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.

Sample of reported job titles:
Device Processing Engineer, Diffusion Operator, Engineering Technician, Manufacture Specialist, Manufacturing Technician, Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition Engineer (MOCVD Engineer), Probe Operator, Process Technician, Wafer Fabrication Operator

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

  • Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
  • Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
  • Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
  • Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
  • Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.

Technology Skills

  • Analytical or scientific software:yieldWerx
  • Data base user interface and query software:Database software
  • Development environment software:National Instruments TestStand
  • Industrial control software:Camstar Systems Camstar Semiconductor Suite
    ,
    Eyelit Manufacturing
  • Office suite software:Microsoft Office

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

  • Controlling Machines and Processes:Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Handling and Moving Objects:Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Performing General Physical Activities:Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
  • Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings:Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment.
  • Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
  • Assemble equipment or components.
  • Assemble precision electronics or optical equipment.
  • Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.

Work Context

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:99% responded"Every day"
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets:86% responded"Every day"
  • Exposed to Contaminants:67% responded"Every day"
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions:66% responded"Every day"
  • Spend Time Walking and Running:60% responded"More than half the time"

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring:Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Active Listening:Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring:Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge

  • Production and Processing:Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  • English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Public Safety and Security:Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  • Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Education and Training:Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
  • 84%
    High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
  • 12%
    Less than a High School Diploma

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness:The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Control Precision:The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Interests

  • Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Investigative:Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Work Values

  • Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
  • Relationships:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
  • Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
  • Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
  • Stress Tolerance:Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
  • Adaptability/Flexibility:Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
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