Talking Technicians

Hosted by MNT-EC

Technology

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Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The podcast about micro and nano technicians: Who they are, what they do, and how they got there. Hosted by Peter Kazarinoff and supported by the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.

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60 recent

October 5, 202613 min

S07-E01 Elinor is a Principal Maintenance Technician at GlobalFoundries

In this episode, you’ll meet Elinor, who works as a principal maintenance technician at GlobalFoundries in Malta, New York. Elinor shares her journey about how she started to work in semiconductor manufacturing. Listen to how Elinor advanced professionally, and all the benefits to working at GlobalFoundries. Hear how Elinor enrolled in community college, overcame hurdles, and built a successful career as a technician in our nation’s crucial semiconductor manufacturing industry. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center, MNT-EC: https://micronanoeducation.org Careers at GlobalFoundries: https://gf.com/careers/

June 25, 2026Episode 723 min

S06-E07 Hans is a XSEM Team Supervisor at Lam Research

In this episode, you’ll meet Hans. Hans is a cross-SEM team supervisor at Lam Research in Tualatin, Oregon. Hans made the move from Minneapolis, MN to Portland, OR back in 2016, originally joining Lam Research as a microscopy technician. Hans shares that technicians can expect a competitive salary, along with great benefits like healthcare. He also talked about how his specialized education in the nanoscience program at Dakota County Technical College prepared him for a successful career in the semiconductor industry. Links from the show: The Micro Nano Technology Education Center, MNT-EC: https://micronanoeducation.org Careers at Lam Research: https://careers.lamresearch.com/careers Microscopy Technician Training Program (MTTP) - Lam Research : https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.lamresearch.com/mttp/*enroll__;Iw!!Ka_JY85zDv0FFw!gGR-CyhQyS4dI0FP_wrJq63ZraRK7Txb6ZYNo3a5Jk__F0Ge6b1Wx4ZhXllLvJmAQUjZ4XDFiv0iIbgs4ms4fVWvGGqBa9w$

June 1, 2026Episode 618 min

S06-E06 Ed is a Clean Room Production Technician at New York Creates

Ed is a clean room production technician at New York Creates in Albany, New York. Ed describes his work as a technician including data collection, machine operation, and process streamlining. Ed shares his career progression from a level 1 operator to a clean room production technician in just over two years. He emphasizes the importance of soft skills and communication in the semiconductor industry. Ed also shares his non-traditional career path, starting in construction and customer service, and how his role at New York Creates has provided him with stability and independence. MNT-EC: https://micronanoeducation.org/ Talking Technicians on the Web: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ NY Creates Workforce Development: https://ny-creates.org/workforce-development/

October 31, 2025Episode 417 min

S06-E04 Oscar is a technician at Jireh Semiconductor

In this episode of Talking Technicians you’ll meet Oscar Rodriguez, a technician at Jireh Semiconductor. Oscar shares his journey from Southern California to Portland, Oregon, and his transition from various service industry jobs to the semiconductor field. He discusses the importance of education, particularly the microelectronics program at Portland Community College, and the challenges he faced when he became a student. Oscar also reflects on his experiences at Jireh, the unexpected aspects of working in the industry, and offers valuable advice for aspiring technicians. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Careers at Jireh: https://www.aosmd.com/careers

September 1, 2025Episode 327 min

S06-E03 Special Episode: Cross-over with Trouble Shooting Technicians

This special episode is a crossover episode with the Troubleshooting Technicians Podcast. Troubleshooting Technicians is a podcast about how technicians troubleshoot and solve problems in their work. This episode features Sean from Pfeiffer Vacuum. Sean describes general troubleshooting steps and then goes into a specific example of how to troubleshoot a vacuum system. Give the Troubleshooting Technicians podcast feed a follow! The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Troubleshooting Technicians on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/troubleshooting-technicians/id1835766744 Troubleshooting Technicians on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/165fyRtUJqS3L2GBtoo6E0 Pfeiffer Vacuum: https://www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com/us/en/

August 4, 2025Episode 222 min

S06-E02 Ashley is an RDA process technician at Micron

Ashley is an RDA process technician at Micron in Manassas, Virginia. Ashley describes her role in inspecting wafers for imperfections and ensuring high-quality chips. She works shifts from Wednesday to Saturday, earning a starting wage of $20-$25 per hour, with potential differentials for night shifts. Benefits include excellent healthcare and retirement plans. Ashley emphasizes the importance of communication and adaptability, crediting her community college education and internship at Micron for her success. She advises students to try new experiences and not be afraid to explore different career paths. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Careers at Micron: https://www.micron.com/about/careers

July 7, 2025Episode 126 min

S06-E01 Joey is a Equipment Engineer at Micron

In this episode of Talking Technicians you’ll meet Joey, an equipment engineer at Micron in Boise, Idaho. Joey details his professional journey from being a technician to an engineer, the operations at Micron, and the skills required to excel in the semiconductor industry. Joey shares insights on salary expectations, benefits, and the importance of both technical and soft skills in the workplace. Hear Joey’s insightful advice for aspiring technicians and engineers. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Careers at Micron: https://www.micron.com/about/careers

June 16, 2025Episode 1022 min

S05-E10 Jose is a technician at KNI

Jose, a technician at the Kavli Nanoscience Institute (KNI) at Caltech, discusses his role in microfabrication, using equipment like ellipsometers and atomic force microscopes. He describes his daily routine, including wearing a bunny suit for safety. Jose shares his educational journey, starting from Pasadena City College, and his plans to transfer and work in a clean room. He highlights the unexpected challenges of learning new techniques and the impact of the East Canyon fire on his family, which forced them to relocate. Despite these challenges, Jose continues his studies and work, emphasizing the importance of extracurricular involvement and resilience. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Kavli Nanoscience Institute (KNI) at Caltech: https://kni.caltech.edu/

June 2, 2025Episode 915 min

S05-E09 Justin is a test engineer at Entegris

Justin, a test engineer at Entegris in Prior Lake, Minnesota, discusses his career progression from working as technician to becoming an engineer. As a test engineer, Justin tests materials and designs using metrology and microscopy. Previously, Justin worked as an applications technician at Optima, where he demonstrated aerosol jet technology to customers. Justin emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, networking, and building relationships. He advises current students to gain practical skills, pursue their interests, and consider community colleges for cost-effective educational experiences. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Careers at Entegris: https://www.entegris.com/careers

May 19, 202517 min

S05-E08 Logan is a Quality Tech 3 at Renewal by Andersen

Logan is a Quality Tech 3 at Renewal by Anderson in Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Logan highlights career development opportunities at Anderson, including promotions to technologist positions. Logan notes that technicians can earn around $25 an hour and can secure benefits like 401(k) plans and PTO. Logan contrasts his experience at a large company with his previous role at a small firm. Hear how Logan emphasizes the importance of asking questions, critical thinking, and independence, learned from his nanotechnology program at Dakota County Technical College. Logan advises aspiring technicians to gain experience and consider furthering their education. The Talking Technicians podcast is produced by MNT-EC, the Micro Nano Technology Education Center, through financial support from the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education grant program. Opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the National Science Foundation. Join the conversation. If you are a working technician or know someone who is, reach out to us at info@talkingtechnicians.org. Links from the show: Episode Web Page: https://micronanoeducation.org/students-parents/talking-technicians-podcast/ Jobs at Renewal by Anderson: https://www.renewalbyandersen.com/careers