Talking Technicians

Gabriel is a field service engineer at Applied Materials in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this episode, Gabriel discusses his career path. He attended the Early College High School Program, focusing on microelectronics technology automation. Gabriel works inside Intel's Ronler Acres campus, troubleshooting and maintaining semiconductor equipment. Gabriel advises students to consider the microelectronics program and Early College High ...

Matt is a senior research technician at the University of Kentucky's Institute of Sustainable Manufacturing. He shares his career path, starting from Somerset Community College, where he earned a 3D printing technician certificate, to working at Blue Origin in Washington State and then returning to Kentucky. Matt emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and continuous learning in his field. He advise...

Eldon shares his journey from high school in McCreary County, Kentucky, to his current role as an Additive Manufacturing Project Specialist at Somerset Community College. Eldon initially pursued a 3D printing certificate at Somerset Community College, which prepared him for a technician role at Fast Radius. Despite initial challenges, including moving to Louisville and dealing with a company bankruptcy, Eldon emphasized the importa...

Arman is a fabrication technician at Excelitas in Boulder, Colorado. Arman moved from Santa Clarita, California, and now earns around $50,000 annually. He grinds and polishes lenses for various applications, including commercial and military uses. Arman emphasizes the importance of detail, communication, and teamwork in his role. He transitioned from a warehouse job to a two-year laser optics program at Pasadena City College. Arman...

In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Emily, a facilities engineer at Intel. Emily shares her journey from community college to a full-time engineering role, discussing her experiences in the clean room, the challenges she faced as a woman in engineering, and the importance of soft skills and networking in her career. She emphasizes the diverse opportunities available in the semiconductor industry and offers valuable ...

In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Josh, a technician at Analog Devices in San Jose, California. Hear about Josh's background, his experience working at Analog Devices, and the opportunities for growth and benefits in the industry. Josh shares his journey from starting in an automotive shop to working in the microelectronics industry, and how his education at a community college prepared him for his career. Jo...

Kendall, a technician at Indium, shares the experience working in the manufacturing industry and the journey to becoming a technician. Kendall discusses the role of Indium as a materials refiner and supplier to the electronics and semiconductor markets. Kendall describes daily tasks operating a rolling mill and the various alloys produced at Indium and also talks about the opportunities for professional growth, benefits, and work s...

Jamel is a Technician at Tokyo Electron, also called TEL in Hillsboro, OR outside of Portland. Jamel was part of the Vet S.T.E.P.  program that helps military service members transition into the civilian sector. Jamel talks about how the skills and practices he learned and used in the military can be transferred and employed as a technician in the semiconductor industry. 

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, t...

Alberto is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician at Wolfspeed in Marcy, NY. Alberto talks about how his work in the US AirForce and the Vet S.T.E.P. program prepared him to work as a technician in the semiconductor industry. Aberto highlights how some technical skills he learned in the military are transferable to the civilian sector.  Hear about the benefits of becoming a semiconductor technician and how the Vet S.T.E.P. program wo...

Stephen is a Manufacturing Equipment Technician (MET) at Intel in Hillsboro, Oregon. Stephen discusses his journey from Minneapolis to working at Intel and shares insights into his day-to-day responsibilities involving the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing. Stephen talks about shift schedules, salary ranges, professional growth opportunities, and the importance of communication and saf...

Lincoln is a technician working in the semiconductor industry. Lincoln was in the armed services, then went to community college and enrolled in an electrical engineering technology program. He now has experience working as a technician at two different semiconductor companies in the Portland, OR area. Hear about Lincoln’s experience in this episode of Talking Technicians

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, t...

Ethan is a HPM technician at Intel in Hillsboro, OR outside Portland. HPM technicians at Intel support other technicians that work at Intel. Hear about how Ethan went from working in the hospitality industry to long-term career in the semiconductor industry. Ethan talks about his work, what it feels like working in a semiconductor factory (a fab), and how he balances his studies at community college with his work as a technician.

Laury is a Senior Control Engineer at Albireo Energy in Northern Virginia. Laury is passionate about her career. In this episode here about what working in a data center is like and how you can join this exciting career. At the end of the episode, listen to what Laury has to say about encouraging women to work in technical careers. Laury’s work is inspiring.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano ...

Janaki is a Equipment Engineering Technician at Analog Devices in Beaverton, OR outside Portland. Janaki had a career in small business, but needed to make a change. Hear how Janaki transitioned to working in the semiconductor industry by enrolling in Portland Community College’s Microelectronics Program.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support...

Michelle is a lead thin film vacuum technician at MKS Instruments at the Richardson Gratings Lab in Rochester, NY. Michelle started out working as an operator, then gained additional skills by enrolling in a vacuum technician certificate program at Normandale Community College. Hear Michelle’s story about how she took her career to the next level.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology ...

Mario secured an internship at Intel.  Mario worked on submarines in the Navy. When he left the Navy, he needed a new career. Hear how Mario made the decision to work as an engineering technician intern and how his company is helping with his degree and coursework at community college. Mario’s story is inspirational and shows one of the different backgrounds that can lead you to work in the semiconductor industry.

The Talking T...

Jason works as a technician at Intel. Jason worked as a freelance videographer, but wanted a more stable profession. He graduated from a 2-year community college program and secured a job in the semiconductor industry at Intel. Hear how Jason’s career as a technician has grown and how Intel supports his professional growth.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, throug...

Jose works at Genentech. Jose grew up in the Bay Area and went from working in restaurants to a career in biotechnology. Hear about how Jose enrolled in a community college program, completed an internship and now has a career at one of the biggest biotech companies. Jose talks about what he is most passionate about at work and how you can work towards your dream career too.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC...

Sofia is a Lab Services and Media Prep Technician at Genetech. Hear how Sophia went from a degree in world languages to a community college biotech program. Sophia shares her story and journey in this episode and has advice for folks who want to transition careers and start work as a technician. 

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the...