TSMC hires first recruiting class of 250 employees

Published: 04/30/2021
Updated: 05/18/2022

Taiwan-based semiconductor manufacturer prioritizes hiring local talent for Phoenix fab

April 30, 2021

Nearly one year ago, TSMC first announced it had selected Arizona for its new, U.S. advanced semiconductor factory. On Wednesday, TSMC announced it successfully reached the first employee recruiting milestone for the new fabrication (“fab”) manufacturing facility in Phoenix. TSMC welcomes over 250 new employees from across the United States who are filling roles spanning Arizona fab operations, human resources, as well as several technical specialists and engineers.

Approximately 20% of this first class of employees hold a higher education undergraduate or graduate degree from an Arizona university. 

“One of the key factors that drew us to expand in the United States was our confidence that the strength and diversity of the engineering talent pipeline from colleges and universities across the country would provide us with outstanding recruits. We are deeply committed to achieving diversity in our workforce, because that’s what drives innovation forward,” said Rick Cassidy, CEO of TSMC Arizona.  

Nearly 100 of the employees and their dependents recently arrived in Tainan, Taiwan where they will complete a 12 to 18-month training program. While in Taiwan, these new employees will work alongside mentor trainers in their industry leading GIGAFAB®, the site of the world’s most advanced 5-nanometer semiconductor fab. 

TSMC employee training program consists of three focus areas: 

  • Company fundamentals: Core values, policies and workplace, cross-culture communication and collaboration 
  • Core competencies: Technology leadership, manufacturing excellence, process engineering and device physics 
  • On-the-job training tailored by job function and role 

Once employees complete training, they will bring new and advanced manufacturing skills back to the U.S. to help ramp up Arizona fab operations. 

“Arizona continues to be the go-to place for advanced manufacturing and semiconductor investment,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “Our skilled workforce, strong supply chain, strategic geographic location, commitment to pro-innovation policies and unmatched quality of life have continued to drive rapid industry growth and economic momentum.” 

TSMC’s economic impact on Arizona 

The project will create 2,000 new high-tech jobs and generate thousands of additional jobs in Arizona for suppliers and other companies within the semiconductor industry. TSMC’s total spending on this project, including capital expenditure, will be approximately $12 billion from 2021 to 2029.

“Even though construction has barely started, Phoenix is already seeing the benefit of TSMC joining our growing list of manufacturers,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “Hiring a core group of 250 engineers now, so far in advance of opening their facility, is a statement of confidence in the workforce Phoenix offers and attracts. I’m very pleased to see how TSMC is honoring its hiring commitments from the very beginning. These new, high-value jobs are a powerful addition to our local economy. I want to be the first to congratulate them, and to welcome those who are relocating to join us in America’s fastest-growing city!”

The company purchased more than 1,100 acres of land in North Phoenix earlier this year, and construction has also started with production targeted to begin in 2024.

“This moment has been years in the making. We’re thrilled TSMC has hired its first recruiting class who will work at the new fabrication manufacturing site in Phoenix,” said Chris Camacho, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “These individuals from around the country will call Greater Phoenix home and help move our innovation-centered economy into a new sphere.” 

Strong talent pipeline from Arizona’s universities 

The company has been actively recruiting recent graduates from engineering programs at colleges and universities across the United States, including Arizona State University (ASU) and University of Arizona (UArizona). Both universities create skilled, exceptional talent. ASU boasts one of the largest engineering programs in the country, and UArizona, provides 16 different undergraduate engineering paths. 

“The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University is proud to be a resource for talent, research and partnership for industries seeking to accelerate innovation and create opportunities for highly skilled graduates trained in engineering and technology fields,” said ASU Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, Dean Kyle Squires. “Our graduates are eager and well-prepared to support research and technology development at TSMC’s Phoenix fabrication site and we wish them success as they make their mark with a global semiconducting leader right here in Arizona.”  

“I am excited to see our first UA engineers join TSMC, supporting the Arizona high-tech economy,” said UA College of Engineering, Dean David W. Hahn. “We look forward to a long-term collaboration.” 

 

TSMC’s recruiting efforts are ongoing. Find more information on TSMC careers at www.brilliantattsmc.com.