Why Pursue a Career in Semiconductors? Insights from Industry Experts

From Coffee Machines to Space Missions—Semiconductors Power It All!

Imagine waking up in the morning. Your coffee machine starts brewing your favorite blend. You check the weather app on your phone. Your car's GPS guides you to work. Ever wondered what ties all of these together?

Semiconductors.

From gaming consoles to electric vehicles, from AI-powered chatbots to Mars rovers, semiconductor chips are the brain of modern technology. And here’s the kicker—we don’t have enough people to make them.

So, is semiconductors a good career path?

Let’s break it down.

Semiconductor Jobs: The Hottest Tech Career of the Decade

If you’re wondering what industries are hiring semiconductor professionals, here’s the reality:

• AI, Automotive, Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, and Aerospace—all these industries depend on semiconductor chips.
• The U.S. semiconductor workforce will need 115,000 new skilled professionals by 2030. 
• Intel, Samsung, TSMC, Micron, and Texas Instruments are all expanding their U.S. operations, actively recruiting semiconductor engineers. 

And the best part? These are some of the best paying jobs in semiconductors!

Big takeaway?

If you want a future-proof career, semiconductors are one of the highest-paying industries in tech.

The Semiconductor Boom: A $1 Trillion Industry in the Making

Right now, the global semiconductor industry is worth over $500 billion. But by 2030? It’s projected to hit $1 trillion.

Why the explosion?

• 5G, AI, and Electric Vehicles are fueling demand for high-performance chips.
• The CHIPS and Science Act has allocated $52.7 billion to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
• Major tech companies are scrambling to secure semiconductor supply chains, creating endless job opportunities.

According to Pat Gelsinger, former CEO of Intel:

“Oil reserves have defined geopolitics for the last five decades. Where the fabs [factories] are for a digital future is more important.”

Translation? The geopolitical importance of the semiconductor industry cannot be understated anymore—it’s exploding.

Industry Experts on Why You Should Choose a Career in Semiconductors

Lisa Su, CEO of AMD:

“I just really love building chips. One of the key things is, when you look at semiconductor companies, it's all about experience. We see incredible opportunities to solve some of the biggest social challenges we have by combining high-performance computing and AI - such as climate change and more.”

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA:

“The Xbox is how the computer will be built in the next 20 years. More semiconductor capacity will go to the user experience.”

Career Paths to know before Getting Started into Semiconductor Career

Embarking on a career in semiconductor engineering offers a diverse array of specialized paths, each contributing uniquely to the industry's innovation and efficiency. Here are eight prominent roles:

1. Semiconductor Equipment Engineer: Focuses on maintaining, calibrating, and optimizing manufacturing machinery to ensure seamless production processes.
2. Semiconductor Facilities Engineer: Manages the essential infrastructure of manufacturing facilities, including utilities, HVAC systems, and cleanroom environments, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
3. Semiconductor Process Engineer: Designs and refines manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and yield, involving data analysis and collaboration with R&D teams.
4. Semiconductor Failure Analysis Engineer: Investigates device defects or failures to improve product reliability, conducting root cause analyses and working closely with design and process teams.
5. Semiconductor Technology Development Engineer: Drives innovation by developing new technologies and processes, staying abreast of industry trends, and collaborating on cutting-edge projects.
6. Semiconductor Product Engineer: Oversees the lifecycle of semiconductor products, from design to production, ensuring they meet quality and performance standards.
7. Semiconductor Test Engineer: Develops and implements testing procedures to ensure devices function correctly, analyzing test data to identify and resolve issues.
8. Semiconductor Packaging Engineer: Focuses on the design and development of packaging solutions that protect semiconductor devices and enhance their performance.

Each of these roles plays a vital part in advancing semiconductor technology, offering professionals opportunities to engage in innovative and impactful work.

How to Get Started in Semiconductors? Cleveland State University Has You Covered!

With massive job demand and some of the best paying jobs in semiconductors, the question is: How do you break into this field?

Cleveland State University (CSU) – Preparing Students for High-Tech Semiconductor Careers

With demand for semiconductor professionals skyrocketing, Cleveland State University (CSU) has developed a specialized semiconductor program to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to enter this rapidly growing industry. Whether you're interested in chip design, semiconductor manufacturing, or plant operations, CSU provides the perfect launchpad for a high-paying, future-proof career.

CSU’s Semiconductor Courses: What You’ll Learn

CSU’s semiconductor program consists of three targeted courses, each designed to address specific industry skill gaps and prepare students for real-world semiconductor careers.

Introduction to Semiconductor Manufacturing

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of semiconductor fabrication – from raw material selection to final chip production.
• Learn wafer processing techniques, photolithography, etching, doping, and deposition – essential steps in semiconductor manufacturing.
• Work with cleanroom protocols and semiconductor processing equipment, giving you hands-on exposure to the environment used in top fabrication plants (fabs).

Who is this for?

• Aspiring semiconductor engineers, manufacturing specialists, and process technicians.
• Students interested in entry-level positions at chip fabrication plants.

Plant Maintenance & Safety in Semiconductor Manufacturing

• Gain expertise in semiconductor plant operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance best practices.
• Learn about semiconductor safety protocols, equipment handling, and facility maintenance to ensure optimal production efficiency.
• Understand failure detection, quality control, and contamination prevention in cleanroom environments.

Who is this for?

• Students looking to work in semiconductor facility operations, maintenance engineering, or process control roles.
• Those interested in technical support and troubleshooting in high-tech chip fabrication plants.

Foundations of Semiconductor Technology

• Dive deep into semiconductor physics, circuit design, and next-gen chip technology.
• Explore advanced materials like gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC), which are revolutionizing semiconductor applications.
• Understand how semiconductors power AI, IoT, 5G networks, and electric vehicles.

Who is this for?

• Aspiring semiconductor researchers, R&D engineers, and chip designers.
• Students interested in emerging semiconductor technologies and high-tech innovation.

Why Choose CSU’s Semiconductor Program?

CSU is committed to bridging the talent gap in the semiconductor industry by offering a cutting-edge, industry-aligned program that provides direct career pathways into leading semiconductor companies.

Hands-on Training with Semiconductor Fabrication Tools

• Unlike traditional classroom-based programs, CSU’s semiconductor curriculum emphasizes practical learning in a lab environment.
• Students gain experience using semiconductor processing tools, cleanroom procedures, and advanced testing equipment.
• Employers prioritize graduates with hands-on experience, making CSU students highly employable.

Industry-Aligned Curriculum for Real-World Job Readiness

• Courses are designed in collaboration with semiconductor industry leaders to ensure that students learn skills in demand today.
• Training covers chip design, fabrication techniques, and semiconductor safety protocols, preparing graduates for immediate workforce entry.
• The CHIPS and Science Act’s investment in semiconductor workforce development makes CSU’s program even more relevant in today’s job market.

The Final Word: Why Semiconductors?

• Do you want job security? Semiconductors are one of the most future-proof industries.
• Do you want high pay? These are some of the best paying jobs in semiconductors.
• Do you want to work in AI, electric vehicles, or 5G? Semiconductors power all of it.

So, if you’re asking "is semiconductors a good career path?" The answer is YES—100% YES!

Your Future Starts Here – Enroll in CSU’s Semiconductor Program, and become part of the trillion-dollar semiconductor revolution!