Computer Chip Technology & Production

Helping technology shape the future.

The Career Field

Semiconductor technicians are highly skilled workers who test and manufacture semiconductor devices (which are commonly known as integrated circuits or microchips) being designed for use in many kinds of modern electronic equipment. They may also test samples of devices already in production to assess production techniques. They help develop and evaluate the test equipment used to gather information about the semiconductor devices. They assist in the design and planning for later production or help to improve production yields. Because of the need for an extremely clean environment, technicians are required to wear clean-suits (known as bunny suits) to keep dust, lint, and dirt out of the clean room where the production takes place. Changing into a clean suit is required for each and every entry to the clean room.

The Program

This program prepares students for careers in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Students will be trained on state- of-the-art industry standard equipment and work in a simulated clean room. The program is orientated for students to learn monitoring, sustaining, and improving equipment. During hands-on projects, students will perform technical tests and experiments in the simulated wafer fabrication area and set-up and master the use of semiconductor processing equipment. Students will develop a solid foundation in mathematics and physical sciences as well as technical knowledge and good problem solving and teamwork skills.

In this program, you will

• Learn to work in a clean room
• Wafer fab processing techniques
• Basic techniques to package a semiconductor component into a form that can be used in an electronic system
• Uses test and diagnostic equipment
• Perform electrical or mechanical troubleshooting
• Dismantle, adjust, repair, and assembles equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, operating or repair manuals, rough sketches or drawings

Career Opportunities

• Semiconductor Manufacturing Technician
• Semiconductor Equipment Technician
• Fab Manufacturing Technician
• Semiconductor Engineer
• Test Engineer
• Etch Process Engineer
• Material Handler
• Operations manager
• General manager