Semiconductor Manufacturing & Architecture Analyst

Employment Type: Full-TimeWork Setting: In-officeLocation: Hillsboro, Oregon, United StatesWork hours: Office hoursFind out more here: https://semianalysis.comAbout SemiAnalysisSemiAnalysis is an independent research and analysis firm specializing in the Semiconductor and AI industries. Our in-depth coverage spans the entire supply chain, from semiconductor fabrication processes to cutting-edge AI Models, software, and infrastructure. We are recognized as the leading authority on the semiconductor supply chain, with the highest concentration of industry experts within one team, and a deep-rooted passion for delving into the intricacies.We’re a global team of over 50 analysts, each with extensive networks across the semiconductor supply chain and AI ecosystem, publishing industry‑shaping articles while participating in 40+ conferences annually.Our newsletter reaches more than 200 000 subscribers worldwide, including senior management and C‑suite leaders at the leading semiconductor and AI companies.We also offer three core products:Industry Models – we develop and publish industry models on accelerator shipments, datacenter demand and supply, GPU total cost of ownership, and more. We work with hyperscalers, neoclouds, many of the world’s largest hedge funds, and government agencies.Core Research – our public equity markets product, geared towards financial investors, distills our deep technical research and knowledge into key insights on technology and product trends.Consulting and Technical Due Diligence – We conduct custom research and project work to guide key strategic and investment decisions for the largest private‑equity funds, leading venture‑capital firms, companies across the AI and semiconductor ecosystem, and government agencies.Position OverviewSemiAnalysis is scaling STEEL, our semiconductor teardown and characterization lab in Hillsboro, Oregon, to support deep research into the hardware shaping the AI and datacenter industry.We are hiring a Competitive Analysis Engineer (Semiconductor Manufacturing & Architecture). This is a highly hands-on role focused on generating evidence-based technical insights through physical teardown, imaging, and analysis of leading-edge hardware.You will work across the full lifecycle, from sample preparation to data interpretation, translating physical observations into clear, defensible conclusions on process technology, integration strategies, and design intent.This role is ideal for individuals driven by curiosity, investigation, and technical rigor, with the ability to connect microscopic evidence to macro-level industry decisions. You will operate as a subject matter authority on current and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing for AI and datacenter systems.ResponsibilitiesConduct end-to-end teardown and characterization of AI and datacenter hardware, spanning package → die → transistor levelPerform hands-on sample preparation and analysis, including operating tools such as FIB, SEM, and related characterization equipmentInterpret imaging and analytical data to derive insights on process integration, materials, and design trade-offsAnalyze and document FEOL, BEOL, and advanced packaging trends across foundries, memory vendors, and OSATsIdentify generational technology shifts, competitive positioning, and trade-offs in manufacturing approachesApply Design Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) principles to explain design/process decisions, cost implications, and performance outcomesProduce high-quality technical research and written analysis, co-authoring publications for SemiAnalysis clientsTranslate complex physical findings into clear, structured, and defensible narratives for a technical audienceContribute to the development and expansion of lab capabilities, workflows, and analytical coverageRequirements 3+ years of experience in semiconductor-related roles, including:Process integration (FEOL / BEOL)Advanced packaging integrationSilicon / hardware engineeringOR a closely related domain with exposure to leading-edge nodesBroad process familiarity across:CMOS logicMemory technologies (e.g., HBM, GDDR, 3D NAND)Emerging semiconductor technologiesStrong understanding of:Process integration and product architectureDesign Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) principlesDemonstrated ability to:Reason from physical / structural evidence → process & design intentDistinguish between real signals vs artifacts in analysisHands-on experience or strong aptitude in:Semiconductor sample preparationAnalytical tools such as FIB, SEM, and related techniquesCore competencies:Strong technical writing and structured argumentationHigh curiosity, ownership, and investigative mindsetAbility to work independently and close analytical loops end-to-endNice to HaveExperience with advanced characterization techniques:TEM / STEMEDS / WDSEELSSIMSAtom Probe Tomography (APT)Exposure to:Advanced packaging R&D (2.5D / 3D integration, hybrid bonding, high-speed interconnects)Failure analysis & fault isolation (nanoprobing, emission microscopy, laser/e-beam methods)Proven ability to:Interpret micrographs and compositional data to infer process/design characteristicsProgramming skills:Python for image analysis, data processing, or lab automationEstablished industry network across semiconductor ecosystem (foundries, memory vendors, packaging players)Growth AreasThis role offers strong upside into both technical depth and industry influence:Develop into a recognized authority in semiconductor manufacturing and architecture, particularly for AI/datacenter hardwareExpand expertise across full-stack semiconductor analysis (materials → process → architecture → system impact)Contribute directly to industry-shaping research and thought leadership published by SemiAnalysisGain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and competitive strategies across global semiconductor leadersGrow into a lead contributor or domain specialist within STEEL lab capabilities (e.g., packaging, memory, process nodes)Opportunity to influence research direction, lab investments, and analytical frameworks