What Is a Semiconductor Process Engineer?

Semiconductor process engineers are a key part of semiconductor process engineering. Their basic job description is that they oversee the production process of semiconductor manufacturing. These engineers ensure that all the semiconductor processes run smoothly and troubleshoot when issues arise. Keep reading to learn more about what semiconductor process engineers are.

What Is the Role of a Semiconductor Process Engineer?

Semiconductor process engineers are in charge of researching and developing new manufacturing processes and equipment for semiconductor fabrication. Semiconductors are small chips for electrical devices. Semiconductors have the properties of insulators and conductors and, as a result, can act as a foundation for electronic devices. They control the flow of electricity and are necessary in all kinds of technology.

Semiconductor manufacturing is a multistep process with little room for error. Semiconductor process engineers make sure the whole semiconductor manufacturing process runs smoothly.

Responsibilities of Semiconductor Process Engineers

Semiconductor process engineers oversee process development, process improvement, and process control. We've broken down some of their core responsibilities below.

Develop and Improve Existing Processes

The semiconductor manufacturing process requires multiple steps. These include:

• semiconductor design engineers design the circuit designs for the semiconductors
• pure materials, such as silicon, are melted down. Small amounts of impurities may be added depending on how conductive the semiconductors need to be.
• the materials cool into solid cylinders and are then sliced into thin films
• these thin discs are then polished and printed with the circuit design
• the wafers are cut into the individual semiconductor chips
• the semiconductors are then either packaged or placed into semiconductor devices

The role of a semiconductor process engineer is to keep this process running smoothly. They may also develop new processes to optimize the manufacturing process.

Ensure Reliability of Semiconductor Products

Another responsibility of semiconductor process engineers is quality control to ensure that the semiconductors are reliable and work the way the client needs them to. They do this by identifying issues, inspecting the wafers, and testing the product. They also are part of ensuring supply chain reliability for semiconductor devices. Semiconductor process engineers must optimize production so that the semiconductors are high-quality and available in the time frame the customer requests.

Collaborate With Engineers and Researchers

Because the semiconductor manufacturing process requires so many steps, there are many other semiconductor industry professionals that semiconductor process engineers need to work alongside. These include:

• Semiconductor engineers: Oversee the entire process of semiconductor manufacturing, from design to packaging
• Research and development engineers: Are in charge of researching to discover new technologies and materials for use in semiconductor manufacturing
• Design engineers: Are responsible for creating the circuit design that is printed on the semiconductors
• Field service engineers: Are in charge of the installation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment used in semiconductor processing
• Test engineers: Run tests on semiconductors and semiconductor devices before they are released and shipped
• Supply chain managers: Are in charge of the supply chain, as in the planning, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution of semiconductor devices.

These team members all work together to ensure that semiconductors are manufactured to the client's specifications and in the client's requested timeframe.

Troubleshoot Manufacturing Issues

Unfortunately, manufacturing processes don't always run smoothly. That's where semiconductor process engineers step in. Semiconductor process engineers must be able to identify issues as they arise, and then investigate the root cause of these issues. Once they've determined the problem, they must provide a solution to get things back on track.

Document and Report Processes and Procedures

Documentation is important when working with new technologies, including semiconductors and devices. This ensures that these processes and procedures are being followed and everyone is aware of them.

There are so many moving pieces in the semiconductor manufacturing process, that reporting and documenting processes and procedures is essential. Because semiconductor process engineers are responsible for keeping things running smoothly, this task often falls on them.

Skills Required of Semiconductor Process Engineers

There are multiple hard and soft skills that semiconductor process engineers need to do their job properly. These include:

• understanding computer-aided production and photolithography
• collaboration and communication
• data analysis
• problem-solving skills
• project management skills
• understanding of semiconductor manufacturing
• ability to perform failure analysis, find the root cause of problems, and troubleshoot issues

Earning a bachelor's degree in a related field can help develop these skills. Some related fields include:

• materials engineering
• electrical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• chemical engineering

Gaining years of experience in more entry-level roles can help as well.

Is a Semiconductor Process Engineer a Good Career?

Semiconductor process engineering jobs are becoming more in demand as more and more new products rely on semiconductors. This can make semiconductor process engineering a good career path for those who like problem-solving and working with next-generation technology.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for semiconductor process engineers is over six figures. However, this can vary by location, by your experience, and by the semiconductor company you work for.