How to hire a wafer fabrication operator

How to hire a wafer fabrication operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step wafer fabrication operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a wafer fabrication operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new wafer fabrication operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a wafer fabrication operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a wafer fabrication operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a wafer fabrication operator that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of wafer fabrication operators.

   Type of Wafer Fabrication Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Wafer Fabrication Operator		$12-21
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Test Operator	The job of a test operator is to test the functionality of electronic components, assemblies, units, parts, and systems in a manner consistent with standard procedures. As a test operator, you will perform a variety of duties that include working with engineers to ensure accurate procedures are being followed, perform different mechanical assembly operations, and inspecting products for the correct orientation and placement... Show more	$12-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Clean Room Environment
   • FAB
   • Etching
   • Measurement Tools
   • Semiconductor Wafers
   • Wet Etch
   • Unexpected Results
   • Tweezers
   • Statistical Process Control
   • Nano
   • Thin Films
   • Metrology
   • MES
   • Silicon Wafers

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Experience following procedures and managing GMP documentation.
   • Provide process/equipment support and drive process improvement of CVD areas (used in semiconductor manufacturing).
   • Process silicon wafers at various etch operations in a clean-room wafer fab and perform all relate inspections and equipment qualifications.
   • Place wafer in wafer holders using tweezers.
   • Certify in all Thinfilm and CMP processes.
   • Read and follow PROMIS specs for running wafers.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your wafer fabrication operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A wafer fabrication operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, wafer fabrication operators' average salary in north carolina is 34% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level wafer fabrication operators 39% less than senior-level wafer fabrication operators.
   • Certifications. A wafer fabrication operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a wafer fabrication operator's salary.

   Average wafer fabrication operator salary

   $16.60hourly

   $34,531 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level wafer fabrication operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a wafer fabrication operator job description

   A job description for a wafer fabrication operator role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a wafer fabrication operator job description:

   Wafer fabrication operator job description example

   A: Monday thru Wednesday and every other Thursday 6 AM to 6 PM

   B: Monday thru Wednesday and every other Thursday 6 PM to 6 AM (12% Differential)

   C: Friday thru Sunday and every other Thursday 6 AM to 6 PM (12% Differential)

   D: Friday thru Sunday and every other Thursday 6 PM to 6 AM (17% Differential)

   REPORTS TO: PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR

   SUMMARY:

   Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Wafer Fab Operator is responsible for dispositioning wafers through the various steps of the semiconductor wafer manufacturing production process, including the photolithography, plating, polish, and vacuum areas. The Wafer Fab Operator is also responsible for recording data in the Work in Process (WIP) tracking system, analyzing data and reporting anomalies, and learning, understanding, and adhering to established Manufacturing Engineering Instructions (MPI’s); learning and achieving certification on various assigned tools or operations; and supporting continuous improvement activities for productivity, yield enhancement, and scrap reduction. This position is located in Milpitas, California.

   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

   • Dispositions wafers through the semiconductor wafer manufacturing production process, including the photolithography, plating, polish, and vacuum areas
   • Records data in the WIP tracking system
   • Analyzes data and reports anomalies to Production Supervisor if needed
   • Learns, understands, and adheres to established MPI’s for assigned area
   • Learns, achieves, and maintains required certifications on assigned tools or operational area
   • Supports continuous improvement initiatives in the areas of productivity, yield enhancement, and scrap reduction
   • Responds to inquiries from other team members, managers, or departments
   • Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
   • Must work scheduled overtime as required
   • *Performs other duties of a similar nature or level

   Job Requirements:

   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

   • One year of experience working as an Operator or Assembler in a high-volume manufacturing environment preferably in the semiconductor or electronics industry
   • Strong experience using microscopes, small hand tools, or manufacturing tools/equipment
   • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications

   Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

   • Knowledge of semiconductor or high-volume manufacturing processes, practices, and techniques
   • Knowledge and ability to use various types of microscopes, small hand tools, and/or manufacturing equipment
   • Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets and Word documents
   • Able to enter various types of data into a tracking application on a routine basis
   • Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of employees and management
   • Able to understand and follow complex directions whether given verbally or in writing
   • Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
   • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
   • Demonstrated problem-solving and trouble shooting skills
   • Flexible and able to prioritize
   • Detail oriented and conscientious

   WORKING CONDITIONS:

   The Wafer Fab Operator works in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer manufacturing facility on an assigned shift; wears a cleanroom (bunny) suit, including hood, gloves, safety glasses, booties, and mask. May be exposed to hazardous conditions, chemicals, fumes, and/or gases during the course of work day; may be exposed to loud noise. Schedule may be altered from time-to-time to suit operational needs. Stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May be required to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time, closely observe items through a microscope, and perform repetitive grasping motions; uses a variety of small hand tools to perform various operations when required. May be exposed to high-volume noise and/or hazardous materials such as chemicals or particulate matter. Must work scheduled overtime as required. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 30 pounds.

   *Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required, but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.

   TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

   Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right wafer fabrication operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your wafer fabrication operator job on Zippia to find and recruit wafer fabrication operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with wafer fabrication operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new wafer fabrication operator

   Once you've selected the best wafer fabrication operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new wafer fabrication operator. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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