What engineering is best for the semiconductor industry?

The future growth of the semiconductor industry

The future of the semiconductor industry in the United States is incredibly bright, and it’s a big reason why getting an engineering degree can unlock rewarding career opportunities.

Through the CHIPS and Science Act, the U.S. is investing tens of billions of dollars into domestic chip manufacturing, research, and workforce programs to bring more production home and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains. These investments are encouraging companies to build new fabs (what the industry calls chip factories) and advanced packaging facilities across the country, which are projected to create thousands of high-paying jobs in semiconductor engineering, design, manufacturing, and technical support over the next decade.

In Oregon, these national trends are already playing out: Intel and other semiconductor companies are investing billions in research, manufacturing, and facility expansion across the state, and federal CHIPS funding has supported growth projects and jobs, helping solidify Oregon’s role as a semiconductor hub and creating opportunities for future engineers.

And Oregon State University has already started building more pathways for students to enter the semiconductor workforce with relevant skills. In addition to our top-ranked engineering degree programs, programs like VETS-UP supports veterans in gaining hands-on semiconductor experience with industry partner Analog Devices, Inc. And FAST, the Oregon State-led regional innovation engine around semiconductors, includes workforce development as a central goal.

Engineering needs for the semiconductor industry

As the industry expands rapidly in the U.S., the range of skills and academic disciplines that will be in demand for semiconductor jobs is growing wider than ever before.

The Backbone Skills

Traditional STEM fields like electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and computer science lay the foundation for chip design, fabrication, testing, and yield analysis. At Oregon State, mechanical engineering associate professor Josh Gess and his lab are working with industry on several projects to manage the intense heat produced by microelectronics, using techniques like immersion cooling and microfluidics.

The Scale-Up Skills

Computer science and industrial engineering skills will be essential for scaling up the industry, with skills and understanding of device physics, advanced manufacturing processes, and software tools for design and automation. Data science, automation, and AI skills are increasingly valuable as fabs become more data-driven and automated, while materials innovation opens paths into next-generation chips. It was automation and systems-wide thinking that led Oregon State industrial engineering student Mason Allen to intern at an Intel semiconductor fab for a summer, working on data-automation, facility design, and optimization challenges.

The Soft Skills

Beyond technical knowledge, soft skills like cross-disciplinary communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability help engineers and technicians collaborate effectively across teams. Opportunities like Oregon State’s Engineering+ series, Leadership, Empowerment, and Purpose program, and club involvement help students hone their soft skills before entering the job market.

Types of engineering jobs in the semiconductor industry

The semiconductor industry depends on engineers from many disciplines to design, build, and scale the chips that power everything from smartphones to renewable energy systems. While some majors are more directly tied to chip design, nearly every engineering field plays a role in the semiconductor industry.

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Meets the industry need for: chip design, circuits, microelectronics, testing

Example jobs:

• Semiconductor Design Engineer
• Hardware Engineer
• Test Engineer
• Embedded Systems Engineer

Explore the electrical and computer engineering degree

Materials Science

Meets the industry need for: semiconductor materials, nanotechnology, device performance

Example jobs:

• Materials Engineer
• Process Development Engineer
• Device Engineer

Explore the materials science degree

Chemical Engineering

Meets the industry need for: fabrication processes, deposition, etching, lithography

Example jobs:

• Process Engineer
• Yield Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer

Explore the chemical engineering degree

Mechanical Engineering

Meets the industry need for: manufacturing equipment, cleanrooms, thermal systems

Example jobs:

• Equipment Engineer
• Mechanical Design Engineer
• Facilities Engineer

Explore the mechanical engineering degree

Industrial Engineering

Meets the industry need for: manufacturing efficiency, quality, process optimization

Example jobs:

• Industrial Engineer
• Quality Engineer
• Operations Engineer

Explore the industrial engineering degree

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

Meets the industry need for: software development, data analysis, automation, AI-driven optimization

Example jobs:

• Software Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• Data Engineer
• Machine Learning Engineer

Explore the computer science degree

Environmental Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering

Meets the industry need for: sustainability, energy use, water systems, responsible manufacturing

Example jobs:

• Environmental Engineer
• Sustainability Engineer

Explore the environmental engineering degree

Explore the energy systems engineering degree

Mechatronics

Meets the industry need for: robotic systems, automation, sensors, control systems, advanced manufacturing

Example jobs:

• Mechatronics Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• Equipment Control Engineer

Explore the mechatronics degree

Civil, Construction, and Architectural Engineering

Meets the industry need for: facility design, infrastructure systems, construction management, structural and environmental systems

Example jobs:

• Project engineer
• Construction manager
• Civil engineer (infrastructure)
• Structural engineer

Explore the architectural engineering degree

Explore the construction engineering management degree

Explore the civil engineering degree

Semiconductor Engineering FAQs

Do you need to be an electrical engineer to work in semiconductors?

Nope! While electrical and computer engineers often work in chip design, the semiconductor industry relies on mechanical, chemical, materials, industrial, and environmental engineers to support manufacturing, sustainability, and operations. Even architectural engineers, civil engineers, and construction engineers are needed to design and build semiconductor campuses. It takes a diverse set of engineers to make it all work!

What engineering degree is best for semiconductor manufacturing?

Degrees in chemical, mechanical, materials, and industrial engineering are especially relevant for semiconductor manufacturing roles. When looking to add skills without earning a degree, the online certificate in mechatronics is one to check out.

What should I look for in an engineering program if I want to get involved in semiconductors?

Look for engineering degree programs that offer hands-on experiences, support in finding internships and jobs, and faculty that are contributing to semiconductor research and innovation. Oregon State hosts the CHIPS lab each year, a summer residential workshop with clean room training. And Nirmala Kandadai, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, has advanced research in MPTR and laser sintering, which is essential for the fabrication of intricate semiconductor devices. She is one of many faculty whose research is impacting the semiconductor industry.

Can students start preparing in high school for a semiconductor career?

Yes. Strong foundations in math, physics, chemistry, and computer science can help students prepare for engineering pathways into the semiconductor industry. 

I already have a job in the semiconductor industry. Are there ways to upskill without getting a four-year degree?

Yes! Oregon State offers several ways to gain skills beneficial to the semiconductor industry. Online microcredentials allow students to complete 3-4 classes, gain relevant skills, and earn a digital badge they can share with their employers. The following microcredentials were created in collaboration with semiconductor industry partners to ensure they meet workforce needs:

• Process Engineering Analysis
• Process Engineering Fundamentals
• Programming Fundamentals
• Semiconductor Fabrication
• Facilities Design and Management
• Semiconductor Production Process Planning

Oregon State also offers a 33-credit online certificate in Mechatronics to prepare students to integrate advanced applications of automation and mechatronics technology into the manufacturing process.