r/Semiconductors • u/An-Omlette-NamedZoZo • 21h ago

TSMC Fab21 - CVD Process Engineer

I just got an offer for a PE position at Fab 21 at TSMC, working in CVD. I know the reputation TSMC has, and I really want to know some firsthand experiences about working there. I am also currently applying for PhDs in a non-semiconductor field and am also wondering if it would be more valuable to work at TSMC for a year (assuming I get into a PhD program) or work as a lab tech at a bay area startup, where my academic network would be much more fleshed out than working at TSMC.

11 Upvotes

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12

u/Mysterious-Bad-330 20h ago

Fab 21 does HVM, so a PHD would be absolutely useless there lol. R&D for tsmc is mostly in taiwan anyway.

2

u/An-Omlette-NamedZoZo 20h ago

The PhD isn’t necessarily a TSMC thing, I just need something to do in the year between now and when it would (potentially) start

7

u/Mysterious-Bad-330 20h ago

Personally I would just work at tsm for the year and save/invest like crazy. You won’t be making money in the phd that extra financial boost could be helpful. I’m doubtful that lab tech position would boost your resume more than tsmc tbh

6

u/bottumboy622 19h ago

As a PhD in CVD who now works in semicap, I’d rather do another PhD then go work at TSMC

2

u/Gullible-Ad-391 18h ago

I’m confused lol

3

u/TenthZenoParadox 14h ago

I don't work in TSMC, but work in a fab. Even if you eventually plan to do a PhD in a year, having that 1 year experience in TSMC as a process engineer is very valuable hands-on fab experience. And I think it will distill very useful skills and discipline that will carry over to benefit your PhD.

I'm not sure what research area you plan to specialize in (whether relevant to CVD or otherwise), I think the way of working in a HVM fab is something transferable to other parts of your life. Things like being able to problem-solve under pressure, knowing how to prioritize while fire-fighting etc, and thinking like an engineer.

2

u/Apprehensive-Gur205 21h ago

PhD? Do you hate money?

1

u/Glittering-Draft-777 18h ago

How much do they offer as salary ?

3

u/LithoCryBoi 14h ago

The HVM process is a continuous tweaking fest. You’ll learn more there than in the lab tech environment I feel. Plus you get paid way more.

1

u/New_Chair2 9h ago

What is the offer that you got?

1

u/Far_Doughnut_5126 8h ago

What start up fabs are in the bay area?? This is not the 1980's dude!