Five In-Demand Semiconductor Jobs: What Skills are Needed?

Semiconductors are paramount for the advancement of electronic devices, and demand for them doesn’t appear to be declining. As chips shrink in size but grow in power, who are the professionals behind these innovative semiconductor devices, and which skills are required to be successful?

Our guide dives into five high-demand semiconductor roles, breaking down the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities you need to know.

Exploring a Semiconductor’s Sophistication 

A semiconductor, often referred to as a semi or chip, is a material with the electrical properties of conductors and insulators, making it ideal for computers and other electronic devices. To meet specific demands of an electric component, its conductivity can be manipulated with impurities, a process known as doping. 

They’re generally solid materials made from silicon, geranium, or compounds like gallium arsenide. There are two main types of semiconductors: 

• Intrinsic Semiconductors: Pure semiconductor materials without added impurities. 
• Extrinsic Semiconductors: Semiconductors with added impurities to alter their properties. 

Extrinsic properties can be further classified into an N-type and a P-type: 

• N-type: Contains impurities from pentavalent-based atoms like phosphorus and arsenic to increase free electrons. Carries current in the form of negatively charged electrons. 
• P-type: Carries current via dopants with five electrons with deficiencies known as holes. 

Exploring the 5 Essential Semiconductor Jobs  

1. Semiconductor Process Engineer 

Designing and optimizing semiconductor devices is an intricate process that requires a combination of soft and technical skills. Semiconductor Process Engineers deal with cutting-edge technologies and, therefore, have a range of responsibilities. Firstly, here’s an overview of the soft skills needed: 

Soft and Technical Skills 

• Clear and concise communication skills so that multiple audiences can understand the technical aspects.
• Project management abilities to guide a team throughout projects. 
• A commitment to continuous learning to stay abreast of the latest technological developments. 

Perhaps more important are the technical skills needed to produce semiconductor equipment: 

• A strong understanding of physics and chemistry is essential, with a particular focus on solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, and chemical reaction engineering. 
• Knowledge of semiconductor device properties and manufacturing processes. 
• Adept with data analysis and proficient in problem-solving. 
• Familiarity with best practices regarding working in cleanroom environments.  

Responsibilities 

As discussed, Semiconductor Process Engineers specialize in creating semiconductor devices. Let’s take a look at their responsibilities in greater detail: 

Design and Optimization 

Ultimately, Semiconductor Process Engineers are not only responsible for designing semiconductor equipment. They must also find innovative methods to improve the efficacy of manufacturing processes. Here’s an overview of what’s entailed with design and optimization: 

• Developing, implementing, and streamlining process recipes and control plans.
• Conducting simulations to forecast the performance of semiconductor devices. 
• Consistently enhancing processes to improve yield and efficiency. 

Fabrication Support 

Aside from development and optimization, Semiconductor Process Engineers support semiconductor fabrication operations. Here’s how:

• Troubleshooting issues that may occur in the cleanroom.
• Providing colleagues with tutelage on the latest semiconductor processes. 
• Monitoring and maintaining the equipment used for producing semiconductor equipment. 
• Ensuring cleanroom protocols and safety measures are met. 

Quality Control 

A Semiconductor Process Engineer is responsible for ensuring that devices function optimally. They do this through:

• Analyzing manufacturing data to increase yields and refine processes. 
• Executing root cause analysis to remedy defects. 
• Introducing measures that mitigate product variations. 

2. Semiconductor Design Engineer 

These professionals are integral to developing integrated circuits (ICs) that power contemporary electronic devices. They utilize their expertise to design semiconductor components that are smaller yet more efficient. They need a blend of soft and specific skills to achieve this.

Core Competencies and Technical Skills 

These engineers must demonstrate that they have the requisite skills to be successful in their semiconductor jobs. They include:

• An ability to solve problems and be analytical. 
• Work cooperatively as part of a team and display excellent communication skills. 
• High attention to detail is critical. 

Given the intricate nature of this position, mastery of several specialized skills is imperative: 

• Confidently use CAD software.
• Knowledge of semiconductor physics and material properties. 
• An understanding of wafer bonding and etching processes. 
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Verilog, VHDL, C, and Python. 

Duties of a Semiconductor Design Engineer 

Naturally, designing and optimizing integrated circuits is a key aspect of this role. However, these engineers have important responsibilities that transcend the creation of ICs. 

Design and Development 

This is the primary responsibility of a Semiconductor Design Engineer. For a design to materialize and become optimal, they will:

• Come up with the initial ideas before designing ICs and semiconductor devices. 
• Utilizing CAD to create schematics and layouts. 
• Ensuring designs achieve optimal performance without sacrificing device dimensions. 
• Elevate existing technologies and create new ones. 

Testing and Verification 

Semiconductor testing is an essential element of the semiconductor manufacturing process. Design Engineers will: 

• Carrying out various tests to gauge circuit functionality and power consumption. 
• Using specialized semiconductor manufacturing equipment such as wafer probers and Automated Test Equipment (ATEs).
• Any problems during testing must be documented and addressed. 

Collaboration and Support 

As outlined in their soft skills, Semiconductor Design Engineers must be able to work well as part of a team. This is because: 

• Collaboration with software developers and manufacturing teams is critical for the smooth production of chips and ICs. 
• They must communicate technical details to stakeholders in a digestible way. 
• Support the relevant teams in optimizing the semiconductor manufacturing process. 

3. Semiconductor Test Engineer 

Prior to reaching the market, semiconductor devices must undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they function correctly. To complete this process, Semiconductor Test Engineers must have relevant qualifications and will be equipped with several technical skills. 

Technical Proficiencies 

Invariably, Semiconductor Test Engineers will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a similar project, which is complemented by several years of experience with semiconductor testing and an array of skills: 

• Expertise in programming languages associated with ATE, like Python and C++.
• Comfortable with semiconductor manufacturing processes.
• Adept with essential semiconductor equipment for testing, such as wafer probers, oscilloscopes, and source meters. 

Obligations

These skills mean that semiconductor devices will perform optimally within budget while meeting regulatory standards. Let’s explore in more depth the day-to-day life of a Semiconductor Test Engineer: 

Creating Test Programs 

Semiconductor testing processes are critical. Therefore, test engineers will design detailed test programs and methodologies to scrutinize semiconductor devices properly. This means: 

• Developing test scripts and algorithms to validate the functionality and performance of a semiconductor device. 
• Leveraging software like LabVIEW, Visual Basic and Excel to enhance and develop test programs. 

Executing Tests and Analysis 

Test engineers will carry out a multitude of tests on semiconductor devices. These will include: 

• During wafer probing, electrical and optical measures will be taken.
• A range of reliability tests will be conducted, such as High-Temperature Operating Life (HTOL), Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), and Temperature Cycling (TC). These tests provide insight into how semiconductors will perform under extreme conditions. 
• If chips do not meet standards, failure analysis will be used to establish the root causes of issues. 

Equipment Management

Specialized testing equipment is integral to the semiconductor testing process, and therefore, test engineers must ensure they’re properly maintained. For example:

• ATEs, oscilloscopes, and source meters must be in operational condition.
• Producing code to ensure wafer probers and pulsers work correctly. 

4. Semiconductor Equipment Engineer 

Semiconductor Equipment Engineers will fuse key and technical skills to ensure that semiconductor manufacturing equipment operates at full capacity, allowing semiconductor devices to be produced efficiently. In addition to specific and core skills, they will have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. 

Required Skills 

To be successful, a Semiconductor Equipment Engineer will have the following soft skills: 

• Proficient problem-solving skills and an ability to be analytical. 
• Strong communication skills, allowing for cohesive teamwork. 
• Experience with project management. 

As these professionals will be handling complex machinery, it’s a necessity that they have the relevant technical knowhow:

• Expert knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes. 
• Skilled in CAD software. 
• Proficient with performance metrics. 

A Semiconductor Equipment Engineer’s Daily Tasks 

If semiconductor manufacturing equipment isn’t working correctly, this could have severe ramifications for US semiconductor companies. Therefore, Equipment Engineers have to do the following: 

Design and Development 

As well as maintenance, engineers are responsible for: 

• Optimizing semiconductor manufacturing equipment and systems. 
• Must produce semiconductor devices that satisfy performance demands and maintain a small size. 

Equipment Maintenance 

Engineers will conduct routine inspections and execute preventive maintenance to ensure machinery works optimally and fulfills its production process. They will also:

• Implement methods to optimize equipment used in the production process. 
• Rectify any equipment issues in a timely manner. 

Dedicated to Development 

Because the future of the semiconductor industry will always be evolving, these professionals must strive to improve equipment continuously by:

• Analyze appropriate data from equipment to discover areas to improve. 
• Stay updated with the latest technologies and industry trends. 
• Implement identified improvements to elevate product quality. 

5. Semiconductor Materials Scientist 

Semiconductor devices must be reliable, high-performing, and made from specialist materials to withstand extreme conditions. Semiconductor Materials Scientists concentrate on the study and application of said materials. To become experts in this field, they must have soft and technical skills and an academic background in physics, chemistry, and materials science. 

Essential Basics and Specialized Skills 

Technical skills are important, but a Semiconductor Materials Scientist’s soft skills can be invaluable for semiconductor companies. They’re outlined below:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that multiple audiences can easily interpret. 
• Able to work effectively as part of a team. 
• A nous for handling complex challenges. 
• A desire to continuously develop in an industry that quickly changes. 

In addition to having an understanding of multiple scientific disciplines, these professionals will display the following: 

• Expert knowledge of electron behavior, including doping processes and the mechanics behind charge carrying. 
• A deep understanding of semiconductor materials. 
• Adept with advanced analytical approaches, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). 
• Computational skills covering software like MATLAB, Python, and COMSOL, as well as programming languages such as Java and C++. 

What Does This Role Entail? 

It’s pivotal that materials used in semiconductor devices are small yet light and durable without impeded performance - as far as semiconductor jobs go, this is a difficult balance to strike. However, these professionals achieve these feats through: 

Research and Development 

Comprehensive research must be conducted to learn about the structure and properties of multiple materials. With their research, they develop new materials or alter the properties of existing ones to attain a specific characteristic in electronic devices. Typically, their research consists of:

• Experimenting with how different materials react with one another. 
• Learning how to improve critical factors such as durability and conductivity. 

Analysis 

To remain competitive, US semiconductor companies need to produce smaller and more powerful devices. Materials Scientists design and conduct experiments to understand the capabilities of materials. This involves: 

• Leveraging microscopy and spectroscopy for in-depth analysis. 
• Predicting material behavior via computer modeling. 
• Evaluating how materials respond to stresses such as pressure and temperature. 

Quality Control and Testing 

Semiconductor testing is a prevalent part of the process, and it’s particularly pivotal concerning which materials will be used in chips. Therefore, Materials Scientists will: 

• Develop strategies to evaluate the efficacy of materials. 
• Incorporate measures to satisfy industry standards. 
• Improve material quality should defects arise. 

Wrapping Up: Skills Needed for In-demand Semiconductor Jobs 

The semiconductor industry regularly pushes the boundaries of technology. Therefore, semiconductor jobs require experienced professionals with specific qualifications and diverse soft and technical skills. Each part of the manufacturing process demands unique abilities. For example, Semiconductor Process Engineers strive to streamline approaches to creating devices, while Materials Scientists scrutinize the structure of materials. 

By combining multiple areas of expertise, the rate and quality of semiconductor devices continue to increase and improve. However, as demand for these chips soars, so too will the need for skilled workers who can continually evolve electronic devices through these specialized chips. 

Do you Need Expert Semiconductor Recruitment Solutions?

At Acceler8 Talent, we are relentless in our pursuit of excellence. Since 2019, we’ve supported businesses of all sizes and gained a reputation as a premier recruitment partner in the tech industry. 

Want to learn how we can help you? Visit our semiconductor and chip design page, or contact us and connect with a team member today.