Intel vs TSMC: Which Fab Engineer Job Offers Better Stability and Growth in 2024?

Recently, a contractor of AHMS (automated material handling systems) asked in a Reddit group, Semiconductors, that he has been offered to move from Intel to TSMC. What should he choose ?

The replies he got were quite revealing. In this article, we will try to answer this question, “Intel vs TSMC : What should a fab engineer choose?” from the perspective of a fab engineer depending upon the various feedbacks we have received from Intel and TSMC employees. Even some of them have once switched to TSMC from Intel and switched back to Intel .

Intel vs. TSMC: Job Stability, Pay, and Work Culture

Due to recent instability issues around Intel Fab, semiconductor engineers are evaluating alternative fabs like ” TSMC, GlobalFoundries, and SMIC “. And the first name that comes to mind of any fab engineer apart from Intel is TSMC.

TSMC: Work culture, Job stability, and pay at the World’s Leading Fab

TSMC has been leading the fabrication industry since long. But when we tried to understand the work culture at TSMC , we found it a little more challenging compared to Intel. However, the advanced technology and reputation of TSMC still make it a top choice for many fab engineers in the industry. As one of the users replied to the original question on Reddit, he wrote :

TSMC is a difficult environment to work in. They still carry the mindset of East Asian work ethics compared to Intel as an American based company. The pressure is far higher when working with TSMC from what limited info I’ve heard from others and my management above me. And it’s not say their work ethic is bad necessarily, but they expect far more than Intel typically will.

Also, we found some trust issues at TSMC specially with American employees.

The semiconductor fabrication industry always has some trust issues . The only edge that these fabs have over other competitors are their fabrication technologies. And it is not new that other companies have tried to steal these technology from their competition.

Recently, PCMag published the news that Samsung has fired its employees for sharing their chip secrets with China.

While this may not always be true, TSMC, being an East Asian company, has always had some trust issues with American employees. Which ultimately makes it difficult to build long term bonding.

One user also described the issue with TSMC, which potentially led to the delay of Fab 21 . He wrote

“TSMC was struggling with coordination and understanding how to get their tools installed in America. From my experience, they’re used to the “Taiwan way,” which seems to mean 1 or 2 contractors do all of the work when it comes to tool installation. This means they weren’t accustomed to documentation, coordination, and process development. That can be a pro and a con. Pro—they (the Taiwanese trades) can slap these tools together properly (more or less), and in record time.

Con: In America, there’s hundreds of disparate contractors that need clear, concise direction on how to do the work. When the Taiwanese install their tools they disregard coordination with their American counterparts, which creates a slew of problems.“

While this may not be an issue with the experienced engineers , it may pose a problem with the newbies.

Also Read :TSMC announces its first semiconductor manufacturing facility in Europe.

TSMC has not only cons; it has a lot of benefits too.

One of the biggest advantages that it has over Intel is the stability and pay it offers . Intel is currently laying off a lot of employees, making its fab business a little hesitant to enter. While at the same time TSMC is offering a lot more stability.

As one user wrote

“For job stability… I think TSMC has the lead right now. Intel is having a lot of problems, while TSMC is almost a monopoly on leading tech and is ramping production and building new fabs in Arizona… Lots of install and sustaining work to come for years.”

Also, since TSMC technologies are the most advanced right now , working with TSMC gives you an edge when you plan to switch to another company.

Intel : Why It’s Still a Top Choice for Engineers

Intel might be struggling right now , but one thing that still gives it an edge over other companies is its work culture.

I’ve worked at both companies as a contractor in tool installation. They both have their pros and cons.

If you’re talking about work environment, then I’d go with Intel all the way. Intel seems to genuinely care about worker safety, cooperation between blue and green badges, and accountability, and typically they take a more pragmatic approach to issues vs. their counterpart.

This gives them a significant advantage in terms of employee satisfaction and overall work culture. Wrote one user on Reddit.

Also, if you are someone who is planning to join this industry in the upcoming few months , then I will say Intel will suit you the best. After the layoffs , any company starts searching for entry level employees to fill in the gaps, so you might have a good chance of getting hired.

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Also , since Intel is spinning off its fab as a separate company with its own board of directors and all , it is expected that it will again fly back to its golden times when it was the leading semiconductor manufacturer in the world. The employees who will join right now will be highly benefitted. In terms of job growth and stability.

Intel Fab vs TSMC Fab Job :The Conclusion

Intel is in a critical moment right now, and TSMC is enjoying the high tides of the semiconductor industry. But it is for sure Intel will come back stronger. Rest, I would like to end this discussion for fab engineers right now with a single statement.

“Intel for work environment, better pay, protocols, etc. TSMC if you want job security.”