Intel

Good pay, benefits, and time off.

On your first day, you will be working on WBT's and Level 1 Ops for the area you are assigned.

Overtime is not required but expected/coerced. You will take on more and more roles, such as being a part of the safety team, ERT, interviews, training others, and being trained in multiple different tool sets, with little to no extra pay. I say coerced because if you don't, you're basically on the chopping block.

If you are in the same area for years and the older crew leaves, be prepared to be the lead of that shift and know the ins and outs of maintenance, error recovery, repairs, etc. Be prepared to train people with no college degree in the field. It can be very taxing and stressful.

Managers, in general, in my opinion, are not needed. They don't do anything for production or the team sitting out in the cubicles at a desk with nothing really to do but talk about others and take up real estate where tool sets should be. If you get a manager who doesn't like you for any reason, you're going to have an even tougher time being micromanaged. If your manager has their own feelings of insecurity, those will be projected on you, and there is nothing you can do about it. They can project anything they perceive onto you, and there is nothing you can do about it.

Technologically, this position should and will be phased out over time.

Do not trust HR, as their purpose is to protect the company at all costs. That's why HR was created; just read some history on it. Once you contact HR, you're essentially a target.

Most jobs, but this one especially, depend on the people around you. If you are assigned to a group of people that don't like you or vibe with you, you'll have a horrible time. If you get a good team, then you'll be alright. Get one bad egg, and that's all it really takes.

Work culture is pretty toxic, especially when dealing with engineers and managers. Most engineers will be condescending with a tone of superiority. They are the gatekeepers for obtaining Lvl 3 certs. Depends on your area for Lvl 2 certs. I've seen people who are really friendly with engineers and get certified even though they know absolutely nothing about the tool for that certification.

Overall, you will need to develop thick skin like a statue for this job, especially as a technician. If the company is doing badly or if economic fluctuations in the manufacturing sector occur, your job is at risk, regardless of your position on the floor, and you may find yourself expected to take on increasing responsibilities. Be cautious about whom you trust, even those you consider close colleagues; in challenging times, some may not hesitate to undermine you. I've witnessed individuals ascend the corporate ladder into roles for which they are ill-suited. Often, success in these environments hinges more on the appearance of intellect and communication skills than on actual expertise. It's not uncommon for managers to lack in-depth knowledge, with some holding only high school diplomas, which can lead to ineffective leadership.