Understanding the Job of a Mask Designer

Overheard at a party
PartyGoer: Wow, Great Party!
Host: Thanks, we're celebrating our project success.
PG: Really, what does everyone here do?
Host: We design micro-chips.
PG: Gee, you must be an engineer!
Host: Nope, I'm a mask designer.
PG: Say.... What???

The above conversation is pretty typical when mask designers talk about their job. The first thing a person think is "oh, he's an artist?"
While the job does have an artistic aspect, it is firmly grounded in high-tech.

  1. Can I be a mask designer
  2. What does a mask designer do?
  3. How does a person BECOME a mask designer?
  4. What can a designer expect in pay?
basic transistors
Can I be a mask designer?
Not everyone is cut out to be a mask designer. If you can answer yes to a majority of these questions, then you may consider it as a career choice.
  1. Do you like to do three dimensional puzzles?
  2. Do you like working in a high tech environment?
  3. Do you like working with computers?
  4. Do you enjoy working in a team?
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What does a mask designer do?
A mask designer is a component of a design team usually consisting of device engineers (DEs), validation specialists, application designers (DAs), and micro-architects. The key role a mask designer plays is to create the physical layout files based on the schematics the DEs create. There are many rules developed by the validation team which the mask designer must follow to ensure a quality design. Most of the mask designers' time is spent using very specialized computer based drafting tools and then verifying the layout against the rules.
a basic transistor layed out
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How does a person BECOME a mask designer?
In todays high tech environment, a mask designer must have a strong grounding in electronics and engineering. Most mask designers have at least an AS in eletronics technology, others have BS degrees in in engineering or computing, while a few are able to "self- train" themselves and participate in on the job training. There are a few colleges that offer courses in mask design specifically, but they are are few and far between.
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What can a designer expect in pay?
Most companies the employ mask designers view them as engineers or technicians. Either way, mask designers can expect to earn a decent salary.
Junior designers can expect between 28k-35k while in training and the early stages of their career. as a designers experience and knowledge increase, so will the pay. Mid level designers can expect from 30K-60K, and senior designers and bring anything from 40K-115K. Like any high tech job, many perks are associated with the work, including stock options, sabbaticals, bonuses, etc...
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If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me!