AI will be the catalyst that will drive growth cycle for the semiconductor sector. PVG Menon tells you how one can make a career in the field
Given today’s rapid technological innovation, the semiconductor industry can look forward to growth. The semiconductor industry has been a pioneer in digitisation since its inception, offering digital services and pursuing new digital business models. Today, other industries, notably automotive, have clearly outpaced the semiconductor industry in terms of digitisation. That’s ironic, given that automakers’ own success in digitisation has been largely supported by the products made by the semiconductor industry. Now, artificial intelligence will likely be the catalyst that will drive another decade-long growth cycle for the semiconductor sector.
Many employers prefer that semiconductor processors have an associate’s degree in a field such as microelectronics. These programmes are usually offered at community colleges. Students should take science and engineering courses, such as chemistry, physics, and classes in electronic circuits. ESSCI have developed many Qualification Packs in the field of Embedded System, IoT , VLSI Design & Verification Engg which can help the candidate in gaining the appropriate knowledge required as per industry demand.
There is an emerging trend of employers preferring semiconductor processors to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a physical science because of the increasing complexity of the manufacturing plants.
New semiconductor processors need on-the-job training from one month to one year. During this training, a processor learns how to operate equipment and test new chips. Manufacturing microchips is a complex process, and it takes months of supervised work to become fully proficient. Because the technology used in manufacturing microchips is always evolving, processors must continue to be trained on new techniques and methods throughout their careers
While there are a number of career opportunities throughout the semiconductor industry, here are a few types of positions that we typically recruit for within the industry.
Field Service Engineer: As a Field Service Engineer, you will be responsible for quality machine installation and maintenance service of complex electro-mechanical systems; analytical troubleshooting of technical problems to component level; and performing complete installation, maintenance services, and technical reporting.
Equipment Technician: In this role, you will perform electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Test Technician: Test Technicians are responsible for mechanical and/or electrical testing of materials, devices, and products as well as test fixturing and general test equipment maintenance.
The writer is CEO, ESSCI