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Semiconductor Processing Technicians

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What do semiconductor processing technicians do?

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.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

  • Device Processing Engineer
  • Diffusion Operator
  • Manufacture Specialist
  • Manufacturing Technician (Manufacturing Tech)
  • Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition Engineer (MOCVD Engineer)
  • Probe Operator
  • Process Technician (Process Tech)
  • Semiconductor Laboratory Technician (Semiconductor Lab Tech)

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

  • Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
  • Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
  • Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
  • Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
  • Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.
  • Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.
  • Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
  • Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.

Prepare an application for this occupation

  1. Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
  2. Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
  3. Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
  4. Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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