Working for a silicon wafer supplier can be an extremely rewarding career path. That said, it can be difficult to know where to start.
What are some of the jobs you might be expected to perform in the semiconductor industry? Is it always a good career path, even if the demand for semiconductors can be volatile?
Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to know. We hope this helps you on your career journey!
Creating semiconductors requires significant manpower, which means there are many positions available for people interested in the industry. ZipRecruiter lists some of the positions they most commonly see listed on their site:
It’s also worth considering careers that you might not even think of as “semiconductor jobs.” For instance, many semiconductor companies need salespeople who can find new business, HR managers to ensure worker satisfaction, and more.
Although technical jobs are what people typically think of when searching for semiconductor jobs, semiconductor companies are businesses, which means they will have many of the personnel requirements that other businesses have.
Yes, the semiconductor industry has a very good career path. Semiconductor decision makers believe that they could experience up to 88% growth within the next few years.
Technology has become increasingly important at every level of society, and semiconductors are the key to this growth. As the demand for semiconductors grows, so too does the demand for semiconductor workers.
Semiconductor workers are in high demand, which is good news for people who want a job in the industry. The most important thing you can do to be competitive is get a master’s degree in the field.
That said, this isn’t even a requirement: Intel even hires people who just have a high school diploma.
Whether you’re still at school or looking for a career change, it can be a good idea to network with people in the industry you’re trying to break into. For instance, there are several semiconductor events that take place throughout
It’s also a good idea to ensure that your resume is optimized to be found by semiconductor companies. Hiring managers often use programs called “ATS,” which search for keywords within resumes, looking for matches.
It’s important to write your resume and cover letter for both humans and these programs. Make sure that your information uses similar terms to what you see in job descriptions for semiconductor companies. This will help you stand out from the pack and get seen.
If you want to become a semiconductor engineer, you’ll need to get at least a bachelor's degree in electric, chemical, or computer engineering. You’ll also need to follow the licensing requirements outlined by your state.
Many engineers choose to get a master’s degree, as this can increase your desirability as an employee and give you access to a greater range of high-paying jobs.
That said, as we discussed, semiconductor engineer isn’t the only career that the industry has to offer. There are many jobs that are often used as a stepping stone to becoming a semiconductor engineer – such as lab technicians and process engineers.
There are also jobs that only require an associate degree, especially in the manufacturing space. Only 45% of semiconductor manufacturing technicians hold a bachelor’s degree, for instance, while 41% hold an associate degree.
If you’re unsure where you want to get started in the semiconductor industry and you’re still in school, it’s useful to speak with a career counselor. In fact, it’s a great idea to do this as soon as possible once you’ve enrolled.
A counselor will be able to help you understand the courses you should take to set you up for the career you want. They can also be invaluable for helping you prepare your resume and even making connections within the field before you graduate.
The short answer is yes: semiconductors are always in demand. This makes sense, since semiconductors are what have driven so much of the technological and economic growth the world has seen in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
That said, the longer answer is slightly more complicated. Semiconductors aren’t as in-demand as they were during the shortages that occurred during the pandemic. Investors and suppliers worked hard to meet demand, increasing production on chips.
There are certain kinds of chips that there still isn’t a sufficient supply of, such as the chips used in automobiles. This makes sense, given just how low the supply of auto chips became, and how many chips many vehicles need.
That said, there are certain kinds of chips that there is currently an excess supply of. This is more common for consumer electronics, which often don’t require specialized chips, and only need one chip.
Generally speaking, consumer demand for semiconductors waxes and wanes regularly as new tech and new semiconductors are constantly being released. The fact that semiconductors are only valuable for a short period of time before new tech is released means that the industry is extremely cyclical.
Semiconductor stocks typically experience highs and lows that mirror supply and demand. That said, there’s enough of a talent shortage in the semiconductor space to insulate many workers from the effects that investors experience.
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You’ve come to the right place! For decades, we’ve been providing semiconductor companies with the wafers they need to create their products. Over this time, we’ve continually stayed at the cutting edge of the industry, working hard to ensure customer needs were met.
Do you have any questions about what we can do for you? Would you like to speak with a wafer expert who’s committed to helping you grow your operations? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We’re excited to speak with you!
