How to Get Hired in Chips and Semiconductors

If you are considering a career in the chips and semiconductors industry, you might wonder how to get started, especially amid all the excitement surrounding this industry over the past few decades, and the past few years in particular.

This trillion-dollar industry has attracted the attention of everyone, from industry leaders and the federal government to daily smartphone users and automobile buyers. It seems that everyone has a stake, or at least a great interest, in this area.

The supply chain crisis, the related chip shortage, and other ongoing international issues led to great concern for anyone making or selling electronics goods.

The great news is that, according to J.P. Morgan, the chip shortage and semiconductor crisis are nearing an end.

Even better, the United States Government stepped in to introduce the CHIPS and Science Act, which focuses on strengthening supply chains and creating jobs. That’s great news for anyone in chips and semiconductors getting started.

Many companies are working to build a chips and semiconductor workforce, so you will find opportunities out there. The next step is understanding how to get started with confidence.

Let’s look at what you need to get a job in this industry.

Qualifications and Skills You Need to Work in the Chips and Semiconductors Industry

Before getting started in the chips and semiconductors industry, you should first evaluate your existing skills and any skills gaps you might have. The specific hard skills you’ll need will depend on the specific role you want. However, a few common hard skills include:

Mathematics and statistics
Physics
Chemistry
Computer programming
Lab skills
Problem-solving skills

You’ll also need several soft skills to get started in chips and semiconductors. These include:

Critical thinking
Strong communication
Time management
Thinking and behaving proactively
Business writing

Many positions will also require specific education or experience.

What Types of Jobs are Available in the Chips and Semiconductors Industry?

Here are some top career fields available in chips and semiconductors:

Engineers specializing in:

Hardware, software, computer, and electrical engineering
Material science, physics, and chemistry
Data science
Artificial intelligence
Autonomous driving
Robotics
Computer vision
Networking

Skilled technicians such as:

Machinists
Process integration technicians
Equipment maintenance technicians
Wafer fab technicians and operators
Semiconductor process technicians
Factory information control systems technicians
Analytical lab technicians
Facilities operators and managers who control, monitor, and adjust instrumentation and controls for considerations such as chemical, electrical, and wastewater treatment

Miscellaneous positions, including:

Quality assurance leaders
Supply chain managers
Sales and marketing associates
Packaging engineers

Let’s look at each prospective area and examine the skills needed to join that field.

Engineering

Universities and colleges are increasingly creating specific pathways for engineers to work in the chips and semiconductors industry, with programs adding targeted training in semiconductors.

Are you still in school? Try to find university programs that provide these specialized courses and training programs to supplement your college engineering bachelor’s degree.

If you’re already working in engineering, figure out your durable skills and your transferable skills. Which existing skills will allow you to get started in chips and semiconductors? Look for job opportunities that offer on-the-job training.

Skilled Technicians

Skilled technicians might also first earn a college degree and go on to apply it in a technical setting. However, you might also pursue your education and experience through a technical school. While you might not obtain specific training at school, you can seek out an apprenticeship to get the real-life experience needed to thrive. You can also ask your current chips and semiconductors industry employer if they will provide upskilling opportunities.

Sales and Marketing Associates

Sales and marketing professionals help get chips and semiconductors products out to the public. If you studied business and marketing in college and have a serious interest in technology, you can apply your degree to this industry.

Quality Assurance, Packaging, and Other Roles

These roles might allow more room for candidates with less specific educational backgrounds. They typically require a high school degree. Minimum requirements might vary per company and role, but it’s worth exploring to avoid ruling out an opportunity.

Start Your Chips and Semiconductors Career Search

Would you like more information about joining this exciting career field?

Our Insight Global team is here to help you determine the best strategy and everything you need to shine for prospective employers, such as successfully demonstrating your skills and knowledge in technical skill assessments.

Check out the job search board today to see what is available in chips and semiconductors that suit your skills and education.