What Does A Semiconductor Processor Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Stan T.Career, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Semiconductor Processors

Semiconductor Processors 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
$45210
Becoming One
Easy
Education
No degree required
Job Satisfaction
Low
Job Growth

Personality


What they do

Semiconductor Processors 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.

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

Typical day

On a daily basis, Semiconductor Processors attach ampoule to diffusion pump to remove air from the ampoule, and seal the ampoule, using a blowtorch. They inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscopes, and standard procedures.

A typical day for a Semiconductor Processor will also include:

  • Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.
  • Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to the area for further processing.
  • 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.
  • Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Semiconductor Processors also locate the crystal axis of the ingot, and draw orientation lines on the ingot, using x-ray equipment, drill, and sanding machine. They may also connect the reactor to the computer, using hand tools and power tools.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Semiconductor Processors 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. They might also measure and weigh amounts of crystal growing materials, mix and grind materials, load materials into containers, and monitor processing procedures to help identify crystal growing problems.

In addition, they scribe or separate wafers into dice.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.

To some Semiconductor Processors, it is also their responsibility to clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work areas.

What is the job like

Job satisfaction

Low

Is this job meaningful

Low

61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.


Pros

Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.

Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.

This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.

It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.

Cons

Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.

One of the lowest paying jobs.

Demand for this career is declining.

How much do they make

Average salary

$45210 per year

Average hourly wage

$22 per hour

Entry-level Semiconductor Processors with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $28,320 to $33,280 per year or $14 to $16 per hour.

Salary by experience Annual Hourly
Highest (Top 10%) $70,320 $34
Senior (Top 25%) $54,320 $26
Median $40,500 $19
Junior (Bottom 25%) $33,280 $16
No experience (Bottom 10%) $28,320 $14

This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Semiconductor Processors based on their average annual salary.

Salary by industry Annual Hourly
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing $56760 $27.29
Machinery Manufacturing $49180 $23.65
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing $45080 $21.67
Communications Equipment Manufacturing $40430 $19.44

View more salary by industries here.

Where can they work

Where can Semiconductor Processors work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Semiconductor Processors including the average salary in that industry.

Employers Total Employed Annual Salary Hourly Wages
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing 29100 $45080 $21.67
Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing 70 $56760 $27.29
Communications Equipment Manufacturing 40 $40430 $19.44
Machinery Manufacturing $49180 $23.65

What is the work day like

Working hours

Less than 40 hours
0%

40 hours
70%

More than 40 hours
30%

Working schedule

96%

4%

0%

Email

How often do you use email in this job?

Once a week
26%

Every day
8%

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Once a week
54%

Every day
28%

Group discussions

How often do you have group discussions in this job?

Once a week
1%

Every day
57%

Public speaking

How often does this job require you to do public speaking?

Never
63%

Once a year
15%

Once a month
22%

Once a week
0%

Every day
0%

Level of competition

How much competitive pressure is in this job?

Not competitive at all
4%

Slightly competitive
18%

Moderately competitive
50%

Highly competitive
25%

Extremely competitive
3%

What is the work environment like

Office-style environment

Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition

Never
0%

Once a year or more
1%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
99%

Warehouse-style environment

Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse

Never
85%

Once a year or more
16%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

Outdoors

Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions

Never
86%

Once a year or more
0%

Once a month or more
14%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

Outdoors – Under Cover

Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)

Never
99%

Once a year or more
1%

Once a month or more
0%

Once a week or more
0%

Every day
0%

How to become one

Difficulty to become one

Easy
You may need some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience. Most careers in this difficulty category usually don’t require a degree. However, you will need a few months of on-the-job training with experienced employees. Similar careers include Customer Service Representatives, Security Guards, and Bank Tellers.

Required level of education

What level of education do you need to perform the job?

Less than a High School Diploma
12%

High School Diploma or equivalent
84%

Post-Secondary Certificate
1%

Some College Courses
0%

Associate’s Degree or similar
2%

Bachelor’s Degree
0%

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
0%

Master’s Degree
0%

Post-Master’s Certificate
0%

First Professional Degree
0%

Doctoral Degree
0%

Post-Doctoral Training
0%

Relevant majors

Industrial Electronics Technology

A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry and manufacturing. Includes instruction in installing, maintaining and testing various types of equipment.

Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology

A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to operate and monitor equipment for the fabrication of semiconductors or microchips from silicon wafers, and to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the specialized equipment used in this process. Includes instruction in AC and DC circuits, digital fundamentals, solid state devices, manufacturing processes, vacuum principles and technology, industrial electronics, quality assurance, and semiconductor manufacturing technology.

Relevant work experience

How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?

None
48%

1 month
0%

1 to 3 months
5%

3 to 6 months
0%

6 months to 1 year
24%

1 to 2 years
14%

2 to 4 years
8%

4 to 6 years
0%

6 to 8 years
1%

8 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

On The Job Training

How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?

None or short demonstration
0%

1 month
4%

1 to 3 months
32%

3 to 6 months
15%

6 months to 1 year
49%

1 to 2 years
0%

2 to 4 years
0%

4 to 10 years
0%

Over 10 years
0%

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Builder

People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

The Builder
100%

People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.


The Thinker
62%

People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.


The Artist
19%

People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.


The Helper
14%

People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.


The Leader
33%

People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.


The Organizer
71%

People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.


You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.

Work Values

Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?

Achievement
29%

You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.

Working Conditions
40%

You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.

Recognition
33%

You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.

Relationships
62%

You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

Support
76%

You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.

Independence
38%

You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.

FAQ


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