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Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

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.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $28K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $33K
Median Salary: $40K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $54K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $70K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.

Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.

Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.

Set, adjust, and readjust computerized or mechanical equipment controls to regulate power level, temperature, vacuum, and rotation speed of furnace, according to crystal growing specifications.

Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.

Etch, lap, polish, or grind wafers or ingots to form circuitry and change conductive properties, using etching, lapping, polishing, or grinding equipment.

Load semiconductor material into furnace.

Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.

Monitor operation and adjust controls of processing machines and equipment to produce compositions with specific electronic properties, using computer terminals.

Count, sort, and weigh processed items.

Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.

Calculate etching time based on thickness of material to be removed from wafers or crystals.

Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.

Align photo mask pattern on photoresist layer, expose pattern to ultraviolet light, and develop pattern, using specialized equipment.

Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.

Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.

Stamp, etch, or scribe identifying information on finished component according to specifications.

Operate saw to cut remelt into sections of specified size or to cut ingots into wafers.

Scribe or separate wafers into dice.

Connect reactor to computer, using hand tools and power tools.

Mount crystal ingots or wafers on blocks or plastic laminate, using special mounting devices, to facilitate their positioning in the holding fixtures of sawing, drilling, grinding or sanding equipment.

Attach ampoule to diffusion pump to remove air from ampoule, and seal ampoule, using blowtorch.

Measure and weigh amounts of crystal growing materials, mix and grind materials, load materials into container, and monitor processing procedures to help identify crystal growing problems.

Locate crystal axis of ingot, and draw orientation lines on ingot, using x-ray equipment, drill, and sanding machine.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
yieldWerx
Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Development environment software
National Instruments TestStand
Industrial control software
Eyelit Manufacturing
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Electronic manufacturing machinery and equipment and accessories
Chemical vapor deposition CVD systems
Hand tools
Sanding machines
Industrial pumps and compressors
Vacuum pumps
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Clean room ovens
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Digital hygrometers
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Wafer sorters
Personal safety and protection
Antistatic wrist straps
Pneumatic machinery and equipment
Vacuum wands
Rapid prototyping machinery and accessories
Solder-paste printers
Water and wastewater treatment supply and disposal
Slurry filter cabinets
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Gas blow torches
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Production and Processing
78%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

English Language
76%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics
68%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Public Safety and Security
68%
Importance

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.

Education and Training
66%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Chemistry
65%
Importance

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Customer and Personal Service
60%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mathematics
58%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Engineering and Technology
54%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Administration and Management
49%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
73%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking
68%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension
68%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening
65%
Importance

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
65%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Quality Control Analysis
65%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Coordination
58%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Equipment Maintenance
58%
Importance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Judgment and Decision Making
58%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Operation and Control
58%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
73%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Arm-Hand Steadiness
70%
Importance

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
70%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Comprehension
68%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Control Precision
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Deductive Reasoning
65%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Finger Dexterity
65%
Importance

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Inductive Reasoning
65%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Oral Expression
65%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Information Ordering
63%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
85%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Handling and Moving Objects
84%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities
82%
Importance

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 of materials.

Getting Information
81%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
81%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
79%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
76%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
76%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interacting With Computers
75%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
74%
Importance

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Detailed Work Activities

Enter commands, instructions, or specifications into equipment.

Record operational or production data.

Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications.

Clean workpieces or finished products.

Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.

Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.

Load materials into production equipment.

Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.

Maintain production or processing equipment.

Assemble precision electronics or optical equipment.

Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.

Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.

Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment.

Load items into ovens or furnaces.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed.

Count finished products or workpieces.

Weigh finished products.

Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.

Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.

Inspect production equipment.

Diagnose equipment malfunctions.

Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Engrave designs, text, or other markings onto materials, workpieces, or products.

Operate cutting equipment.

Cut industrial materials in preparation for fabrication or processing.

Install instrumentation or electronic equipment or systems.

Assemble equipment or components.

Operate welding equipment.

Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.

Mix substances to create chemical solutions.

Work Context
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

Education
Majors
Major
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

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
72%
Importance

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
62%
Importance

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.

Enterprising
34%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
19%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
88%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Cooperation
81%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Dependability
81%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Stress Tolerance
78%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility
76%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Concern for Others
73%
Importance

Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Independence
73%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Initiative
73%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Self Control
73%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Persistence
70%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Work Values
Support
77%
Importance

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
62%
Importance

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
41%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Independence
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Recognition
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Achievement
29%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.