Production
Semiconductor Processing Technicians
Also called: Device Processing Engineer, Diffusion Operator, Manufacture Specialist, Manufacturing Technician (Manufacturing Tech)
US median pay
$51,430
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+8.2%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
3,400
31,200 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- Stamp, etch, or scribe identifying information on finished component according to specifications.
- Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.6/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.2/5
- Troubleshooting2.9/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.9/5
- Operation and Control2.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9/5
- Equipment Maintenance2.9/5
- Coordination2.9/5
Knowledge
- Production and Processing3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Public Safety and Security3.4/5
- Computers and Electronics3.4/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- Chemistry3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma84%
- Less than high school12%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.