Working in theSemiconductor Manufacturing Industry

A Career Guide for Students, Parentsand Educators

A collaborative effort among Motorola, Inc.,Maricopa Advanced Technology Education Center,and the Semiconductor Industry/Education Partnership

2

This Guide is based on a project developed for Motorola, Inc., Austin, Texas, by Olga Azios of L.B.J. High School and Sari Waxler of Sidney Lanier High School. A special thank you is given to Linda Brown, Motorola, Austin.

Additional AcknowledgementMichele Bush, Director of Community Partnerships and Programs, GateWay Community CollegeBarbara Clark, AZ External Education Manager, Motorola Jan Dietrich, Counselor, Dobson High School, Mesa Public SchoolsArthur Lebowitz, Director of Curriculum, Phoenix Union High School DistrictJulia Watson, Counselor Trainer, Phoenix Union High School DistrictDr. Mike Lesiecki, Director, Maricopa Advanced Technology Education CenterDr. Susan Holt Maas, Co-Director, Urban Systemic Initiative, Phoenix Union High School DistrictBassam Matar, Instructor, Glendale Community CollegeDr. Lakshmi Munukutla, Associate Dean, ASU East College of Technology and Applied SciencesRichard Newman, Faculty Development Specialist, Maricopa Advanced Technology Education CenterBev Merril, Curriculum Coordinator, Gilbert Public SchoolsTom Bartz, Coordinator/Technical Education, Scottsdale Public SchoolsDr. Debra Duvall, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Mesa Public SchoolsMick Connor, SSTG, MotorolaTom Foster, Foster & AssociatesClyde Perry, Chair, Division of Industrial Technology, GateWay Community CollegeJohn Bentley, Program Advisor, Mesa Community CollegeRobert Zamia, Program Advisor, Chandler-Gilbert Community CollegeSara Greenspan, Paradise Valley Unified School DistrictMaria Reyes, EIT, Minority Engineering Program Coordinator, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Arizona State UniversityRisa Gepner, Educational Media Specialist, MATEC

Support for this work was provided by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program through Grant #DUE 9602373.

Any opinions, findings and conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

3

Introduction to the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry Page 4 Working in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry Page 7 Training and Educational Programs in Semiconductor Manufacturing Page 12

Getting a Job in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry Page 17

Appendix Page 22Frequently Asked QuestionsModel Workplace Skills Standards - State of Arizona SCANS Foundation Skills Sample Course Pathway

Table of Contents

4

Introduction to the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

5

A semiconductor is a material, such as silicon, which conducts electricity better than an insulator, like glass, but not as well as a conductor, like copper. Because semiconductors act as conductors under certain conditions but act as insulators under different conditions, they can be used to control the flow of electricity.

Semiconductor manufacturing companies use heat and chemicals to transform thin disks of silicon, called wafers, into different electronic components. The manufacturing area where the wafers are processed are called wafer fabs. Many wafer processes are performed in clean rooms, which are kept much more sterile than hospital operating rooms in order to protect the wafers’ delicate surface. People who work in the clean rooms need to wear special outfits, called bunny suits, to protect the wafers from being contaminated by bits of hair, skin or dust. The tiny electronic circuits that are made on the wafers are called chips and are separated and packaged individually. The term semiconductor also refers to the complete electronic component that is formed during manufacturing.

What do Semiconductor Manufacturing Companies Do?

6

Semiconductors help make many products work.

Semiconductors Are Everywhere!

Auto/Anti-lock brakes

Computers Satellites Microwaves Video Games Pacemakers

Cell Phones Fax Machines Telephones Stereos Traffic Lights Hearing Aids

7

Dozens of jobs and career opportunities are available within the semiconductor industry. If you have an aptitude in math and science, you’re sure to do well in terms of both income and job satisfaction.

Working In The Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

8

What Types of Occupations Are There?

Manufacturing Associates/Operators convert silicon wafers to packaged integrated circuit products.

Equipment and Process Technicians troubleshoot and maintain the equipment and process used in wafer manufacturing.

Facilities Maintenance Technicians troubleshoot, install, repair and service all of the specialized equipment and instruments used in making chips.

9

$$$ How Much Will I Make?

Employees in the industry are generally rewarded for excellence on the job through promotions and increases in salary. In the semiconductor manufacturing industry the quality of your work and how well you relate with others is more important than your age or experience.

Benefits, such as health and dental insurance, profit sharing, and retirement plans, are a significant part of your financial package.

Typical Entry Level Wages, 1998High School Diploma: $8/hr Technical Certificate: $9-11/hrAssociates Degree: $13-14/hrBachelor’s Degree: $18-21/hr

10

Where are the Jobs?Many well known companies throughout the United States need you to manufacture semiconductors. All of the states shaded in below contain fabrication plants, or fabs, where silicon wafers are converted to packaged integrated circuits.

11

How Many Jobs Are Out There?The growth rate for semiconductor manufacturing technicians over the last five years has been 20 % and resulted in 43,000 new jobs. This trend is expected to continue.

190

200

210

220

230

240

250

260

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996

In T

hou

san

ds

of J

obs

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

12

Training and Educational ProgramsIn Semiconductor Manufacturing

13

As a high school graduate, you can begin a career in the semiconductor manufacturing industry and take advantage of training programs offered by your company. In addition to providing on-the-job training, many employers will pay tuition costs at accredited colleges so that you can continue your education. As you acquire more training, you will have access to many opportunities within the industry and be able to earn more money. Students who are working toward a Certificate in Semiconductor Technology, an Associates Degree, or a Bachelor’s Degree also have opportunities for employment while attending college or technical school.

Jobs available to High School Graduates:•Manufacturing Associates •Building Maintenance•Food Service Preparation•Cashiers•Administrative Support•Data Entry Clerks

Entry level wage:$8/hr

Lifelong Learning

14

If you work well in “hands-on” classes such as industrial technology, construction, or mechanics, you can start with a certificate program at your local community college. These programs can prepare you for a variety of positions in only six to eighteen months.

Jobs available to Certified Technicians:•Manufacturing Associate•Wafer Fab Technician•Facilities Systems Technician•Construction Technician•Computer Technician•Design Technician•Supplier Company Technician•Mask Design Technician

Entry level wage:$9-11/hr

Technical Certificate Programs

15

Associates Degree ProgramsIf you earn an Associates Degree in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SMT) through your local community college, you will be in high demand. The semiconductor industry has partnered with many community colleges to ensure that SMT classes are taught by highly qualified instructors with state-of-the-art technology.

Jobs available to graduates of an SMT program:• Process, Equipment and Device Technicians • Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology • Engineering & Design Graphics • Computer Aided Drafting • Electronics• Facilities Systems Technology• Electromechanical Technology

Entry level wage:$13-14/hr

16

Many educational programs are available if you want to attend a university or if you already have your associates degree and are looking to advance. Engineering degrees emphasize theory while technology degrees focus on application.

Degrees available to students interested in the semiconductor industry:• Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology• Environmental Engineering or Environmental Engineering Technology• Chemical Engineering or Chemical Engineering Technology• Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology• Safety Engineering or Safety Engineering Technology• Materials Engineering or Materials Engineering Technology• Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Four year degrees in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, material science, environmental science, computer technology, semiconductor physics, and semiconductor technologies also prepare you for work that is vital to the semiconductor industry.

Entry level wage:$18-21/hr

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

17

Getting a Job in theSemiconductor Manufacturing Industry

18

What Skills Do I Need?

• Foundation in science and math • Interpersonal skills• Flexible, self-directed team player• Computer literate• Strong communication skills• Ability to stay current in work skills• Ability to deal with change• Sense of responsibility• Ability to appreciate a diverse workplace• Aptitude for technology and electronics• Ability for teaming with others on projects

19

How Do I Complete An Employment Application?

1. Read the application and follow directions exactly.

2. Fill in all appropriate blanks.Print your answers neatly using a black ballpoint pen. Answer all questions completely and honestly. Use “NA” for “not applicable” when the question doesn’t apply to you.

3. List your experience carefully.Start with your most recent job and work backwards. Include all part-time jobs and any volunteer activities that are related to the position.

4. Get permission for references.Always choose a non-family member (such as a teacher, counselor, or employer) as a reference. Ask them in advance for permission to use their name.

5. Review the entire application.Check for spelling and accuracy. If you made an error, ask for a new application.Make sure you have included your signature and the date in the appropriate blanks.

Adapted with permission from CORD Communications, Inc.

20

What Questions Do Interviewers Ask?What is your background?What is your greatest asset?Name your biggest weakness.Why did you leave your last job?How well do you work under pressure?Describe a successful team project in which you participated.

What are your goals?Why do you want to work for us?What kind of work do you enjoy the most?How will you continue your education?What do you know about our company?

Why should I hire you?What contributions can you make to this company?What motivates you to do a good job?Name two accomplishments of which you are proud.What training or education have you had?If your supervisor was unfair, what would you do?

Adapted with permission from CORD Communications, Inc.

21

What Are Employers Really Looking For?

When employers review applications and interviews, they look at academic skills and the following attributes:

Communication SkillsCompetence in basic skills and abilities, including the ability to communicate appropriately in writing, speaking, and in listening.

Positive AttitudeWillingness to ask questions and go above and beyond expectations. Openness to new experiences and training.

Team PlayersPeople who get along well with peers, supervisors, and subordinates. People who are interested in the welfare of others and the success of the company.

Adapted with permission from CORD Communications, Inc.

22

CONTENTS:

Frequently Asked QuestionsModel Workplace Skills Standards - State of Arizona SCANS Foundation Skills Sample Course Pathway

--------APPENDIX--------