Workers in the semiconductor & electronic components industry research, design, evaluate, modify, and fabricate components or circuitry for use in electronics equipment and devices.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Workers in this group of occupations may:

Develop new applications of electrical and dielectric properties of metallic and non-metallic materials used in semiconductors and electronic components

Assemble experimental circuitry or complete prototype models

Evaluate new designs based upon test data

Develop charts, graphs, and schematics to describe and illustrate operating characteristics, malfunctions, and functional limitations

Estimate production times and determine optimum staffing for production schedules

Analyze software requirements to determine feasibility of designs within time and cost restraints

Measure and mix specified amounts of materials

Encapsulate, clean, coat, epoxy bond, cure, stamp, etch, impregnate, and color code components

Examine components using microscopes to detect manufacturing defects and blemishes

Maintain records of production and defects

Tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Workers in this group of occupations may specialize in these areas:

003.061-030 ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS conduct research and development activities concerned with design, manufacture, and testing of semiconductors and electronic components.

003.061-034 ELECTRONICS-DESIGN ENGINEERS conduct analytical studies on engineering proposals to develop designs.

003.161-014 ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production semiconductors and electronic components.

003.161-018 SEMICONDUCTOR DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIANS test developmental semi-conductor devices or sample production units and evaluate test equipment to compile data for engineering evaluation.

003.281-014 ELECTRONIC DRAFTERS prepare working plans, detailed drawings and complete electrical drawings of circuit components.

012.167-042 MANUFACTURING ENGINEERS direct and coordinate manufacturing processes.

030.062-010 SOFTWARE ENGINEERS research, design, and develop computer software systems in conjunction with product development.

590.684-022 SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSORS process materials used in the manufacture of electric semiconductors.

590.684-042 INTEGRATED CIRCUIT FABRICATORS set up equipment and perform a wide variety of production processes to fabricate integrated circuits.

726.684-034 SEMICONDUCTOR ASSEMBLERS assemble microelectronic semi-conductor devices, components, and subassemblies.

Other occupations include quality assurance engineer; field service engineer and technician; and technical writer and illustrator.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Electronics manufacturing work is clean. Most manufacturing facilities are modern, clean and air-conditioned. Professional and technical occupations in this industry often work as part of a team that includes specialists in other areas in order to solve problems. Assemblers may work at a bench in a room that is clean, well lighted, and free of dust.

Workers in this industry usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Overtime may be necessary to complete projects on schedule. Professional and technical workers may spend additional time studying technical journals in order to keep abreast of rapidly changing technology affecting the field. Work is sometimes organized as projects which may last as long as 2 or 3 years.

Production workers may work day, evenings, or night shifts. During periods of economic recession or relocation of production facilities overseas, they may be laid off.

Electronics technicians may be required to purchase their own hand tools, at a cost of $200 or more.

Hourly production workers and technicians may join unions such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Members must pay periodic dues. Electronics Technicians may join professional organizations such as the International Society of Certified Engineering Technicians. Electronics Engineers may join professional organizations such as the National Society of Professional Engineers or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Members pay annual dues.

For professional and technical occupations in the semiconductor and electronic components industry:

You Should Prefer:

• Working with mathematics or statistics

• Using your imagination to find new ways to do something

• Discovering new facts and developing ways to apply them

• Working with scientific or technical equipment

You Should Be Able To:

• Understand principles of chemistry, physics, and related sciences

• Think logically in a clear and organized manner to solve problems

• Work on different projects and adjust to changing situations

• Perform detail work with great accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

If a circuit contains a 5, 25 and 75 ohm resistor, what is the total equivalent resistance in the circuit?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Circuit analysis most often deals with voltage, current, and power requirements. For example, a circuit component with a given resistance may be designed to operate at a particular voltage.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an efficiency report concerning the test of a certain electrical component.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to estimate production and decide the size of the work force.

For manufacturing occupations in the semiconductor and electronic components industry:

You Should Prefer:

• Doing routine work with things and objects

• Using machines and special processes in your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Read and follow instructions to set up and adjust machines/equipment

• Pay strict attention to standards and guidelines

• Adjust to doing the same thing over and over

• Pay attention to safety rules when working around machinery

In the semiconductor and electronic components industry, workers may have to pass a test for color blindness since they must work with color coded materials.

Although not required for employment, technicians with acceptable education and experience may obtain certification from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers or the National Institute for the Certification of Engineering Technologies. Passing a written exam may be required for certification.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer and a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes; an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School); an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond High School); a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

052 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment servicing electrical and electronics systems, appliances, and motors. Individuals who teach Electrical and Electronics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

058 ENGINEERING (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.

                Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com

ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT REPAIRERS

The military uses electronic instruments in many area, including health care, weather forecasting, flight control, and combat, to name a few. Electronic instrument repairers maintain and repair electronic instruments, such as precision measuring equipment, navigational controls, photographic equipment, and biomedical instruments. Electronic instrument repairers normally specialize by type of equipment or instrument being repaired.

What They Do

Electronic instrument repairers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Test meteorological and medical instruments, navigational controls and simulators using electronic and electrical test equipment

• Read technical diagrams and manuals in order to locate, isolate, and repair instrument parts

• Replace equipment parts such as resistors, switches, and circuit boards

Training Provided

Job training consists of 15 to 30 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in repairing and replacing equipment parts. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Principles of electronics

• Use and maintenance of electrical and electronic test equipment

• Equipment repair exercises

The Navy and the Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Work Environment

Electronic instrument repairers usually work in repair shops and laboratories.

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded wiring. Some specialties require a minimum age of 18 to enter.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math and electronic equipment repair. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with electronic equipment

• Interest in solving problems

• Attention to detail

Civilian Counterparts

Most civilian electronic instrument repairers work for manufacturing, medical research, satellite communications firms, or commercial airlines. They may also work for government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or the national Weather Service. They perform the same kind of duties as military instrument repairers. They are called electronics mechanics, dental equipment repairers, or biomedical equipment technicians, depending on their specialty.

Opportunities

The services have about 6,000 electronic instrument repairers. On average they need about 500 new repairers each year. After job training, they are assigned to an operations or equipment maintenance unit. They perform routine maintenance and simple repair jobs. In time, they may perform more difficult repairs and supervise other repair personnel. Eventually, they may become supervisors or managers of electronic equipment maintenance units.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Many people develop an interest in electronics through hobbies. They may buy kits and build electronic items such as radios or televisions. While in school, they may join science, radio, or computer clubs. Students may get summer or part-time jobs in local businesses or plants which use, service, or fabricate electronics and components. Through these experiences, they meet people in the industry who can provide job leads. Postsecondary electrical and electronics technology programs may provide experience.

                School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Occupations in Electronic Components Industry employer

internships

volunteer work with a Occupations in Electronic Components Industry

community service work with an agency

The military is very dependent on electronics and trains many people as technicians.

Methods of entry depend upon the skill level of the job sought. Basic manufacturing occupations are most commonly obtained by direct application to employers. For more technical or professional positions, many technical schools and colleges have job placement services. Recruiters from firms in the semiconductor and electronic components industry often visit campuses in search of new employees. The industry needs workers with skills as well as education. Craftworkers, technicians, or engineers with a good background in electronics or in related work can apply directly to the employment offices of firms. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

IEEE-USA JOB Listing Service ( http://www.ieeeusa.org/EMPLOYMENT/jobs.htm )

Michigan Talent Bank

America's Job Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

MONSTER.COM

FlipDog.com

JobsOnline

CareerBuilder

JobOptions

The Silicon Valley Job Source

                 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of workers in the semiconductor and electronic component industry depend upon education, experience, field of specialization, job responsibilities, and geographic area. The industry is centered in the "Silicon Valley" of California with about one third of the entire industry located there.

These are average annual salaries nationally for some professional and technical occupations found in the electronics industry for early 1998:

Licensed professional engineers in the Electrical & Electronics Industries earned between $51,141 and $111,900 yearly in 1998.

Production workers in the semi-conductor processing industry had average earnings of $17.94 in late 1998, while production workers in the electronic component sector earned $10.91.

Hourly production occupations had these average hourly wages in early 1998:

In Michigan, many Electronic Technicians earned an average annual income between $28,500 and $40,600 (1998).

Depending on the employer, fringe benefits may include paid vacations, six to ten or more paid holidays per year, sick pay, health and life insurance, and pension programs. Employers may offer education reimbursement plans to employees who want to upgrade their job skills. Some receive savings or stock investment plans.

Career advancement opportunities are available to those willing to put together education, training, and experience. The career ladder for a professional worker may include moving from a junior engineer to an Electronic Engineer, to a project engineer, senior research engineer and eventually to an electronic design engineering manager.

Advancement for hourly production workers in this industry may involve moving from a Semiconductor Assembler to a technician apprentice and then to a Semiconductor Development Technician.

The chances of advancement for all kinds of workers are better than in most other fields. Assemblers, inspectors, and testers may become line supervisors. Technicians with seven to ten years on the job may move into associate engineering work. Persons who spend time to study and improve their work skills will advance.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, it is estimated that 629,400 workers were employed in the semiconductor and electronic components industry in 1997. Of these, 381,900 were production workers. Employment for semi-conductor production employees is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Likewise, employment for the professional and technical occupations found in the industry is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006.

Advances in microelectronics help direct future development in computer, telecommunications, robotics, aerospace, defense, and other industries. Demand is increasing for electronic circuits that have faster access time, greater complexity, and additional circuit density. The largest employers are located in the West and New England.

There were about 6,600 people employed in the semiconductor and electronic components industry in Michigan. Most employers are located in Southeastern Michigan, Oakland County in particular, though there are some scattered throughout the state.

Employment in the semiconductor and electronic components industry in Michigan is expected to increase faster than the average for all industries through the year 2005. Most openings will be due to rapid growth in the industry.

The automobile industry continues to make greater use of electronics. Automotive suppliers are locating production facilities in close proximity to final assembly plants. This has resulted in many foreign owned suppliers locating across the southern tiers of Michigan counties. While the nation as a whole may lose some jobs in the semiconductor and electronic components industry, Michigan will gain.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupations in the electronic components industry can be summarized by the following:

  MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development