Semiconductor Technicians

The work of semiconductor technicians is not physically strenuous and is usually done in an extremely clean environment. Technicians may work with hazardous chemicals, however, and proper safety precautions must be strictly followed. Because of the large demand for semiconductors and related devices, many facilities operate with two 12-hour shifts, meaning that a technician may be assigned to the night or weekend shift, or on a rotating schedule.

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. Their entry and exit into the clean room is controlled to minimize contamination; changing into a clean suit is required for each and every entry to the room.

An important component in most manufacturing processes is the speed with which products are produced. Workers may find themselves under a great deal of pressure to maintain a certain level of production volume. The ability to work well in a sometimes-stressful environment is an important quality for any prospective semiconductor technician.