Semiconductor engineers design, test and implement semiconductors, which conduct heat between an insulator and a conductor and are essential parts of electronic equipment. They must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and work in clean environments. They are responsible for all phases of semiconductor design and testing, including bonding and wafer etching. They must also communicate with equipment manufacturers and have analytical skills to find solutions.
Semiconductor engineers are basically electronic engineers who work in the field of semiconductors. These devices conduct heat between an insulator and a conductor. They are essential parts of electronic equipment and play an important role in computer operations. Semiconductor engineers are responsible for designing, testing and implementing semiconductors.
Most semiconductor positions require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, with a focus on computer engineering. Minority in software engineering, information systems and information technology can also be helpful in launching a semiconductor engineering career. Interning with a semiconductor company while still at a university can help develop networking relationships.
Although semiconductor engineers are responsible for all phases of semiconductor design and testing, bonding and wafer etching is often emphasized. The conduction pathways are etched onto silicone wafers using a water etching process. The paths are repeated across the entire surface of the wafer, much like the pattern on a quilt, and then the wafer is cut into pieces that separate the paths. Each piece of wafer is then used in the construction of semiconductors. Semiconductor engineers are responsible for designing the proper paths depending on the customer’s needs and improving the wafer etching process to constantly achieve better quality and quantities.
Most semiconductor engineers work in manufacturing. Many semiconductor factories are environmentally clean to avoid contamination of wafers during the manufacturing process. Semiconductor engineers must be willing to work in clean environments and sometimes wear anti-contamination equipment when entering the plant’s manufacturing area. Depending on the company’s exact needs, a semiconductor engineer may work with computer-generated design, project development, or testing of actual semiconductor parts, including the etching machines. While engraving machines are designed by someone other than semiconductor engineers, engineers are responsible for choosing machine settings and troubleshooting.
The engineer is often the driving force behind changes in procedures during project development. Specifications for each project are designed by the semiconductor engineer and followed by factory workers. When QA starts to see too many errors, the semiconductor engineer reexamines the entire process and makes adjustments to eliminate the errors. In addition, semiconductor engineers must keep records, write reports, and communicate with department heads about the process.
Communication with equipment manufacturers is often required of semiconductor engineers. When the wafer-etching process does not work properly, the semiconductor engineer must be able to convey where the process is going wrong so that the equipment manufacturer can troubleshoot and ship the correct parts or machines. Analytical skills, in addition to being able to look at the big picture to find solutions, are essential duties of semiconductor engineers.
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