The Work

Working as a yield analysis engineer will involve investigating targets set on the manufacturing line in product engineering and inferring whether or not the yield falls above or below that set standard.

Deciphering reasons for a low or high yield is necessary along with analysing the pass and fail trends in data relating to the manufacturing process flow.  This occupation would rely heavily on the use of statistics and mathematics.

The job also involves examining lots that are held at end-of-line, due to any variation in standard processing.

Yield analysis engineers identify and realise measures for yield improvement by purposely ensuring that a portion of what is being manufactured receive non- standard processing in order to improve quality and yield trends.

Work can involve extended periods of time sitting at a computer with a lot of concentration required.

Employment for low/high yield analysis engineers can be found with manufacturing companies of devices such as laptops, mobile phones, mp3 players and digital cameras.

Tasks and Activities

• Analysing the pass/fail trends of products on the manufacturing line
• Analysing statistics of different trends on the production line
• Examining what went wrong in the manufacturing process flow
• Examining devices that are held at end-of-line production
• Carrying out split lot analysis to improve yield trends
• Delegating work appropriately to team members
• Troubleshooting problems or flaws
• Contributing to necessary improvements and changes to all process related issues in the production department
• Writing reports on findings for team members.

Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Skills

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

A minimum of a Level 8 degree is necessary to pursue a career as a Yield Analysis Engineer, in an area such as electronic engineering or maths. A background in the STEM disciplines would be best suited to this role. An excellent knowledge of statistics is also of particular importance.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Manufacturing, Engineering Operations & Technology, Cleanroom operations in centres around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, Digital Computing Systems & Electronics, Engineering and Electronic Technology, Engineering Technology with Electronics, Pre-University Mechatronics (Electronics), Engineering - Preliminary, Engineering Pre University, Engineering Technology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Lean Sigma management NFQ level 9, Engineering Apprenticeship programmes at NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Electronic or Mechanical engineering courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Engineering, Manufacturing, Electronic & Computer Engineering Engineering - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Process & Automation Systems, Leadership in Digitisation of Manufacturing, Smart Manufacturing Technology, Agile Business Analysis NFQ level 9-10

Engineers Ireland The professional membership body of Engineers in Ireland, with sub division in Industry, Innovation and Design

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Azon/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Indeed/ Clark/ Osborne/ Excel

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• STEPS - Engineers Ireland

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• Engineers Ireland

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• Institute of Physics in Ireland

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