"The classes that helped me prepare for college best were math, science and English. I also strongly recommend taking all the computer classes you can." –Haylee, Manufacturing Associate
What do you do in your position?
I am a manufacturing planner in one of Micron's fabrication areas. Fabrication is the first of the four stages in making a semiconductor memory chip, and a chip must go through several process areas within it.
One of the things I keep track of is the fab's capacity. Capacity is the maximum number of parts a tool can handle before being overloaded, causing product to stack up and create a bottleneck. I monitor changes in the area and how the parts are running in the fab and then supply the area manager and engineer with the detailed information they need to make the changes needed to prevent the bottlenecks and increase efficiency.
Along with my planning responsibilities, I'm also the scrap coordinator for Fab 1. I monitor product deviations in scrapped product. Scrapped wafers will not work properly for many different reasons. Basically, they're garbage. Each day, I run a report detailing how much scrap Fab 1 produced and then research the cause for the scrap. At the end of the week, I put together a chart that shows how the fab is performing and hang it in the smock room for fab employees to review.
How or why did you decide to enter a technical career?
When I entered college, I was very interested in business and felt that having a business degree would allow me to be very versatile in my career choices. However, my mom introduced me to production management, because she thought there was a strong market for people with this degree. I looked into it and decided that it was interesting because it was a hands-on field that allowed you to work with people.
What do you like about your job?
Give an example of an interesting project or opportunity.
I like the fast pace and the way things are constantly changing. In one recent project, a coworker and I developed a database to track deviations more efficiently. Deviations are anything that causes the product to be different. Using this database, I have been able to supply all types of information to engineers about problems in their respective areas. They're able to use my information to find solutions that make our process more efficient and a better quality product.
What high school courses helped you prepare for your job or
college program?
The classes that helped me prepare for college best were math, science and English. I also strongly recommend taking all the computer classes you can.
What post high school education did you pursue?
Directly out of high school, I attended the University of Idaho. I received a bachelor's degree in production and operations management and information systems in May 2001
What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing a technical career?
My advice is to look into a technical career. You may be very surprised on what a technical career has to offer you. Don't judge a book by its cover.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy exercising, going to movies and spending time in the mountains.
Education: Manufacturing Associate
Degrees typically sought for this position are a Bachelor of Science in production operations management.
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