A summer job at Okmetic offers a front-row seat to the semiconductor value chain
Each year, Okmetic employs several students as summer trainees. This summer, nearly 50 summer employees joined our production organization, working in various roles across different stages of production. Working at Okmetic offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the very beginning of the semiconductor value chain: the manufacturing of silicon wafers. We had the opportunity to meet five students who started their summer jobs with us this year and hear about their experiences working at Okmetic.
Milla Paulasaari studies chemistry and materials science at Aalto University and works in single-side polishing. Milla became interested in Okmetic after hearing about the company during a materials science lecture.
Hugo Palin studies engineering physics at Aalto University and works in crystal growth. Hugo applied to Okmetic based on recommendations from acquaintances and because of his interest in the semiconductor industry.
Senni Myllylä has graduated with a degree in chemical engineering and will begin her Master’s studies in chemical engineering at Aalto University this autumn. Senni works in edge polishing and applied to Okmetic based on recommendations from fellow students.
Lukas Lundmark studies electronics and electrical engineering physics at Aalto University and works in double-side wafer polishing. Lukas applied to Okmetic because he wanted to learn more about the beginning of the electronics value chain.
Aaron Narinen studies process engineering at Aalto University and materials engineering at the University of Turku. Aaron works in double-side wafer polishing and applied to Okmetic because he is interested in semiconductor and nanomaterial manufacturing on an industrial scale.
A smooth start to a summer work
The first day for summer employees begins with an orientation session covering operating practices, safety instructions and practical ground rules. After that, they have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the different departments at the Vantaa factory and observe production operations firsthand.
Summer employees are assigned their own workstations, and most of the onboarding takes place alongside practical work under the guidance of a designated trainer. Depending on the workstation, many employees are able to try out their tasks already during the early stages of orientation, following the theoretical training.
“I immediately felt welcome at Okmetic”
“I think the onboarding process worked well, and I immediately felt welcome at Okmetic. All the essential things became familiar during the first days and weeks through practical work. In addition, I have gradually been able to work more and more independently,” says Lukas.
“We got to see the manufacturing process firsthand already on the very first day, which was really interesting,” adds Aaron.
Precision and teamwork are part of everyday work
Strict clothing and safety procedures are followed in the production facilities, and each workstation has its own instructions to ensure both cleanliness and employee safety. A summer employee’s workday always begins with carefully putting on work clothing and protective equipment. This is followed by a brief handover meeting with the previous shift, during which the production status and the most important issues are reviewed. Work then continues based on shift log entries, which helps ensure smooth continuation of work and effective overall process management.
Production operates around the clock in shifts, and depending on the duration of a particular process step, several batches may be completed during one shift, or sometimes none at all. For example, in crystal growth, growing a single crystal is a lengthy process that can take several hours, often longer than a single 12-hour shift. In such cases, work is seamlessly transferred to the next shift through accurate documentation and clear instructions.
A summer job at Okmetic offers diverse tasks
The responsibilities of summer employees include monitoring equipment performance, observing production processes and ensuring quality at different stages of production. The work requires precision and attention to detail, as even small deviations can affect the final outcome. At the same time, the job offers an opportunity to understand the production process as a whole, rather than only individual work phases.
Milla notes that she was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of the work: “I was surprised by how much the job involves measurements and operating equipment, it is not just line work.”
Aaron says that, in addition to routine tasks, the summer job has also provided opportunities to learn how to participate in minor maintenance activities, such as replacing worn components. “There are highly skilled people here, and I can ask for advice from my trainer or more experienced colleagues at any time. No one is ever at a loss, and every situation we have encountered has been resolved.”
“There are highly skilled people here, and I can ask more experienced colleagues for advice at any time”
Hugo, who works in crystal growth, also appreciates the variety of the work: “I also get to participate in adjusting furnace settings and, for example, doping crystals.”
The other summer employees also highlight that the work provides opportunities to learn new things in practice and gradually take on more responsibility as their skills develop.
Unexpected situations occasionally arise during the workday as well. According to Senni, one of the biggest surprises has been how precise and meticulous the work is at every stage. Even the smallest details matter in terms of the final result, which makes the work both challenging and rewarding.
The recruitment process progressed smoothly
According to Hugo, Okmetic’s recruitment process stood out positively, and all interviewees highlighted how smoothly it progressed. After submitting their applications, candidates received additional information quickly and were kept informed about the progress of the selection process.
Senni says that she applied to Okmetic only at the beginning of summer: “I applied for a job at Okmetic in early June. I was invited for an interview and started working during the very same week.”
For many summer employees, the fast and straightforward recruitment process created a positive first impression of Okmetic.
Silicon wafers form the foundation of the modern world
Many summer employees have noticed that silicon wafers are not familiar to everyone. They have often had to explain to friends and family just how essential silicon wafers are to modern technology. Nearly all modern electronics—from smartphones to spacecraft—rely on semiconductor components manufactured on silicon wafers.
Aaron summarizes it in practical terms: “Silicon wafers are everywhere around us, from phones and cars to household appliances. Silicon is found in almost all electronics, and there are very few rooms where it isn’t present in one way or another.”
Working with silicon wafers provides a new perspective on technology and on the crucial role that invisible components play in enabling the modern world.
Interested in working at the heart of the semiconductor industry?
If you are interested in leaving your mark on the global silicon wafer industry, Okmetic offers an opportunity to work in a unique high-tech environment. A summer job in production provides practical experience, responsibility and the opportunity to learn from industry professionals.
Follow Okmetic’s careers page and join us in building the technologies of the future.
