The Semiconductor Industry is booming right now, driven by economic demands and the growing popularity of A.I. As a result, the U.S. is in urgent need of more semiconductor manufacturing facilities. At the same time, finding the right talent to work in these facilities is proving to be a challenge. Jeff Sabuda, Chief of Silicon at Triple Crown, brings over 25 years of experience to the table. He offers valuable insights into the industry, breaking down its complexities and sharing tips on how to navigate it effectively.
Why the Demand for Talent is Growing
The spike in demand for talent in the Semiconductor industry is due to several factors:
- Geopolitical Concerns: With overseas challenges, there has been an ongoing demand for semiconductor manufacturing in the US to increase fabrication facilities and foundries being built. As recently as 2023, 40% of new fabs worldwide are being built in the US.
- Technological Advancements: The rise of AI, Chiplets (tiny integrated circuits), and 3D stack chips have heightened the need for silicon chips to keep up with rapidly evolving technology.
- Risk Reduction: With the increased risk of overseas production, large semiconductor companies are investing in domestic fabrication facilities and foundries to mitigate risks while keeping up with demand.
- Industry Applications: Demand spans across multiple industries including Automotive (EVs and advanced driving systems), Defense, Semiconductor, Consumer Electronics, Telecommunications, Healthcare, and 5G Infrastructure. The reasons for demand vary. However, overarching themes include a need for fail-safe semiconductor solutions and AI that can make real-time decision-making. An emphasis on higher speeds and lower-latency data transmission is also a common theme. Additionally, data centers which require powerful processors for memory, storage, and cloud computing, also drive the need for advanced chips.
- Consistent Usage: Semiconductor plants operate 24/7, requiring continuous staffing to meet production demands.
Popular Roles in Silicon
In the Semiconductor Industry there are many roles that an engineer or technician can take on. Listed below are four examples of key roles that the Semiconductor Industry has to offer:
- Process Engineers: These engineers will be crucial in designing and optimizing the processes used in semiconductor fabrication, focusing on improving efficiency and reducing defects in chips.
- Equipment Engineers: These specialists will be responsible for maintaining and upgrading the complex machinery used in fabs. With the push towards more advanced nodes like 3 nanometer and below, equipment engineers will be essential in managing new tools such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithographs.
- Maintenance Technicians: Skilled technicians will be needed to ensure that fabrication equipment runs smoothly. This includes preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
- Materials Engineers: Given the emphasis on sustainability and the exploration of new materials, specific engineers will be needed to develop and test novel materials that can be used in chip production, such as those with lower environmental impacts.
Trends in Labor and Education
As demand for talent in the Semiconductor industry increases, the supply of qualified personnel remains low. With the industry experiencing rapid growth, technology is advancing faster than the workforce can handle. This is resulting in a problematic skills gap forcing companies to acquire talent overseas and recruit candidates with less experience.
With demand increasing and access to qualified labor decreasing, the industry will have no choice but to offer higher compensation. To address this labor shortage, companies in the Semiconductor industry are teaming up with universities and technical institutes. These programs will provide degrees and certificates that are tailored to the skills needed to excel in the Semiconductor Industry. Upon completion, graduates will be offered employment opportunities at these companies.
Staying aligned with educational trends, engineers that have success in the Semiconductor industry have a strong background in Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or ESET (Electronics Systems Engineering Technology). Conversely, individuals that have success as technicians tend to have a background in Material Science, Chemistry or Engineering Technology. In particular, ESET or Mechatronics, a combination of mechanical and electrical engineering, is a particularly effective field of study for those interested in working in Silicon.
Future Industry Trends
Technology in the Semiconductor industry is advancing at an astonishing rate. Soon, we might see network infrastructure fully based in space. “Think of them as orbiting data centers,” Jeff explained. This move to space will enhance connectivity and reduce the need for cell towers. Additionally, the industry will increasingly rely on AI and robotics, making human interaction less essential as AI evolves.
Jeff, who has been in the industry since 1994, has witnessed incredible changes. “Everything is smaller and faster!” he noted. When he began his career, the standard was 180 nanometers, but now it’s down to 3nm and soon to be 2nm. The evolution of the smartphone is a prime example of this rapid progress—modern computers that once occupied entire rooms are now outperformed by devices that fit in the palm of your hand.
The Semiconductor industry is rapidly evolving, creating exciting opportunities for growth. With the industry expected to triple in size by 2032, there’s plenty of room for those interested in engineering or technician roles. If you’re eager to explore cutting-edge opportunities in Silicon, reach out to us at jobs@tripleco.com!
