As a shift equipment engineer, I typically roll into work about 7.30 am or 7.30 pm, depending on which shift I’m on. I work long hours, 12 hours per shift.

After a hearty breakfast (or morning tea), I start my day by checking and responding to the emails from last night’s shift and those passed on for me. Next, we head out one round of tool checks – ensuring all tools are in good running condition. As an engineer, it isn’t always about maintenance, though; sometimes, there are projects such as reducing the frequency or cost of alarms that need working on.

My Typical Day

My typical routine before lunch will be:

[0730-0800] Get to the office for the meeting
[0800-0820] Check & reply to the emails
[0820-0845] Prepare maintenance job, i.e., consumable machine change such as filters, polishing pads, etc., overhaul, retrofit.
[0845-0900] Prepare/check spare parts
[0900-1130] Perform troubleshooting on machinery. Sometimes when there are not many issues, I will focus on my assigned project.
[1130-1230] Lunch

I usually go for lunch or supper between 11 to 1 and then continue working.

It’s pretty much the same thing I do before lunch with some additional tasks like:

[1230-1430] Perform troubleshooting on machinery and consumable machine change.
[1430-1500] Take some rest. Having a cup of coffee or go to the toilet.
[1500-1730] Perform troubleshooting on machinery and consumable machine change.
[1730-1815] Tea break
[1815-1840] Perform housekeeping on the production line to ensure everything is tidy and clean.
[1840-1900] Update all the jobs done into the daily pass-down file.
[1930-1945] Handover the tasks to the next shift to continue.
[1945] Go back home.

Before the end of the shift, I will update all the works done into the daily pass-down file. During the pass-down period with the next shift, my colleagues or I will ensure every pass-down is clear. Also, I will update the tool’s status to my supervisor and managers from time to time.

So, herein are some of the pros and cons of my job:

Pros

1. Can learn a lot of new things due to the fast-paced work environment. Things happen very quickly, and many new technologies have been introduced. I’m working in a very fast-paced, high-tech wafer fabrication company. In addition, we are involved in producing electronic chips for automotive and medicals. These two niches are highly competitive in the market, and we have to adapt to the technology changes.
2. High pay salary, a lot of overtime, and excellent benefits.
3. Working in shifts gives me plenty of rest days to spend some time with family.

Cons

1. Some task like preventive maintenance is repetitive and very boring.
2. Can be very dangerous due to handling a lot of chemicals. We use a lot of chemicals and gases to produce silicon wafers. Some of these substances are extremely harmful and dangerous. I get exposed to these chemicals almost every day. So, handling with care is extremely important for my safety as well to people around me.
3. Getting a promotion is very challenging because of strong competition between colleagues.

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