TSMC Fab Equipment Engineer - Equipment Engineer TSMC Employee Review

3.0
6 July 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Was able to train in Taiwan, work for one of the most important companies on the planet that no one knows about, be exposed to culture outside the US, am being given skills I can take to lot's of desirable positions in the future. There are incompatibilities between work culture, learning/teaching style and other expectations from the US to Taiwan. This is to be expected. My trainer I think has definitely met me part way, and I believe I can say I have done the same. There's still a gap, but this can be worked on.

Cons

The work culture in Taiwan is really different than in the US. I am sure TSMC will have to change to an 8 hour work day five days a week or do what other companies do with Fabs and run three days on, four days off, four days on, three days off rotations. As it is right now in Taiwan The minimum amount of time at the company is 10 hours a day, but realistically is running up to even 12 hours a day. This is for those of us who are American training to go back to the new operation in Arizona. The reality for people from Taiwan is that they are doing even more than 12 hour days often. There's also the night shifts and weekend shifts on duty and/or on call. That last part is understandable as the fab lives 24/7. The training in this experience really depends on one person who is your "trainer". My experience has lacked any structure, but had no shortage of expectations. I came up with some process to approach learning new equipment and daily tasks, but to be honest don't know that I've arrived yet. TSMC doesn't seem to enshrine a sense of individual freedom. The company provides housing for those of us training from the states, but has very much micromanaged everything we do in our living arrangement. There's a curfew with no guests allowed for example. And the long term housing adds another hand hour commute.

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5.0
27 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Stability despite layoffs across the semiconductor industry

Cons

Lower compensation than competitors. The fab in Washington works on less exciting science than the one in Arizona

1.0
4 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

TSMC looks good on a resume

Cons

My contract (through TSMC) was originally 6 months. Instead of hiring me on Full time, they have tacked on 3 90 day extensions, with a revolving door of expectations. They always change the goal at the last minute, and fail to communicate these changes until you find out that you are being extended. They do not allow personal phones past any of the security gates, and are extremely strict regarding anything they do. This includes sharing of basic information you need to do your job. Management is a joke, the allegations in the clase action going on are real. The cleanroom is hot as heck, and kept humid. They have two single drinking fountains that serve all 4 floors of the cleanroom. OSHA anyone? Prepare to only do PMs and make sure you are hydrated enough to spend 15 hours of your 13 hour shift in the cleanroom. Exposure to toxic chemicals and gasses is one open chamber and breath away, as PAPR and other proper PPE usage is rare. The number of people who have died on site or been injured here is abnormally high for this industry. Money, PM completion, and daily photos of trash you pick up in your module all come before safety. This company will not work with you when it matters, image and reputations are at the forefront of this political environment. Management has no effin clue on how to work in America.

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