Industry Pathways: Semiconductors, Microelectronics & Advanced Manufacturing

May 12, 2027, 12:00 PM EDT – 2:00 PM EDT
Virtual Event

Powering the Next Generation: Semiconductor Innovation, Domestic Manufacturing & the Future of Technology

Semiconductors are the foundation of modern technology, powering everything from artificial intelligence and advanced computing to defense systems, medical devices, and critical infrastructure. As the United States works to strengthen domestic chip production, expand advanced manufacturing capabilities, and secure critical technology supply chains, the semiconductor industry is entering a period of significant transformation. This expansion requires more than engineers and scientists. It demands skilled professionals across manufacturing operations, equipment maintenance, supply chain management, quality assurance, and industrial technology who can turn innovation into reliable production.

About FourBlock Industry Pathways

FourBlock Industry Pathways address workforce demand and skill gaps by organizing engagement at the industry level rather than the job level, creating a system where employers, talent, and workforce demand are aligned in real time.

This event helps participants understand the evolving semiconductor and microelectronics industry, identify where their experience aligns with workforce needs, and explore opportunities through direct engagement with employer perspectives.

Industry Sector

Industrial Base, Defense & National Security

This sector encompasses semiconductor production, microelectronics manufacturing, advanced industrial systems, and the domestic technology infrastructure essential to economic competitiveness, defense readiness, and national security.

Market Signals

• U.S. semiconductor investment is accelerating: As of September 2026, semiconductor companies had announced more than $828 billion in private investments across over 160 projects in 30 states since 2020. These announced projects are expected to create and support more than 525,000 jobs across semiconductor facilities, construction, and the broader economy.

  Semiconductor Industry Association

• Domestic chip manufacturing capacity is projected to triple: Industry research forecasts a 203% increase in U.S. semiconductor fabrication capacity between 2022 and 2032. This expansion creates opportunities in production operations, facility management, equipment maintenance, and industrial engineering.

  Semiconductor Industry Association

• Semiconductor technicians are a growing workforce priority: Federal employment projections anticipate 8% growth for semiconductor processing technicians from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 3,400 annual openings. Certificate programs, associate degrees, and employer training can provide pathways into these specialized roles.

  Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Federal investment is supporting workforce development: A December 2025 federal review found that 13 of 19 semiconductor companies receiving manufacturing incentives also received workforce development funding. This highlights efforts to build training pipelines and prepare workers for specialized manufacturing environments.

  U.S. GAO

• Advanced chips are central to emerging technologies: Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced communications, and defense applications are driving demand for increasingly sophisticated microelectronics. These developments reinforce the importance of chip design, advanced packaging, testing, and reliable manufacturing processes.

  Semiconductor Industry Association

Explore Career Paths In

• Semiconductor Manufacturing & Fabrication: Operating and monitoring specialized equipment used to produce semiconductor wafers and microchips.

• Microelectronics & Process Engineering: Developing, improving, and troubleshooting the processes used to manufacture electronic components.

• Equipment Maintenance & Industrial Technology: Maintaining precision manufacturing equipment, automated machinery, and complex production systems.

• Semiconductor Design & Verification: Designing and testing integrated circuits for performance, reliability, and functionality; specialized engineering education is generally required.

• Advanced Packaging & Materials Technology: Developing methods for assembling, connecting, and protecting semiconductor components.

• Quality Assurance & Reliability Testing: Inspecting semiconductor products, identifying defects, and ensuring manufacturing standards are met.

• Supply Chain & Materials Management: Coordinating critical materials, specialized equipment, suppliers, and production logistics.

• Automation, Robotics & Smart Manufacturing: Integrating robotics, sensors, and data-driven systems to improve manufacturing performance.

• Facilities & Manufacturing Operations Management: Supporting production facilities, cleanroom operations, safety standards, and operational efficiency.

• Technical Program Management & Workforce Development: Coordinating complex manufacturing initiatives and building the skilled workforce needed to support industry growth.

What to Expect

Expert Panel Discussion

Hear from leaders across semiconductors, microelectronics, and advanced manufacturing as they share insights on industry transformation, workforce demand, and veteran hiring priorities.

Topics will include the expansion of domestic semiconductor manufacturing, emerging chip technologies, supply chain resilience, workforce development, and the technical and operational capabilities employers increasingly value.

Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how semiconductor companies operate, where career opportunities are emerging, and how military and civilian professional experience can contribute to the industry's growth.

Virtual Breakout Sessions

Connect directly with employer partners, recruiters, and hiring managers to explore career pathways aligned with your experience and interests, including semiconductor manufacturing, equipment maintenance, process engineering, supply chain operations, and technical program management.

These interactive conversations provide opportunities to ask questions about transferable skills, technical qualifications, specialized training programs, potential entry points, and career progression.

Participants can also explore how experience in military electronics, maintenance, logistics, operations, technology, and other professional fields may translate into semiconductor careers, including opportunities that do not require an engineering degree.

Who Should Attend?

This event is open to all transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses interested in exploring careers in semiconductors, microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, and the technologies supporting America's economic and national security infrastructure.

Whether you have experience in electronics, engineering, maintenance, logistics, operations, project management, technology, or supply chain management—or are considering the semiconductor industry for the first time—this event will help you identify opportunities aligned with your capabilities and interests.

Participants will discover career pathways across semiconductor manufacturers, equipment suppliers, materials companies, technology organizations, and the broader industrial ecosystem, including both technical and nontechnical roles.

Registration

Explore how your experience can contribute to the technologies powering America's future. Join FourBlock to connect with industry professionals, discover emerging career pathways, and learn how your skills can support the next generation of semiconductor innovation and advanced manufacturing.

Register today: Register on Zoom