Work on this bottleneck

Semiconductor process engineers

How this is computedA posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.Method →Code → open roles filed here · Why it binds, and who holds it

People who have brought a chip factory into production before. You cannot buy them and you cannot hurry them.

The roles it needs

Judged by Substrata, open to challenge · 2026-09-24 · not reviewed by anyone who hires for it

Process and yield engineering

Engineers who make a fab, a refinery or a line produce more good parts.

10 (Computed: A posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.) open here

Field service and equipment

People who install, keep running and repair the machines at a customer’s site.

0 (Computed: A posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.) open here

Technicians and operators

Hands on the line: running, checking and fixing production — often no degree needed.

Open roles

All with filters →

HVM Senior Field Process Engineer – tALD, PEALD, LPCVD
ASM InternationalUS > Arizona > ChandlerProcess and yield engineeringSenior, staff or principalposted 1 Oct
Semiconductor process engineers
Senior Engineer I, Process Engineering
ASM InternationalJapan > Tokyo (Tama-shi)Process and yield engineeringSenior, staff or principalposted 28 Aug
Leading-edge foundry capacity Semiconductor process engineers
Senior Process Engineer
MetOxHouston, TXProcess and yield engineeringSenior, staff or principalposted 27 Jul
REBCO superconducting tape, 12 mm Semiconductor process engineers
Field Process Engineer
ASM InternationalChina > HefeiProcess and yield engineeringExperiencedposted 21 Jul
Semiconductor process engineers
Snr Process Engineer - Early Career (Fall 2026)
ASM InternationalUS > Arizona > PhoenixProcess and yield engineeringExperiencedposted 5 Jun
Semiconductor process engineers
Engineer II, Process Engineering
ASM InternationalJapan > Tokyo (Tama-shi)Process and yield engineeringExperiencedposted 25 May
Semiconductor process engineers
Snr Field Process Engineer (이천)
ASM InternationalSouth Korea > IcheonProcess and yield engineeringExperiencedposted 2 Apr
Semiconductor process engineers
Principal Field Process Engineer
ASM InternationalUS > Oregon > HillsboroProcess and yield engineeringSenior, staff or principalposted 6 Mar
Semiconductor process engineers
Principal Process Engineer
ASM InternationalUS > Arizona > PhoenixProcess and yield engineeringSenior, staff or principalposted 3 Oct 2025
Semiconductor process engineers
Senior Process Engineer - Industry Experience
ASM InternationalUS > Arizona > PhoenixProcess and yield engineeringSenior, staff or principalposted 21 Feb 2025
Semiconductor process engineers

What these postings ask for

Counted across the open roles above, by a published list of terms

Named in postings	Kind	Postings	Share
Etch / deposition (CVD, PVD, ALD)	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
PhD asked	Credential	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Materials characterisation	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Schematics and electrical troubleshooting	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Design of experiments	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Metrology and inspection	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Vacuum systems	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
FMEA / root-cause analysis	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Bachelor’s degree asked	Credential	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Cleanroom work	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Lean / Six Sigma	Credential	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Python	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →
Statistical process control	Skill	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →	How this is computedFor each skill or credential in the published list, the number of open postings whose title or description names any of its terms.Method →Code →

Process and yield engineering: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 17-2072.00 · ISCO 2152.1.6

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Design
Mathematics
English Language

Essential skills in ESCO: microelectronics engineer

environmental legislation
mathematics
process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006
design microelectronics
report analysis results
test microelectronics
electronic equipment standards
use technical drawing software
develop electronic test procedures
design drawings
electronic test procedures
microelectronics
conduct quality control analysis
prepare production prototypes

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 17-2199.06

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Core tasks

Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.
Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.

Most important knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Design

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0)

O*NET 17-2041.00 · ISCO 2145.1

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Design
Physics

Essential skills in ESCO: chemical engineer

perform chemical experiments
work with chemicals
assess environmental impact
approve engineering design
adjust engineering designs
test chemical samples
engineering processes
engineering principles
analytical chemistry
apply health and safety standards
perform scientific research
chemistry
forecast organisational risks

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Field service and equipment: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 49-2094.00 · ISCO 2433.1

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.
Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.

Most important knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Customer and Personal Service
Mathematics

Essential skills in ESCO: after-sales service technician

execute after sales activities
maintenance and repair
characteristics of services
advise on merchandise features
create solutions to problems
customer service
product comprehension
contact customers
characteristics of products
customer relationship management
implement sales strategies
implement customer follow-up
communicate with customers
provide customer follow-up services

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 49-9041.00 · ISCO 7233.7

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.

Most important knowledge

Mechanical
English Language
Production and Processing
Engineering and Technology
Design

Essential skills in ESCO: industrial machinery mechanic

use testing equipment
resolve equipment malfunctions
inspect industrial equipment
perform test run
perform maintenance on installed equipment
troubleshoot
secure working area
pneumatics
mechanics
electricity
hydraulics
electrical wiring plans
conduct routine machinery checks
write records for repairs

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Technicians and operators: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 51-9141.00 · ISCO 8212.3.6

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Core tasks

Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.

Most important knowledge

Production and Processing
English Language
Public Safety and Security
Computers and Electronics
Education and Training

Essential skills in ESCO: semiconductor processor

read assembly drawings
clean wafers
electronics
produce semiconductor crystals
monitor manufacturing quality standards
inspect semiconductor components
microelectronics
integrated circuits
ensure conformity to specifications
slice crystals into wafers
remove defective products
semiconductors
load electronic circuits onto wafers
wear cleanroom suit

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 17-3023.00 · ISCO 3114.1.6

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Design
English Language
Mechanical

Essential skills in ESCO: microelectronics engineering technician

test microelectronics
solder electronics
meet deadlines
prepare production prototypes
read engineering drawings
adjust engineering designs
liaise with engineers
microprocessors
design drawings
microsensors
inspect quality of products
record test data
align components
electronics

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Where to train

Public programmes for these role families, each on its official page

College · United States · open to career changers

Semiconductor Technician Quick Start ↗

Maricopa Community Colleges

10 days (4 hours per day), in-person

Accelerated entry-level semiconductor technician training; $306 tuition stipend fully covers Arizona-resident tuition on completion and passing the NIMS certification.