How To Become a Semiconductor Engineer

Semiconductors are small chips that regulate the flow of electricity within electronic devices. They're used in a variety of electronic devices, and as a result, semiconductor jobs are in high demand. Semiconductor engineers oversee the semiconductor manufacturing process from start to finish. Keep reading to learn how to become a semiconductor engineer.

What Is a Semiconductor Engineer?

Semiconductor engineers are responsible for designing and programming semiconductors and overseeing the manufacturing and troubleshooting process. Semiconductors are small chips for electronic devices. These chips are made from conductive and non-conductive materials, allowing them to control the flow of electricity within the electronic devices.

Semiconductor engineers must first design the semiconductors according to their client's specifications. This includes the layout and materials for the semiconductors. Next, pure materials, like silicon, are melted down. To change the conductivity, small amounts of impurities are added. The melted materials solidify into a cylinder and are sliced into silicon wafers.

These discs are then printed with the predetermined circuit designs and cut into tiny chips. At this point, they are ready to be shipped or integrated into electronic devices.

Responsibilities of Semiconductor Engineers

Semiconductors have several responsibilities to ensure their devices work properly. These include:

• designing semiconductors to meet their client's needs
• creating semiconductor software and systems
• creating computer-assisted designs
• monitoring the semiconductor manufacturing process
• testing semiconductors and semiconductor devices
• troubleshooting problems with semiconductors or semiconductor devices
• ensuring semiconductors are packaged properly and safely
• collaborating with other members of the semiconductor manufacturing team

Some semiconductor engineers may work on semiconductors for a specific industry, like computers or healthcare devices. Others may focus on a part of the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Skills Required of Semiconductor Engineers

Semiconductor engineers must have hard and soft skills to do their jobs properly. These include:

• communication skills
• data analysis skills
• mathematical skills
• problem-solving skills
• project management skills
• research skills
• technical skills

Steps To Becoming a Semiconductor Engineer

To become a semiconductor engineer, you must complete a degree program and likely pursue additional training. Below, we've broken down the basic steps to becoming a semiconductor engineer.

Earn a Relevant Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming a semiconductor engineer is to earn a bachelor's degree in a related field. There are no bachelor's degrees specifically for semiconductor engineering, but some good majors include:

• materials engineering
• electrical engineering
• chemical engineering
• computer engineering

These majors will provide the fundamental knowledge needed to become a semiconductor engineer. Look for programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Gain Practical Experience

You can start entry-level semiconductor engineering roles once you've earned your bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar field. These will help you gain the skills you need for the semiconductor industry.

For example, you can work as a process engineer. Process engineers focus on the manufacturing process's optimization and maintenance. You can also work as a design engineer. They focus specifically on designing semiconductors and semiconductor systems.

Learn the Necessary Technical Skills

There are many technical skills that semiconductor engineers need to know. These include things like:

• radio-frequency (RF) engineering skills
• water etching skills
• ability to adapt to new technologies
• knowledge of safety regulations and systems
• understanding the manufacturing process

These technical skills can be gained through entry-level roles in the semiconductor industry or through training and certificate programs specifically for semiconductor engineers.

Some excellent certificate programs in semiconductor manufacturing and semiconductor production include:

• Arizona State University: semiconductor processing graduate certificate
• Michigan State University: semiconductor manufacturing, processing, and devices graduate certificate
• Portland State University: semiconductor materials and manufacturing graduate certificate
• Texas A&M University: semiconductor manufacturing graduate certificate
• University of South Florida: semiconductor technology and manufacturing graduate certificate

Earn Your Engineering License

In some states, engineers in leadership roles require a professional engineering license. To obtain this, you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
• a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
• a few years of engineering experience; the amount varies by state but four years is common
• a passing score on the Professional Engineering exam offered by the NCEES

While this licensure is not required in all areas or for all semiconductor engineering roles, holding this license can help you get hired, get promoted, and negotiate your salary.

Consider Pursuing an Advanced Degree

To further your career in the semiconductor industry, you may want to consider pursuing an advanced degree, like a master's degree, in semiconductors. This isn't always necessary but aids in your job search with semiconductor companies.

Some master's degrees available in semiconductors include:

• Duke University: Master of Engineering with a semiconductor technology track
• Northwestern University: Master of Science in semiconductors
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Master of Science in Semiconductor Technology
• University of California Los Angeles: Master of Science in semiconductor manufacturing

Are Semiconductor Engineers In Demand?

Semiconductor manufacturing is a huge industry because semiconductors are used in almost everything. As a result, roles like that of a semiconductor engineer are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't offer information specifically for semiconductor engineers. However, materials science and electrical engineer jobs are expected to grow by 5% by 2032.