
How to Get a Better Semiconductor Job After a Lay-Off or Redundancy
Redundancy in the semiconductor industry can be a shock—especially when your role is technical, precision-driven, and often tied to global supply chain dynamics. But with the UK government backing chip design and manufacturing through initiatives like the National Semiconductor Strategy, the future of the industry is strong.
Whether you're a process engineer, chip designer, fabrication specialist, or semiconductor physicist, this guide will help you transition confidently into your next role.
Contents
Understanding Redundancy in the Semiconductor Sector
Step 1: Process and Refocus
Step 2: Define Your Expertise and Career Direction
Step 3: Update Your CV and Project Portfolio
Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn and Technical Repositories
Step 5: Connect with Specialist Recruiters and Employers
Step 6: Apply Intelligently and Follow Up
Step 7: Upskill in EDA Tools, Advanced Materials or Chiplet Design
Step 8: Explore Contract, Government, or R&D Opportunities
Step 9: Manage Finances and Sustain Momentum
Bonus: Top UK Semiconductor Employers Hiring in 2025
Final Thoughts: Redundancy as a Strategic Reset
Understanding Redundancy in the Semiconductor Sector
Job losses in semiconductors often stem from:
Foundry shutdowns or supplier delays
Delays in tape-out schedules
M&A-driven headcount reductions
Yet demand remains strong in:
Custom silicon design
Compound semiconductors (GaN, SiC)
Photonics and quantum hardware
Chip verification and IP
Embedded systems and silicon-software integration
Step 1: Process and Refocus
Take time to evaluate your strengths and preferences
Decide whether to continue in design, testing, manufacturing, or R&D
Reassess ideal sector: consumer electronics, telecoms, defence, automotive, etc.
Step 2: Define Your Expertise and Career Direction
Clarify:
What tools and platforms do you specialise in? (e.g. Cadence, Synopsys, Silvaco)
Are you strongest in physical design, RTL, DFT, analog, or embedded integration?
What standards or node sizes are you experienced with? (e.g. 5nm, 28nm, GaN, SiGe)
Step 3: Update Your CV and Project Portfolio
Your CV should include:
A clear summary (e.g. “SoC Design Engineer | RTL | DFT | Open to Work”)
Project outcomes (e.g. “Reduced leakage by 12% through layout optimisation”)
Tape-out experience, verification frameworks, fabrication process
Links to patents, research papers, or public design contributions
Step 4: Optimise LinkedIn and Technical Repositories
LinkedIn Tips:
Headline: “Semiconductor Process Engineer | CMOS | GaN | Open to Work”
About: Detail your technical skills, project history, and goals
Feature conference talks, whitepapers, or clean-room certifications
GitHub/Portfolio:
Share Verilog/VHDL modules, testbench setups, or CAD tool scripts (where IP allows)
Document open-source hardware collaborations or simulation models
Sample LinkedIn About Section:
Semiconductor Design Engineer | RTL & Verification | Open to Work
I’m a chip design engineer with 6+ years' experience in RTL design, formal verification, and cross-functional tape-out coordination. Made redundant during a restructuring, I’m now seeking a new role in SoC development, ASIC verification, or low-power architecture.
Toolset: Verilog, SystemVerilog, UVM, Cadence Innovus, Synopsys VCS
Step 5: Connect with Specialist Recruiters and Employers
Recruiter Message Example:
Subject: SoC Engineer | ASIC Design | Available Immediately
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I’m currently seeking a new opportunity after a recent redundancy. My background includes ASIC/SoC RTL design, verification, and post-silicon debug. I’ve attached my CV and would be glad to connect regarding relevant opportunities.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn]
[CV attachment]
Hiring Manager Follow-Up Example:
Subject: Application – Semiconductor Verification Engineer Role at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I recently applied for the Verification Engineer role and wanted to share my strong interest. I bring hands-on experience with UVM testbenches, power-aware simulations, and regression frameworks. I’m currently available and ready to contribute.
CV attached—happy to discuss further.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Step 6: Apply Intelligently and Follow Up
Prioritise roles that match your tools and experience level
Tailor your CV with job-specific keywords
Keep a spreadsheet tracker for applications and follow-ups
Revisit listings after 7–10 days and reach out to hiring contacts
Step 7: Upskill in EDA Tools, Advanced Materials or Chiplet Design
Stay competitive by learning:
Latest EDA flows (e.g. Synopsys Fusion Compiler, Cadence Cerebrus)
RISC-V or chiplet-based design
Power-aware verification tools
Material advances (e.g. 2D materials, neuromorphic substrates)
Take courses from edX, IET, or IMEC Academy
Step 8: Explore Contract, Government, or R&D Opportunities
Consider roles with:
UKRI-supported microelectronics programmes
Compound semiconductor cluster in Wales (e.g. CSA Catapult)
Space, defence and automotive companies investing in custom silicon
University spinouts or open-source silicon consortia
Step 9: Manage Finances and Sustain Momentum
Apply for redundancy pay, Universal Credit or JSA
Use budgeting tools (MoneyHelper, Turn2Us)
Schedule weekly time for job search, learning, and rest
Join Slack/Discord groups or IET forums for peer support
Bonus: Top UK Semiconductor Employers Hiring in 2025
Graphcore
Arm
Pragmatic Semiconductor
XMOS
Imagination Technologies
CSA Catapult (Wales)
Microchip Technology
Intel UK
Dialog Semiconductor (Renesas)
IQE
Cadence UK
Synopsys UK
BAE Systems (Custom Silicon/RF)
Riverlane (Quantum hardware integration)
University of Southampton/Cambridge silicon initiatives
Final Thoughts: Redundancy as a Strategic Reset
Redundancy is difficult, but it could position you for an even better role in a growing UK semiconductor ecosystem. With targeted outreach, smart upskilling, and a clear career narrative, your next role could align better with your ambitions.
You’re not starting over—you’re levelling up.
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