Process Technician

TSMC; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) Retirement Savings

Paid Time Off

Job summary

TSMC Arizona is hiring Process Technicians for the most advanced semiconductor fab in the U.S., operating leading‑edge N4/N3/N2 lines with 24/7 production. You will monitor automated systems, manage wafer flow, and respond to alarms to safeguard yield and tool performance.

On shift, you’ll analyze data, collaborate with engineers, and drive stability and continuous improvements. 12‑hour shifts, day/night rotations, and a structured training plan provide a defined growth path and opportunities in

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Reliable, team‑oriented with good communication.
• Willingness to work 12‑hour shifts and rotate days/nights.

Responsibilities

• Run Production Shifts: Operate and oversee automated systems that control wafer flow and tool performance.
• Respond with Speed & Judgment: Resolve abnormalities following SOPs and decision trees, applying judgment for urgent cases outside SOP coverage.
• Analyze Data for Insights: Use system tools and reports to identify patterns, trace root causes, and document solutions.
• Coordinate with Engineers: Collaborate to troubleshoot issues, stabilize processes, and continuously improve line performance.
• Grow into Leadership: Progress to shift coordination and mentor junior teammates, leading to cross‑team initiatives.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Excel

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Process Technician – Keep the World's Most Advanced Production Running

A job at TSMC Arizona offers an opportunity to work at the most advanced semiconductor fab in the United States. TSMC Arizona’s first fab will operate its leading-edge semiconductor process technology (N4 process), starting production in the first half of 2025. The second fab will utilize its leading edge N3 and N2 process technology and be operational in 2028. The recently announced third fab will manufacture chips using 2nm or even more advanced process technology, with production starting by the end of the decade. America’s leading technology companies are ready to rely on TSMC Arizona for the next generations of chips that will power the digital future.

At TSMC Arizona, Process Technicians are not just operators—they are the production guardians of the most advanced semiconductor fab in the U.S. When you are on shift, you hold direct responsibility for production stability, making time‑critical decisions, and ensuring billions of transistors are manufactured flawlessly. Your judgment directly affects wafer yield, line stability, and multi‑million‑dollar tool performance.

Module Process Technician

Our Process Technicians are assigned to specialized engineering modules, such as Lithography (LIT), Etch (ETC), Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Diffusion (DIF), Epitaxy (EPI), Chemical Mechanical Polish (CMP), Metrology (ME), and Yield Excellence (YED). Each module plays a critical role in semiconductor manufacturing, and technicians are trusted to maintain stability and quality within their assigned area.

Quick Snapshot of Your Role

• Monitor & Operate Automated Systems
• Independently run production shifts by monitoring wafer flow, tool performance, and system dashboards to ensure every step meets standard
• Respond to alarms and analyze data – act immediately when alarms occur, apply decision trees/SOPs, and collect system data to trace abnormalities and prevent recurrence
• Collaborate across teams for stability – work closely with engineers and teammates to restore stability, refine procedures, and drive continuous improvements
• Manage multiple tasks and system checks – balance lots, system alerts, and tool checks in parallel to set the right priorities to safeguard yield and production output

What You Will Do

• Run Production Shifts: Operate and oversee automated systems that control wafer flow and tool performance
• Respond with Speed & Judgment: Resolve abnormalities following SOPs and decision trees, while applying judgment for urgent cases outside SOP coverage
• Analyze Data for Insights: Use system tools and reports to identify patterns, trace root causes, and document solutions
• Coordinate with Engineers: Collaborate to troubleshoot issues, stabilize processes, and continuously improve line performance
• Grow into Leadership: With experience, take on shift coordination, lead daily meetings, and mentor junior teammates, leading to opportunities in shift leadership and cross‑team improvement projects

Education & Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required

Technical Skills

• Strong attention to detail, problem‑solving ability, solid computer proficiency (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Interpersonal Skills

• Reliable, communicative, team‑oriented, and confident in taking responsibility during shifts
• Candidates should demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and strong discipline in following procedures and maintaining schedules

Physical Requirements

• Flexible for 12‑hour shifts (day/night, 3–4 days per week), with occasional overtime based on production needs
• Requires regular rotation between day and night shifts to meet production needs
• While primarily office‑based, occasional entry into the cleanroom environment (with protective gowning) is required

Training & Growth

• Structured Onboarding (6–9 months): Includes SOP training, OJT, shadowing, and simulation
• Skill Development: Advance from mastering operations and systems to independent decision‑making, to leadership responsibilities
• Transparent Career Progression: Build long‑term growth opportunities in technical expertise, shift leadership, and cross‑department projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree (any field of study) preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in a non‑STEM discipline may also be considered (STEM bachelor’s degree holders are encouraged to apply for Engineer roles)

Shift Expectations

• TSMC Arizona operates 24/7, 365 days a year. This position requires candidate to have ability and willingness to work any shift (day or night) in a compressed week schedule once training is done. The compressed structure is 4 days on, 3 days off for one week and 3 days on, 4 days off the next week. Each shift is 12 hours, from 6am to 6pm or 6pm to 6am.

Why Join TSMC Arizona

• Be trusted to independently safeguard production in the most advanced fab in the U.S.
• Gain time‑critical decision‑making responsibility during shifts, going beyond routine operations
• Develop a long‑term career with structured training and a transparent growth path
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities to advance globally
• Access to global expertise, with opportunities to learn from TSMC’s worldwide best practices and to contribute to the success of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans: Choose the options that best fit you and your family’s needs
• Income‑Protection Programs: Financial assistance during injury or illness
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan: Secure your financial future with competitive employer contributions
• Paid Time‑Off Programs and Holidays: Recharge and spend quality time with loved ones

Work Location

5088 W. Innovation Circle, Phoenix, AZ 85083. Candidates must be willing and able to work on‑site at our Phoenix Arizona facility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TSMC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If you need an accommodation as part of the application process, please contact [e-mail].