Talking Technicians

Logan is a Quality Tech 3 at Renewal by Anderson in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Logan highlights career development opportunities at Anderson, including promotions to technologist positions. Logan notes that technicians can earn around $25 an hour and can secure benefits like 401(k) plans and PTO. Logan contrasts his experience at a large company with his previous role at a small firm. Hear how Logan emphasizes the importance of asking questions, critical thinking, and independence, learned from his nanotechnology program at Dakota County Technical College. Logan advises aspiring technicians to gain experience and consider furthering their education.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page:

https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Jobs at Renewal by Anderson: https://www.renewalbyandersen.com/careers

Ani, an intern at Caltech's KNI clean room, discusses her role in nanotechnology fabrication. Ani trained on various machines, including the Orion metal deposition equipment and an ellipsometer. Ani emphasizes the importance of protective gear and the challenges of working in a loud environment. She recounts her first day and the impact of the California fires on her personal and professional life, highlighting the support she received from the MNT-EC community. Ani plans to pursue a career in the cleanroom and encourages other students to give it a try.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page:

https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

New story about the semiconductor pilot program at UCLA which prepares community college students for jobs in the growing industry: https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/semiconductor-pilot-program-ucla-prepares-community-college-students-for-jobs

Ian, a maintenance technician at Polar Semiconductor in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, discusses his career path and work as a maintenance technician. Ian troubleshoots equipment and tools, including those for low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LP CVD) at high temperatures. Ian transitioned from running his own business to becoming a technician after obtaining a two-year degree in nano science technology at Dakota County Technical College. Ian emphasizes the importance of communication, teamwork, and critical thinking in his role. He advises others to pursue technician education and career changes, regardless of age.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page:

https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Jobs at Polar Semiconductor: https://polarsemi.com/careers/

Gabriel is a field service engineer at Applied Materials in Hillsboro, Oregon. In this episode, Gabriel discusses his career path. He attended the Early College High School Program, focusing on microelectronics technology automation. Gabriel works inside Intel's Ronler Acres campus, troubleshooting and maintaining semiconductor equipment. Gabriel advises students to consider the microelectronics program and Early College High School for career advancement in the semiconductor industry.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page:

https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Portland Community College Microelectronics Program:

https://www.pcc.edu/programs/microelectronics/

Jobs at Applied Materials: https://www.appliedmaterials.com/il/en/careers.html

Matt is a senior research technician at the University of Kentucky's Institute of Sustainable Manufacturing. He shares his career path, starting from Somerset Community College, where he earned a 3D printing technician certificate, to working at Blue Origin in Washington State and then returning to Kentucky. Matt emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and continuous learning in his field. He advises aspiring technicians to apply themselves and be open to new opportunities. Matt highlights the growing demand for additive manufacturing technicians.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page:

https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Somerset Community College 3D Printing Technician - Digital Printing Technology Program:

https://somerset.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/digital-printing-technology-3d-printing.aspx

Eldon shares his journey from high school in McCreary County, Kentucky, to his current role as an Additive Manufacturing Project Specialist at Somerset Community College. Eldon initially pursued a 3D printing certificate at Somerset Community College, which prepared him for a technician role at Fast Radius. Despite initial challenges, including moving to Louisville and dealing with a company bankruptcy, Eldon emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and continuous improvement. He transitioned to a full-time role at Somerset Community College, focusing on grant writing and project management. Eldon advised aspiring technicians to be patient, take risks, and build connections for long-term success.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page:

https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Somerset Community College 3D Printing Technician - Digital Printing Technology Program:

https://somerset.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/digital-printing-technology-3d-printing.aspx

Arman is a fabrication technician at Excelitas in Boulder, Colorado. Arman moved from Santa Clarita, California, and now earns around $50,000 annually. He grinds and polishes lenses for various applications, including commercial and military uses. Arman emphasizes the importance of detail, communication, and teamwork in his role. He transitioned from a warehouse job to a two-year laser optics program at Pasadena City College. Arman advises aspiring technicians to pursue their passions and seize opportunities.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page:

https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Jobs at Excelitas:

https://jobs.excelitas.com/

In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Emily, a facilities engineer at Intel. Emily shares her journey from community college to a full-time engineering role, discussing her experiences in the clean room, the challenges she faced as a woman in engineering, and the importance of soft skills and networking in her career. She emphasizes the diverse opportunities available in the semiconductor industry and offers valuable advice for aspiring technicians.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Careers at Intel: https://jobs.intel.com/en

Lorain Community College Microelectronic Manufacturing Program: http://catalog.lorainccc.edu/academic-programs/engineering-business-information-technologies/microelectronic-manufacturing-bas/

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP): https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/

In this episode of Talking Technicians, you’ll meet Josh, a technician at Analog Devices in San Jose, California. Hear about Josh's background, his experience working at Analog Devices, and the opportunities for growth and benefits in the industry. Josh shares his journey from starting in an automotive shop to working in the microelectronics industry, and how his education at a community college prepared him for his career. Josh emphasizes the importance of hands-on skills and communication in the field of electronics. The episode concludes with Josh's advice for students and those looking to transition into a career as a technician.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/

Analog Devices: https://www.analog.com/en/index.html

Kendall, a technician at Indium, shares the experience working in the manufacturing industry and the journey to becoming a technician. Kendall discusses the role of Indium as a materials refiner and supplier to the electronics and semiconductor markets. Kendall describes daily tasks operating a rolling mill and the various alloys produced at Indium and also talks about the opportunities for professional growth, benefits, and work schedule at the company. Kendall highlights the importance of creativity and flexibility in the manufacturing industry and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career as a technician.

The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program.

Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation.

Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at [email protected].

Links from the show:

Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/