US chip boom calls for specialist talent across multiple skill sets
The Biden administration has announced a significant $5 billion investment in a newly formed public-private consortium dedicated to research and development (R&D) of advanced computer chips. This move, funded by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, could revitalise the American chip industry and create a surge in freelance job opportunities within the sector.
The National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) will focus on supporting the design, prototyping, and testing of next-generation chips. This, coupled with the separate $39 billion allocated for new and expanded chip manufacturing facilities, paints a promising picture for the industry’s future.
“This is an inflection point in the industry,” said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, according to a report by the Associated Press. “Not just because we’re dangerously dependent on one country for so many of our chips, but because AI is going to lead to an explosion of demand for chips, for sophisticated chips, more energy-efficient chips, cost-effective chips.”
Keep an eye on more semiconductor funding
Over the next few months, we can expect a steady stream of announcements about companies receiving funding to boost the U.S. semiconductor industry. This surge is thanks to the CHIPS and Science Act, and it’s likely to create a growing demand for highly skilled workers in the sector. Currently, around 375,000 people are employed in chip production, earning an average of $82,830 annually, according to the AP report.
Companies in the semiconductor ecosystem have announced dozens of new projects across the US —totalling more than $220 billion in private investments—since the CHIPS Act was introduced, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association. These projects according to the report will create more than 40,000 jobs in the semiconductor ecosystem and support hundreds of thousands of additional US jobs throughout this economy.
Freelancers set to benefit from chip boom
This government investment is expected to translate into a significant rise in freelance opportunities across various chip-related skills and jobs. Here are some areas poised for an increase in freelance work:
Chip Design Engineers: With the NSTC focusing on chip design, freelance engineers specializing in areas like very-large-scale integration (VLSI) design, logic design, and memory design will be in high demand.
Chip Verification and Testing Engineers: As new chips are developed, rigorous verification and testing become crucial. Freelance engineers with expertise in functional verification, formal verification, and physical verification will see increased opportunities.
Layout Designers: Converting chip designs into physical layouts requires skilled layout designers. Freelancers with expertise in place and route optimization and physical design automation tools will be sought after.
Technical Writers and Documentation Specialists: Complex chip designs require clear and concise documentation. Freelance technical writers and documentation specialists with experience in chip-specific writing will find ample opportunities.
AI and Machine Learning (ML) Specialists: The chip industry is increasingly embracing AI and ML for design optimization and automation. Freelance specialists with knowledge of chip design tools and AI/ML algorithms will be valuable assets.
Non-engineering freelance opportunities in the chip industry
The chip industry also relies on a diverse set of non-engineering skills. Freelance opportunities are expected to grow in areas including the following:
Project Management: Managing complex chip development projects requires skilled project managers. Freelancers with experience in agile methodologies and chip-specific project management tools will be in demand.
Data Analysts and Scientists: Analysing chip performance and identifying trends requires data expertise. Freelance data analysts and scientists with knowledge of chip-related data will find valuable opportunities.
Marketing and Communications Specialists: Communicating complex chip technologies to various audiences requires skilled marketing and communications professionals. Freelancers with experience in technical writing and chip industry marketing will be valuable.
With a surge in R&D and manufacturing expected, freelance professionals with relevant skills and experience stand to benefit greatly from this exciting growth. As the industry evolves, staying updated with the latest technologies and trends will be key for freelancers to capitalise on the abundant opportunities ahead.