TSMC

Term from Semiconductor Manufacturing industry explained for recruiters

TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is the world's largest dedicated computer chip maker. Think of it as a giant high-tech factory that makes chips for many famous companies like Apple, AMD, and NVIDIA, who design chips but don't manufacture them. When you see TSMC on a resume, it usually means the person has experience working in advanced manufacturing processes, particularly in making computer chips. This is similar to how companies like Samsung and Intel make chips, but TSMC focuses solely on manufacturing for other companies rather than creating its own chip designs.

Examples in Resumes

Managed equipment maintenance team at TSMC fabrication facility

Developed quality control procedures for TSMC manufacturing line

Led process integration team at TSMC advanced node development

Supervised wafer testing operations at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company fab

Typical job title: "Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Process Engineer Equipment Engineer Integration Engineer Manufacturing Engineer Semiconductor Engineer Fab Engineer Quality Control Engineer Process Integration Engineer

Where to Find Semiconductor Manufacturing Engineers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a major equipment failure in a semiconductor production line?

Expected Answer: A senior engineer should discuss emergency response procedures, minimizing production impact, root cause analysis, and implementing preventive measures for the future. They should also mention communication with different teams and vendors.

Q: Describe your experience with new process implementation in chip manufacturing.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of managing complex changes, coordinating multiple teams, ensuring quality standards, and understanding how changes affect the overall production process.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to improve manufacturing yield?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic approaches to identifying defects, analyzing data patterns, and implementing corrections to improve the percentage of good chips produced.

Q: How do you maintain clean room standards in semiconductor manufacturing?

Expected Answer: Should discuss contamination control, proper protective equipment use, air quality monitoring, and following strict protocols to maintain cleanliness.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic steps in semiconductor manufacturing?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic flow from raw silicon wafers to finished chips, including major steps like cleaning, etching, and testing.

Q: Why is quality control important in semiconductor manufacturing?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how small mistakes can lead to major losses, importance of following procedures, and basic quality checking methods.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of semiconductor manufacturing process
  • Following safety and clean room protocols
  • Equipment monitoring and basic maintenance
  • Quality control checking

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Process optimization and troubleshooting
  • Advanced equipment operation
  • Yield analysis and improvement
  • Team coordination and training

Senior (5+ years)

  • Process development and integration
  • Complex problem solving
  • Project management
  • Cross-functional team leadership

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No clean room experience
  • Lack of understanding of basic safety protocols
  • No knowledge of quality control procedures
  • Poor attention to detail in previous work