The Irish semiconductor industry is enjoying a boom as major players in the industry continue to invest in the local market. This, along with the global talent shortage, has led to a huge spike in demand for high quality talent within the semiconductor industry.
With this in mind, we’re taking a closer look at five different roles that are expected to be in demand during 2023 along with a rough salary range for each role. However, it’s important to note that salary depends not only on your skills and experience but also the employer in question so these are nothing more than guidelines.
Applications Engineer
An applications engineer’s primary function is to design and improve software used in the semiconductor industry. They’ll liaise with clients to understand their specific needs and goals and then implement solutions based on those needs. In some cases, an applications engineer will need to design custom software for use by a single client or for use within the semiconductor company’s production processes.
Key responsibilities:
Consult with clients to understand their technical requirements and business goals, and help them determine the best software solutions to meet their needs.
Design and develop custom semiconductor solutions using a combination of hardware and software, such as microcontrollers, processors, and embedded systems.
Integrate semiconductor products and solutions into existing systems and environments, including testing and debugging to ensure proper functionality.
Provide technical support and assistance to clients either remotely or, in some cases, on site.
Salary range: €40,000 - €70,000
Product Engineer
A product engineer is someone who is responsible for the design, development, and testing of new semiconductor products. They work closely with clients, sales and marketing teams, and other stakeholders to understand the needs and requirements of the market, and use this information to design and develop new products that meet these needs. They are often considered the brains and idea people behind the business.
Key responsibilities:
Leading the development of new product concepts and conducting market research to understand customer needs and requirements.
Designing and developing new semiconductor products, including defining product specifications, testing prototypes, and conducting performance evaluations.
Working with the manufacturing team to ensure that new products can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively.
Providing technical support and assistance to the sales and marketing teams, including preparing technical documents and presentations, and conducting product demonstrations.
Salary range: €53,000 - €99,000
RF/Product Engineer
An RF (radio frequency) product engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of RF semiconductor products. RF products are used in a variety of applications, including telecommunications, wireless networking, and radar systems. In other words, anything that emits a radio signal and has an application in the semiconductor industry.
Key responsibilities:
Developing new RF products, and carrying out market research to understand customer needs and requirements.
Creating new RF semiconductor products while also determining product specifications, testing prototypes, and evaluating their performance.
Ensuring that any new RF products can be made and mass produced effectively by the manufacturing department.
Assisting the sales and marketing teams with technical support, including creating technical documents and presentations, and demonstrating products.
Salary range: €50,000 - €95,000
Test Application Engineer
A test application engineer will design and implement testing solutions and processes for semiconductor products and manufacturing processes. They are also responsible for testing products to ensure that they are ready for market or delivery to clients.
Key responsibilities:
Designing and implementing test solutions for semiconductor devices, including defining test plans and procedures, and selecting appropriate test equipment.
Developing and maintaining test software, including writing test programs and scripts.
Debugging and troubleshooting test issues, and working with the design team to resolve defects and improve product quality.
Providing technical support and assistance to the manufacturing team, including training on test procedures and equipment.
Analyzing test data and preparing reports to document test results and any defects or issues identified.
Salary range: €40,000 - €72,000
IC Evaluation Engineer
An IC (integrated circuit) evaluation engineer will evaluate and test new IC designs to ensure that they meet the required specifications and performance criteria. They work closely with the design and development team to identify and address any issues or defects in the IC design, and to ensure that they are ready for production.
Key responsibilities:
Evaluating and testing new IC designs to ensure that they meet the required specifications and performance criteria.
Troubleshooting issues with IC designs, and helping improve design of products with regards to IC integration.
Helping the manufacturing team with technical support, including providing training on test procedures and equipment.
The analysis of test data and documentation of test results.
Participating in the design review process, and providing feedback and recommendations for improving IC design.
Salary range: €40,000 - €70,000
Needless to say, one of the key responsibilities for anyone working in the semiconductor industry is staying up to date with the latest developments in technology and industry trends, and applying this knowledge to their role.
While we can’t say for certain that these specific roles will be the most in demand, we can say that the success of the semiconductor industry in Ireland means there will be opportunities for qualified engineers.
So if you’re interested in working for one of the many successful semiconductor companies in Ireland and you’re one of the above engineers, we love you to get in touch with Software Placements. We’ve helped engineers from both Ireland and abroad take the next step in their career in the semiconductor industry and we’re sure we can do the same for you.
While we can’t say for certain that these specific roles will be the most in demand, we can say that the success of the semiconductor industry in Ireland means there will be opportunities for qualified engineers.
So if you’re interested in working for one of the many successful semiconductor companies in Ireland and you’re one of the above engineers, we love you to get in touch with Software Placements. We’ve helped engineers from both Ireland and abroad take the next step in their career in the semiconductor industry and we’re sure we can do the same for you.