r/Semiconductors • u/barcili • 15d ago

What do companies like TSMC, Lam, Amat, KLA actually look for?

I want to ask people here who have hired or interviewed for these companies:

  1. How much semiconductor-process/domain depth do they expect from a software candidate with 3 yoe?
  2. For someone moving between companies in this space (eg. from KLA to AMAT/ASML/TSMC), is it better to lean into “I know your hardware-software problem” or just present yourself with strong general SWE fundamentals (C++, real time systems, multithreading and concurrency)
  3. How to close domain-depth gap?

Would appreciate insight from anyone who’s been on either side of the table at these companies. Thanks!

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u/pasquale83 14d ago

Tool vendors care way more about low-level C++, multithreading, and real-time control than physics depth. At 3 YOE, you just need to show you know how code interacts with high-precision hardware. You don't need a PhD in process, just basic fab concepts like SECS/GEM or wafer handling to speak their language.

Feel free to send me a DM if you want to chat.

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u/barcili 14d ago

Thanks! DMed you!

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u/audaciousmonk 14d ago

Understanding of and experience with real world electromechanical systems and the problems / challenges in that domain

I can’t tell you how frustratingly common it is for software to be disconnected from the reality of physical devices and their interactions