Technical Instructor - Semiconductor

Position Title: Technical Instructor (Semiconductor)

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Reports To: Managing Director 

Employment Type: Contract 

Hourly Rate: $60.00 -$65.00

Role Summary
The Technical Instructor (Semiconductor) is a high-impact instructional leader responsible for transforming adult learners into skilled technicians prepared for entry- to mid-level jobs in semiconductor manufacturing (wafer fabrication, assembly/test, and packaging) and advanced manufacturing. By delivering a rigorous technical training cycle, this role equips learners with hands-on proficiency in fab safety, cleanroom protocols and wafer handling, electrical and vacuum systems, equipment fundamentals, and statistical process control, within pre-hire operator boundaries. This position is a cornerstone of the Per Scholas mission to advance economic equity, directly driving the organizational goal of 80% job attainment for graduates by equipping them with the technical mastery, hands-on experience, and professional mindset required to thrive in high-growth technology and advanced manufacturing careers

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom Facilitation: Using a structured and approved curriculum, conduct full-time technical training cycles. Facilitate in a highly interactive, hands-on style with a maximum of 1.5 hours of lecture in a 6-hour teaching day; the remaining time is dedicated to instructor-led lab activities.
• Hands-On Lab Instruction: Design and execute practical lab exercises, diagnostic tests, and performance-based assessments for electrical safety, cleanroom, wafer-handling, vacuum, equipment-inspection, and SPC tasks in physical, mock-up, or simulated training environments, strictly maintaining cleanroom protocols and hazardous-materials safety standards.
• Managing Learner Performance: Provide learners with ongoing feedback, conferencing, and performance appraisals. Coordinate closely with career coaches and learner support staff to enforce program rules and promote learner success. Maintain dedicated office hours for individual learner support.
• Certification & Outcomes: Ensure classes achieve targeted pass rates on all required industry certification exams. Commit to individual performance goals regarding both certification and job placement outcomes.
• Administrative Oversight: Utilize the in-house Learning Management System (Canvas) for assignments and real-time performance monitoring. Conduct real-time learner data entry in Salesforce.com.
• Team Leadership: Effectively manage and appropriately utilize a Teaching Assistant or Instructional Assistant; maintain regular office hours for learner support.
• AI-Integrated Instruction: Model and coach responsible use of approved generative AI tools for documentation, comprehension, and job-readiness tasks, reinforcing verification of AI output against governing source documents.
• Curriculum Input: Provide subject-matter expertise on tech curriculum, labs, and program policies to keep content current and relevant to industry shifts in semiconductor fabrication and fab operations.
• Compliance: Monitor and enforce learners' class attendance, dress code, and cleanroom/industrial safety policies to maintain professional standards.
• Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Effective Communication: Strong oral and written skills with the ability to relate real-world semiconductor manufacturing and equipment maintenance experience to the academic curriculum.
• Collaborative & Flexible: Excitement for working cross-functionally with other departments and independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Data-Driven: Results-oriented approach to monitoring learner metrics and program health.
• Time Management: Ability to balance multiple projects, tasks, and instructional cycles simultaneously.
• Mission Alignment: Belief that individuals from any community deserve access to well-paying careers and that talent exists in diverse sources.

Technical/Functional Skills

• Electrical & Measurement Fundamentals: Demonstrable understanding of electrical systems and instrumentation, including digital multimeter use, zero-energy verification, and NFPA 70E approach boundaries; familiarity with controls and power systems found on process tools.
• Semiconductor Process & Equipment Familiarity: Hands-on experience or deep technical familiarity with the wafer process flow (FEOL/BEOL unit processes), defect inspection and classification, front-end process tools, vacuum systems (pumps, chambers, gauges), gas/chemical delivery systems, and cleanroom contamination control.
• Fab Operations & Process Quality: Working knowledge of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) lot tracking and shift documentation, statistical process control (control charts, Western Electric rules, OCAP escalation), and Lean Six Sigma fundamentals.
• Safety Mindset: Solid understanding of industrial and semiconductor-specific safety standards and regulations, including OSHA, NFPA 70E, hazardous gas/chemical handling, and SEMI guidelines.
• LMS & CRM Proficiency: Expert use of Canvas for instructional delivery and Salesforce for data tracking; comfortable using simulated MES, defect classification, and immersive AR/VR training platforms.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering preferred. Equivalent professional trade experience or technical certifications accepted.
• Experience: 1–3 years of professional experience in electrical, electromechanical, or equipment-maintenance roles in semiconductor fabs, advanced manufacturing, or technical instruction.
• Certifications: Professional certifications in semiconductor, maintenance, electrical, vacuum, or industrial safety disciplines are highly preferred. Examples include SACA Industry 4.0 Associate/Specialist, SMRP CMRT, NIMS Industrial Maintenance, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or higher, OSHA 10/30, and NFPA 70E.
• Track Record: Demonstrated success in leading teams or learners toward achieving technical milestones or certifications.

Leadership & Decision-Making

This position has no direct reports but provides functional leadership to Teaching Fellows and Instructional Assistants.

The role does not have direct budget responsibility.

This position has moderate decision-making authority, including:

• Determining learner readiness for certification exam vouchers.
• Customizing daily lesson plans to address specific cohort technical gaps.
• Grading and evaluating learner competency in semiconductor fab operations, equipment inspection, and safety.

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