ask?
What is your background?
What is your greatest asset?
Name your biggest weakness.
Why did you leave your last job?
How well do you work under pressure?
Describe a successful team project in which you participated.
What are your goals?
Why do you want to work for us?
What kind of work do you enjoy the most?
How will you continue your education?
What do you know about our company?
Why should I hire you?
What contributions can you make to this company?
What motivates you to do a good job?
Name two accomplishments of which you are proud.
What training or education have you had?
If your supervisor was unfair, what would you do?
Adapted with permission from CORD Communications, Inc.
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What Are Employers Really Looking For?
When employers review applications and interviews, they look at academic
skills and the following attributes:
Communication Skills
Competence in basic skills and abilities, including the ability to communicate appropriately in
writing, speaking, and in listening.
Positive Attitude
Willingness to ask questions and go above and beyond expectations. Openness to new
experiences and training.
Team Players
People who get along well with peers, supervisors, and subordinates. People who are interested in
the welfare of others and the success of the company.
Adapted with permission from CORD Communications, Inc.
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--------APPENDIX--------
CONTENTS:
Frequently Asked Questions
Model Workplace Skills Standards - State of Arizona
SCANS Foundation Skills
Sample Course Pathway
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