Semiconductor Processing Operators

Career summary

#No alternate titles CJ

Operators work in clean rooms and wear protective gear. Following work orders, they operate and monitor machines that slice silicon crystals into wafers. They inspect wafers for surface defects and load the wafers onto machines that etch circuitry onto them.

Operators use robots to polish, and clean the circuits using chemical solvents or gases.

Operators test circuits and measure them to see that they work properly and meet semiconductor standards. They clean and maintain equipment and work area.

They count, sort, and weigh the products produced. They stamp identification codes into each one. They package and seal them for shipping. Operators also keep records of each step in the process.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Metal and Plastic Processing Workers
• Painting and Coating Machine Operators
• Precision Assemblers
• Prepress Workers
• Tool and Die Makers
• Welding and Soldering Machine Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to semiconductor processing operators.

• Study work orders, instructions, and formulas.
• Review processing charts to see the sequence of tasks.
• Observe clean room requirements to protect products.
• Grow silica crystals into ingots.
• Operate equipment to cut ingots into wafers.
• Place wafers in holders using tweezers and equipment.
• Load and unload wafers into processing machines.
• Move wafers along each step of the process.
• Adjust valves and switches on control panels.
• Etch, grind, and polish patterns onto surfaces of wafers.
• Operate microscopes to monitor and inspect circuits.
• Clean and dry etched wafers with chemical solvents and drying machines.
• Inspect etched wafers for surface defects.
• Measure circuits using electronic testing equipment.
• Compare circuits to semiconductor standards.
• Cut wafers into semiconductor chips.
• Count, sort, and weigh wafers and chips.
• Stamp or etch identifying codes onto chips.
• Keep records of testing, inspection, and production actions and results.

Common work activities

Semiconductor processing operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Get information needed to do the job
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Use computers
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Teach others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Process information
• Analyze data or information
• Document and record information
• Coach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, semiconductor processing operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a low level of social interaction on the job. Clean room rules call for little or no conversation as a way to protect delicate microcircuits from particles.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.
• Have limited responsibility for the work done by other operators.
• Talk to others over the telephone or in person.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors in clean rooms and other parts of fabrication plants.
• Always wear protective gear called, "bunny suits," while in clean rooms. Workers take air showers before they enter the clean rooms.
• Are regularly exposed to hazardous conditions and contaminants, such as solvents. Health and safety risks are low when workers observe safety precautions.
• Are sometimes exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done completely in each step of the fabrication process.
• Must be exact and accurate in each step of the process. Errors can result in expensive losses, such as damage to workstation equipment or to microchips.
• Repeat the same physical activities over and over while remaining alert and interested in doing a good job.
• Pace their work to match the speed of the equipment they use.
• Usually make decisions and set daily tasks and goals with input from a supervisor.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Work at least 40 hours a week. Overtime is frequent.
• May work four, ten-hour shifts each week, or rotate shifts with other workers.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Semiconductor processing operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for semiconductor processing operators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for semiconductor processing operators to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Semiconductor processing operators need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
• Materials Science
• Precision Crafting and Repair
• Process Technology

Training

To work as a semiconductor processing operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Some semiconductor processing operators learn their skills through formal training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer programs in electronics or semiconductor technology. You can earn a one-year certificate in semiconductor technology.

Some employers prefer to hire people who have an associate degree in electronics technology. Sometimes you can work part time in a semiconductor processing plant while completing your associate degree. Employers may pay your tuition costs if you earn good grades.

Work experience

Summer work in a semiconductor processing plant is good experience for this occupation. You can learn what kind of education is important for the field.

On-the-job training

Once hired, many operators work as trainees. They learn from experienced workers and graduate to more complicated tasks as their knowledge grows. This type of training may take up to a year to complete.

Many associate degree programs require that you complete an internship to get hands-on experience. Many employers also require that you take 40 hours of training every year to stay up to date with the technology.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers require that operators have a high school diploma or equivalent. They also prefer applicants who have taken courses in the physical sciences and math. Employers prefer applicants who have at least one year of production experience. Some employers require technical courses in college. They may also require semiconductor experience for those who are applying for more complex tasks. Some employers require a two-year degree and computer skills.

Employers often hire operators through temporary help agencies. These jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Agencies look for people who want to learn new skills on the job and in the classroom. Temporary agencies may sponsor clean room training in cooperation with the employer.

Costs to workers

Some workers may join a professional association and pay annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Semiconductor Processors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for semiconductor processors is $15.82 per hour ($2,742 per month).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Pay varies with the worker's experience and level of education. It also varies by area of the country and the cost of living in the area.

Full-time, permanent semiconductor processing operators generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. Temporary and part-time employees rarely receive benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Semiconductor fabrication plants

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will decline. Companies are upgrading many of their manufacturing plants to be more automated, allowing them to sharply increase production with the same number of workers. A number of domestic companies also are building more plants overseas, where costs are lower. In addition, imports of semiconductors from non-US companies are on the rise and should continue to increase throughout the decade.

Competition for jobs is strong. Job prospects will be best for experienced workers with bachelor's degrees. Jobs will only be available in states with existing plants as no new plants are currently being built. Despite the decline, job openings will occur as current workers leave their jobs.

Other resources

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 
900 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.833.7000

Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International 
673 South Milpitas Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408.943.6900

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Semiconductor Processors (51-9141.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Charge Preparation Technician (590.384-010) 
• Diffusion Furnace Operator, Semiconductor Wafers (590.685-070) 
• Electronic-component Processor (590.684-014) 
• Group Leader, Semiconductor Processing (590.362-018) 
• Integrated Circuit Fabricator (590.684-042) 
• Ion Implant Machine Operator (590.382-022) 
• Metallization Equipment Tender, Semiconductors (590.685-086) 
• Semiconductor Processor (590.684-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled