Talking Technicians

This special episode is a crossover episode with the Troubleshooting Technicians Podcast. Troubleshooting Technicians is a podcast about how technicians troubleshoot and solve problems in their work. This episode features Sean from Pfeiffer Vacuum. Sean describes general troubleshooting steps and then goes into a specific example of how to troubleshoot a vacuum system. Give the Troubleshooting Technicians podcast feed a follow!

Ashley is an RDA process technician at Micron in Manassas, Virginia. Ashley describes her role in inspecting wafers for imperfections and ensuring high-quality chips. She works shifts from Wednesday to Saturday, earning a starting wage of $20-$25 per hour, with potential differentials for night shifts. Benefits include excellent healthcare and retirement plans. Ashley emphasizes the importance of communication and adaptability, cre...

In this episode of Talking Technicians you’ll meet Joey, an equipment engineer at Micron in Boise, Idaho. Joey details his professional journey from being a technician to an engineer, the operations at Micron, and the skills required to excel in the semiconductor industry. Joey shares insights on salary expectations, benefits, and the importance of both technical and soft skills in the workplace. Hear Joey’s insightful advice for a...

Jose, a technician at the Kavli Nanoscience Institute (KNI) at Caltech, discusses his role in microfabrication, using equipment like ellipsometers and atomic force microscopes. He describes his daily routine, including wearing a bunny suit for safety. Jose shares his educational journey, starting from Pasadena City College, and his plans to transfer and work in a clean room. He highlights the unexpected challenges of learning new t...

Justin, a test engineer at Entegris in Prior Lake, Minnesota, discusses his career progression from working as technician to becoming an engineer. As a test engineer, Justin tests materials and designs using metrology and microscopy. Previously, Justin worked as an applications technician at Optima, where he demonstrated aerosol jet technology to customers. Justin emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, networking, and bu...

Logan is a Quality Tech 3 at Renewal by Anderson in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Logan highlights career development opportunities at Anderson, including promotions to technologist positions. Logan notes that technicians can earn around $25 an hour and can secure benefits like 401(k) plans and PTO. Logan contrasts his experience at a large company with his previous role at a small firm. Hear how Logan emphasizes the importance of asking q...

Ani, an intern at Caltech's KNI clean room, discusses her role in nanotechnology fabrication. Ani trained on various machines, including the Orion metal deposition equipment and an ellipsometer. Ani emphasizes the importance of protective gear and the challenges of working in a loud environment. She recounts her first day and the impact of the California fires on her personal and professional life, highlighting the support she...

Ian, a maintenance technician at Polar Semiconductor in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, discusses his career path and work as a maintenance technician. Ian troubleshoots equipment and tools, including those for low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LP CVD) at high temperatures. Ian transitioned from running his own business to becoming a technician after obtaining a two-year degree in nano science technology at Dakota County Technical ...

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...