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Semiconductor Technicians: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook

Submitted by: paula

Job Outlook Semiconductor technicians are types of skilled workers whose task is to test new kinds of semiconductor devices for the use of the different kinds of modern and latest electronic equipment. They may also be in charge of testing samples of devices that are already in the market or in production to assess defects and further improve production techniques. They are personnel who contribute to help develop and reassess test equipment used to determine salient points or information about semiconductor devices. Together with the engineers, they assist in the designing and planning for the later production of these devices and help them develop or further increase the number and quality of production yields.

Education Knowledge and Trainings Required

As a form of preparation to become a future semiconductor technician, classes in math and science, specifically physics and chemistry, as well as computer courses are some of the best courses that could be taken as early as highschool. The job as a technician in the microelectronics or semiconductor industry require the applicants to have at least an associate's degree in electronics or electrical engineering or technology. A two year program related to this being offered by any community colleges or by any vocational schools can also be taken. For those who are interested to work at an engineering level, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to be fulfilled, specifically in electronics or computer engineering.

Skills and Abilities

A thorough understanding on the ins and outs of the microelectronics and semiconductor industry is necessary to become successful in this field. Technical skills in performing device testings are the bread and butter of this work. Skills in research or investigation, basic knowledge in computer operation and use of basic computer software are required skills that should be possessed. It is important that they are patient and detail oriented.

Duties

The duties of a semiconductor technician are classified into duties of wither a semiconductor development technician, or semiconductor process technician.

They are involved in  different processes or various steps in semicondutor manufacturing. They function as liason officers or links between the electronics engineer and the production personnel, as they work under the command of the engineers and work along with the other personnel. Activities involve preparing silicon as raw materials of semiconductors, heating, etching, lapping and finishing the surface. Testing the products as specified by the quality testing procedures are also part of their duties.

Job Outlook and Earnings

The range of salary for the semiconductor technicians starts off from around 19,822 to around 28,808 U.S.dollars. Those technicians who earn higher than the usual, approximately around 44,000 U.s. dollards, are those with more educational credentials, or have worked in the industry for considerably long number of years.

Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.

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Word Count: 493 Date: Sat, 30 Oct 2010 Time: 7:33 AM


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