TOXIC SWEATSHOP (look elsewhere for engineering) - Yield Enhancement Engineer TSMC Employee Review

1.0
23 Sept 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

-Stable job/company -50-75 percentile in compensation for this type of engineering role (slightly above average) -will sponsor visa -In my opinion, this is a political FAB so you will never have to face the same level of pressure of wafer throughput that mass production FAB's do in Taiwan and the tech will always be about at least 1-2yrs behind what Taiwan has (this makes life much easier as an engineer).

Cons

-every imaginable aspect of this job is a con except that the advanced tech is interesting and the job requirement puts you under immense pressure to improve as an engineer -if you don't get priced in well initially management/HR will not adjust your salary to be comparable to your peers regardless of performance -everyone leaves around 1~3yrs who does not require visa sponsorship leaving every department is understaffed and undertrained -you should not working here if you are a US citizen or have a green card already -they previously fired all US directors so you will never become a manager/director unless you are a fluent mandarin speaker -they cut bonuses at every opportunity even when making money hand over fist -big tech company without big tech pay or flexibility (good luck talking to your family, friends, etc when your phone is kept in a locker and you get worked like a dog) -huge portion of salary is based on performance rating for Taiwanese employees which creates a imbalanced and unfair dynamic for employees with the same job when it comes to effort and work load -terrible office politics with management who would "rather give budget for team dinner than give better pay or bonuses" (yes the head of HR literally said this to us in a retention related meeting for local hires XD) -all of the high salaries reported are from retention bonuses given to US hires who trained in Taiwan over 1yr ago and will not be given to anyone hired after (there are essentially 3 different compensation packages for people with the same job title are yours will be the lowest possible as a new hire) -you will not have any time or energy for anything but work -As a US hire you will likely never be given any opportunity to do critical work (you will be hired to fill quota so TSMC can say they made more jobs for the US and your main objective will be reduce the work load of your Taiwanese counterparts)

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TSMC Response
1y
We appreciate your feedback and your continued contributions to TSMC. As we continue to grow our business in Arizona, we are committed to fostering a work environment that is rewarding and provides continued growth opportunities for all our team members accompanied with fair compensation. We do want to clarify that we have never conducted mass layoffs or employee layoffs at our Arizona location, nor have there been salary or bonus restrictions, as TSMC Arizona has continued to pay all bonuses as planned. Because we are in the early stages of growth in Arizona, we welcome ideas that contribute to operational efficiencies, including career growth. If you're up for it, please feel free to speak directly with the Human Resources representative assigned to your department, or leverage the “Ombudsman System” tool, which can be found within the Employee Voice Channels page.

Explore other reviews about TSMC

5.0
27 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Stability despite layoffs across the semiconductor industry

Cons

Lower compensation than competitors. The fab in Washington works on less exciting science than the one in Arizona

1.0
4 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

TSMC looks good on a resume

Cons

My contract (through TSMC) was originally 6 months. Instead of hiring me on Full time, they have tacked on 3 90 day extensions, with a revolving door of expectations. They always change the goal at the last minute, and fail to communicate these changes until you find out that you are being extended. They do not allow personal phones past any of the security gates, and are extremely strict regarding anything they do. This includes sharing of basic information you need to do your job. Management is a joke, the allegations in the clase action going on are real. The cleanroom is hot as heck, and kept humid. They have two single drinking fountains that serve all 4 floors of the cleanroom. OSHA anyone? Prepare to only do PMs and make sure you are hydrated enough to spend 15 hours of your 13 hour shift in the cleanroom. Exposure to toxic chemicals and gasses is one open chamber and breath away, as PAPR and other proper PPE usage is rare. The number of people who have died on site or been injured here is abnormally high for this industry. Money, PM completion, and daily photos of trash you pick up in your module all come before safety. This company will not work with you when it matters, image and reputations are at the forefront of this political environment. Management has no effin clue on how to work in America.

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