Exploring Career Opportunities in Semiconductor Industry in India

Do you know that semiconductor technology is used everywhere —from your smartphone to your car’s engine control unit? Literally everything! Semiconductors are everywhere, and these chips are the brains behind modern technology.

According to a Financial Express article, in November 2022, Deloitte did a survey and released a report called ‘The global semiconductor talent shortage’. The report says there will be over 1 million new skilled jobs by 2030.

But India was not even in the last in that report.

Then, in 2023, Deloitte released a new report called ‘2023 Semiconductor Industry Outlook’. This time, India was on the list, and the report mentioned that ‘India has good design and engineering talent, but it does not make its own chips’.

India buys over $5 billion of semiconductors every year. This is a notable chance for India to start making semiconductors locally.

If you are passionate about technology and want to be a part of something groundbreaking, a career in semiconductors could be the perfect fit.

Why Choose a Career in the Semiconductor Industry?

• Growth: We all have seen how the global chip shortage has highlighted that semiconductors play a critical role in technology. As already mentioned, this industry is growing unexpectedly well in the market. Hence, some experts predict the industry will continue to experience growth and create a wealth of jobs.

• Lucrative Opportunities: If we talk about the salary in this industry, it starts from 12.5 LPA, which shows that this industry can pay well. Semiconductor professionals consistently rank among the highest earners in the tech sector. Salaries are competitive, and career progression can be swift with the right skills and experience. The salary goes up to 41 LPA.

• Shape the Future: This industry is futuristic, and working in semiconductors will allow you to be at the forefront of innovation. You will be a part of a team that creates the technology that shapes the future – from AI (Artificial Intelligence) to medical devices. The more projects you work on, the more opportunities you will have to contribute to groundbreaking advancements and impact the world.

Who Can Thrive in the Semiconductor Industry?

To thrive in the semiconductor industry, you must cultivate a learning passion. You must stay up to date with recent advancements. You must embrace interdisciplinary knowledge where you should gain expertise in multiple fields like electrical engineering, material engineering and computer science. You have to build meaningful connections to excel in the semiconductor industry. You can attend conferences and industry events and connect with experts to learn from their experiences. Networking opens doors to new opportunities. You must also keep honing your problem-solving skills, adapt to changes swiftly and improve your communication skills.

If you want to join the semiconductor industry, you will be happy to know that many job roles are available to you. You can choose from a diverse range of roles; each job role requires a unique skill set. Here are some job roles and salaries.

1. IC Design Engineers

Profile: If you are thinking about becoming the IC Design Engineer, you can think it like you are the architect of the tiny brains that power all our electronics! That is basically what an IC Design Engineer does. You will be designing these super miniaturised circuits which is also known as chips. These chips are the hearts of all our devices, from smartphones to laptops.

If you have a blend of technical knowledge of electronics, creativity, and attention to detail, you can thrive in this job role. You will be responsible for designing the blueprints of integrated circuits (ICs) and the core building blocks of semiconductors.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of Electrical Engineering

• Digital Logic Design

• VLSI design principles

• Proficiency in CAD tools and scripting languages like Verilog or Python is essential.

Avg Salary Range (India): INR 13.8 LPA

2. Analog Design Engineers

Profile: In this job profile, you will be shaping the flow of electricity! This is what an Analog Design Engineer do. You will be designing the circuits using transistors and other electronic components to achieve specific tasks. You will start it by understanding what needs to be built – maybe it is a filter for a smartphone signal or an amplifier for a speaker. Your job role will include exploring the world of transistors, resistors, and capacitors, figuring out how to connect them to make them work.

Skills: 

• In-depth knowledge of analog electronics

• Circuit theory

• Semiconductor Physics

• Familiarity with SPICE simulation tools is a plus.

Avg Salary Range (India): INR 21 LPA

3. Process Engineers

Profile: In this job profile, you will be the mastermind behind the tiny brains (chips) that run all our gadgets, from smartphones to laptops. Process Engineers are responsible for developing and optimising the manufacturing process of ICs and silicon chips. Your job role will include designing and building the super-complex manufacturing processes to create these microscopic marvels.

Here is a quick glimpse of what a Process Engineer does:

• You will be designing new ways to manufacture semiconductors.

• You will be tweaking and improving existing production processes.

• You will be working with technicians and other engineers to make sure everything runs smoothly.

• You will be analysing data to identify and fix any problems that might pop up during production.

• You will be ensuring everything meets the strict quality and performance standards.

Skills:

• Strong foundation in Chemical Engineering.

• Materials Science.

• Semiconductor Manufacturing Processes.

• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills are crucial.

Avg Salary Range (India): INR 5.7 LPA

4. Test Engineers

Profile: In this job profile, you are the gatekeeper for quality in the world of semiconductors. Your job is to ensure the chips we use in every device are working perfectly. You must use different ways to check if a chip is doing what it should. This will include writing software programmes and using fancy equipment. You will also ensure that everything goes smoothly. Your job will include the collaboration with design engineers to make sure the chips can be easily tested.

Skills: 

• Familiarity with various testing methodologies and automated test equipment (ATE).

• Understanding of digital logic and fault diagnosis techniques is beneficial.

Avg Salary Range (India): INR 6.2 LPA

5. Product Application Engineers

Profile: In this job profile, you are the tech translator between a chip company and their customers. This is basically the life of a Product Application Engineer (PAE) in the semiconductor industry.

You will have to investigate about the customer needs with the the company’s chips. This can involve anything from building a new phone to developing a medical device. Your job profile will need the technical side of yours. You will be learning about everything – from features, and functionalities, to how to use them most effectively. You will become the voice of the customer within the organisation. You will help to improve the chips and develop even better ones in the future.

Skills: 

• Strong understanding of semiconductor products.

• Excellent communication skills.

• The ability to translate complex technical concepts into layman’s terms.

Avg Salary Range (India): INR 14.6

Conclusion

A career in the semiconductor industry offers a compelling mix of intellectual challenges, lucrative opportunities, and the chance to be part of a technological revolution. If you are passionate about technology and driven to make a real-world impact, this dynamic field could be the perfect fit for you. With the right education, skills, and dedication, you can become a key player in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in semiconductor technology.