What Semiconductor Processors Do

Semiconductor processors oversee the manufacturing of electronic semiconductors, which are commonly known as integrated circuits or microchips. These microchips are found in all electronic devices—including cell phones, cars, and laptops—and are an important part of modern life.

Duties

Semiconductor processors typically do the following:

• Look over work orders, instructions, and processing charts to determine a work schedule
• Monitor machines that slice silicon crystals into wafers for processing
• Use robots to clean and polish the silicon wafers
• Load wafers into the equipment that creates patterns and forms the electronic circuitry
• Set and adjust controls to regulate the manufacturing equipment’s power level, temperature, and other process parameters
• Adjust the process equipment and repair as needed during the manufacturing process
• Test completed microchips to ensure they work properly
• Review the manufacturing process and suggest improvements

Semiconductor processors, also known as process technicians, are largely responsible for quality control in the manufacturing process. They check equipment regularly for problems and test completed chips to make sure they work properly. If a problem with a chip does arise, they determine if it is due to contamination of that particular wafer or if it was caused by a flaw in the manufacturing process.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition