What Do Semiconductor Processors Do

• Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.
• Maintain processing, production, and inspection information and reports.
• Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
• Set, adjust, and readjust computerized or mechanical equipment controls to regulate the power level, temperature, vacuum, and rotation speed of furnace, according to crystal growing specifications.

Typical day

On a daily basis, Semiconductor Processors attach ampoule to diffusion pump to remove air from the ampoule, and seal the ampoule, using a blowtorch. They inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscopes, and standard procedures.

A typical day for a Semiconductor Processor will also include:

• Inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.
• Load and unload equipment chambers and transport finished product to storage or to the area for further processing.
• Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.
• Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
• Manipulate valves, switches, and buttons, or key commands into control panels to start semiconductor processing cycles.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Semiconductor Processors also locate the crystal axis of the ingot, and draw orientation lines on the ingot, using x-ray equipment, drill, and sanding machine. They may also connect the reactor to the computer, using hand tools and power tools.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Semiconductor Processors mount crystal ingots or wafers on blocks or plastic laminate, using special mounting devices, to facilitate their positioning in the holding fixtures of sawing, drilling, grinding, or sanding equipment. They might also measure and weigh amounts of crystal growing materials, mix and grind materials, load materials into containers, and monitor processing procedures to help identify crystal growing problems.

In addition, they scribe or separate wafers into dice.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them inspect equipment for leaks, diagnose malfunctions, and request repairs.

To some Semiconductor Processors, it is also their responsibility to clean and maintain equipment, including replacing etching and rinsing solutions and cleaning bath containers and work areas.