BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasSemiconductor Processing Technicians

O*NET · 51-9141.00

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.

Also called Crystal Cutter · Crystal Finisher · Crystal Grower · Crystal Growing Tech · Crystal Growing Technician (Crystal Growing Tech) · Crystal Lapper · Crystal Machining Coordinator · Crystal Mounter
54 more

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Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.40
  • C Conventional5.15
  • I Investigative3.07
  • E Enterprising1.46
  • S Social1.11
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma12%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent84%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate1%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Related work experience
None (48%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (25%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (49%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.42.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Quality Control Analysis3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Monitoringbasic3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Active Listeningbasic3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Equipment Maintenance2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Operation and Control2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Speakingbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Troubleshooting2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
Show the other 23
  • Coordination2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Time Management2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Repairing2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Active Learningbasic2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Equipment Selection2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Instructing2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Persuasion2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Systems Analysis2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.31.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Service Orientation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Analysis2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Mathematicsbasic1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Sciencebasic1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Technology Design1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Material Resources1.60.9
  • Programming1.60.8
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Installation1.4—

Tasks

8 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.4.6
  2. Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.4.5
  3. Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.4.5
  4. Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.4.5
  5. Place semiconductor wafers in processing containers or equipment holders, using vacuum wand or tweezers.4.5
  6. Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to area for further processing.4.4
  7. Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.4.2
  8. Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.4.2
Show the other 9
  1. Stamp, etch, or scribe identifying information on finished component according to specifications.4.5
  2. Clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work area.4.4
  3. Monitor operation and adjust controls of processing machines and equipment to produce compositions with specific electronic properties, using computer terminals.4.3
  4. Load semiconductor material into furnace.4.2
  5. Count, sort, and weigh processed items.4.2
  6. Etch, lap, polish, or grind wafers or ingots to form circuitry and change conductive properties, using etching, lapping, polishing, or grinding equipment.4.1
  7. Calculate etching time based on thickness of material to be removed from wafers or crystals.4.1
  8. Scribe or separate wafers into dice.4.1
  9. Align photo mask pattern on photoresist layer, expose pattern to ultraviolet light, and develop pattern, using specialized equipment.4.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.93.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • English Language3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Computers and Electronics3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Public Safety and Security3.42.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Education and Training3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Chemistry3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Customer and Personal Service3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Mathematics2.92.9
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Administration and Management2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Mechanical2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Communications and Media2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.10.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Telecommunications2.00.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Therapy and Counseling2.00.6Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.90.7Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Administrative1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Philosophy and Theology1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Design1.70.8Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.70.3Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Transportation1.70.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Law and Government1.60.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sales and Marketing1.6—
  • Foreign Language1.50.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Physics1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Psychology1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Building and Construction1.4—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Geography1.3—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.30.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Biology1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.63.6
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Written Comprehension3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Oral Comprehension3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Control Precision3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Finger Dexterity3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
Show all 52
  • Oral Expression3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Information Ordering3.13.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Problem Sensitivity3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Written Expression3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Perceptual Speed3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Category Flexibility2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Speech Clarity2.92.6
  • Speech Recognition2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.9
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Rate Control2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Selective Attention2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Static Strength2.82.6
  • Far Vision2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Trunk Strength2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory Attention2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Depth Perception2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Fluency of Ideas2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Reaction Time2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Response Orientation2.42.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Stamina2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Time Sharing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Dynamic Strength2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Speed of Closure2.01.6
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Glare Sensitivity1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision1.60.8
  • Peripheral Vision1.60.8
  • Sound Localization1.60.8
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.43.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.44.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.35.6
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.24.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.14.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.95.6
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.93.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Training and Teaching Others3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.95.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.73.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Processing Information3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.42.9
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Developing and Building Teams3.22.0Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.23.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.12.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.12.6
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.02.7
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.02.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.82.9
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.63.5Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Working with Computers2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.90.2Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.7
  • Time Pressure4.7
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.7
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.4
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.2
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions4.1
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.0
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers3.9

Technology

11 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (5)

  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Pythonhot
  • SAP softwarehot

Hot (1; 5 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (5)
  • Camstar Systems Camstar Semiconductor Suite
  • Database software
  • Eyelit Manufacturing
  • National Instruments TestStand
  • yieldWerx

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Chemical Plant and System Operators
  2. Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  3. Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
  4. Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
  5. Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  6. Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  7. Microsystems Engineers
  8. Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
  9. Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  10. Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.