Why are semiconductors so important?
Semiconductors are fundamental components in electronic devices, serving as the building blocks for integrated circuits (ICs) used in everything from smartphones and computers to medical equipment and automotive systems.
See how Fernando Leibovici, senior economist at the St. Louis Fed, describes the complex and vital semiconductor industry.
- No Substitutes: Semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics. Their unique properties make them indispensable in many applications, and currently, there’s no viable substitute for them.
- Investment of Money and Time: Semiconductor manufacturing is capital-intensive and time-consuming. Developing new semiconductor technologies demands significant time and resources. This level of investment and commitment often leads to long-term strategic planning by semiconductor companies.
- Demand for Innovation and R&D: Innovation is at the heart of the semiconductor industry. As technology advances and consumer demands evolve, semiconductor companies must continuously innovate to stay competitive. Research and Development (R&D) efforts drive advancements in materials science, manufacturing processes, and chip design, enabling the industry to develop faster, more efficient, and more capable devices.
- Produced in Concentration: Semiconductor manufacturing is indeed concentrated in a few key regions, such as Malaysia, Taiwan, China, and South Korea. This concentration is partly due to the historical development of the industry and the presence of key players in these regions.
Competition is stronger than ever.
Demand is at an all-time high for recruiting and hiring engineers in the semiconductor industry. The combination of specialized skills, rapid technological advancements, global competition, limited talent supply, strategic importance, and high-stakes projects contributes to the intense competition in semiconductor engineer recruiting. Companies must know where to find candidates, employ strategic recruiting tactics, and offer competitive incentives to attract and retain top talent.
Common titles for semiconductor engineers include:
- Semiconductor Process Engineer
- Device Engineer
- Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Test Engineer
- Quality Engineer
- Materials Engineer
- Packaging Engineer
- Product Engineer
- Research and Development (R&D) Engineer
Hiring authorities look for individuals who are innovative, adaptable, and capable of working in a fast-paced and highly competitive environment. More often than not, tapping into talent from small businesses can be a strategic approach for finding the right person for the job. These individuals bring diverse perspectives, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a strong understanding of product development that can drive success and innovation within semiconductor companies.
How to attract engineers on your own
You have a hiring need and a gap to fill. By emphasizing your brand, showcasing your culture, and highlighting innovative projects, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with top talent in the industry.
Polish your company presence
Attracting talent begins with optimizing your online presence to ensure your website and social media profiles effectively convey your values, culture, and successes. Ensure that your company’s website career page is up-to-date and user-friendly. Then, create compelling content such as blog posts, videos, or podcasts to offer insight into your daily operations.
Build awareness
Building awareness of open job opportunities requires a multi-faceted approach to reach potential candidates effectively. Once candidates are aware of your open position, highlight company culture, employee benefits, and opportunities for growth to attract potential candidates. The quality of your content will build trust and encourage your prospects to apply. Emphasizing your commitment to growth and development will demonstrate a compelling narrative.
Consider employing these strategies to build awareness:
- Post job openings on popular online job boards and career websites relevant to the industry. This increases visibility and attracts candidates actively seeking employment opportunities.
- Speak up in online forums, discussion groups, and professional networks relevant to the industry. Share insights and engage in conversation about what your company has to offer.
- Participate in industry events, conferences, and career fairs to not only bolsters your reputation but to connect you with like-minded individuals. Ask open-ended questions to initiate dialogue and actively listen to their response. Clearly and intentionally set expectations to follow up via email, phone call, or online connection.
Be prepared for the process
Now that candidates are aware of your opportunities. It’s time to initiate conversations, build rapport, and start interviewing. Utilize TYGES’ client resources to define the position, organize and conduct interviews, win the right candidate, and onboard with confidence.
Overcome the obstacle of time
While your company story is important and can help potential candidates build trust in your brand, finding and recruiting talent involves a lengthy and meticulous process that can be challenging and time-consuming.
TYGES offers a valuable service for semiconductor companies looking to streamline their recruitment process and find top talent in the industry. As an executive search firm specializing in semiconductor recruiting, TYGES has the expertise and network to identify, attract, and place leaders at various levels for manufacturers.
Contact us to get started and save time.
Source: US Semiconductor Industry Explained | Supply, Production, Trade
