Jobs and Career Outlook for Semiconductor Engineers

Semiconductor chips form the backbone of the entire computing and electronics industry. Anything that plugs into a wall outlet of has a battery requires at least one–if not many–semiconductor chips. As global demand for semiconductor chips and integrated circuits increases, engineering expertise in semiconductors and microelectronics will become an even more valuable credential. According to the Semiconductor Industry Association, the semiconductor field will add 70,000 new direct jobs by 2026, and federal investments in semiconductors are growing substantially.  

Master’s degrees are particularly valuable in the semiconductor field, where technical knowledge and expertise can help advance your career. About 36% of semiconductor professionals hold advanced degrees, compared to an average of 14% for professionals in other fields. 

Graduates have a variety of options of where to take their careers. Roles in the semiconductor industry are varied, each leveraging different strengths and technical focus. Here are some examples: 

Job opportunities for graduates 

• Semiconductor Engineers are at the forefront of technological advancement. They are responsible for designing and developing semiconductor devices and circuits, as well as testing and characterizing their performance, making significant contributions to the next generation of electronics.
• Process Engineers play a crucial role in semiconductor production, working closely with fabrication facilities to design and optimize manufacturing processes. Their expertise ensures high-quality and cost-effective production of semiconductor devices. 
• Device Engineers focus on the intricate design, modeling, and characterization of semiconductor devices. Their work aims to improve the performance, reliability, and manufacturability of transistors, diodes, sensors and other vital components. 
• Integration Engineers are instrumental in merging various semiconductor components into larger systems or platforms. Their expertise ensures seamless compatibility, superior functionality, and optimal performance of integrated circuits and semiconductor-based systems. 
• Product Engineers play a pivotal role in bringing semiconductor products to market. They work closely with cross-functional teams, contributing to product design, testing, qualification, and production ramp-up to ensure high-quality products that meet customer requirements. 
• Failure Analysis Engineers investigate and diagnose failures in semiconductor devices or systems. By using various analytical techniques, they identify root causes, propose effective solutions, and continuously improve product reliability. 
• Research and Development Engineers are trailblazers in the semiconductor industry. They work on cutting-edge research projects, exploring new materials, processes, and technologies to drive the development of groundbreaking semiconductor devices and methodologies. 
• Application Engineers play a vital role in making semiconductor technology applicable in specific industries and use cases. They provide technical support, troubleshooting, and optimized solutions to ensure semiconductor technologies meet the needs of the end product. 
• Quality Engineers are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in semiconductor manufacturing. Implementing rigorous quality control processes and statistical analysis, they play a pivotal role in delivering top-notch products that meet industry specifications and customer requirements. 
• Technical Sales Engineers act as the liaison between technology and commerce. Armed with in-depth technical knowledge, they promote and sell semiconductor products or solutions, providing demonstrations and invaluable technical support throughout the sales process to win customers over.