National AI Awards 2025Discover AI's trailblazers! Join us to celebrate innovation and nominate industry leaders.

Nominate & Attend
National AI Awards 2025

How to Get a Better Semiconductor Job After a Lay-Off or Redundancy

4 min read

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

  1. Graphcore

  2. Arm

  3. Pragmatic Semiconductor

  4. XMOS

  5. Imagination Technologies

  6. CSA Catapult (Wales)

  7. Microchip Technology

  8. Intel UK

  9. Dialog Semiconductor (Renesas)

  10. IQE

  11. Cadence UK

  12. Synopsys UK

  13. BAE Systems (Custom Silicon/RF)

  14. Riverlane (Quantum hardware integration)

  15. 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.


Need Help?

  • Explore semiconductor jobs by specialism and region

  • Get CV and portfolio tips tailored to chip design and fabrication

  • Sign up for weekly alerts at www.semiconductorjobs.co.uk

  • Follow us on LinkedIn for UK chip sector updates and hiring news

Related Jobs

Electrical Design Engineer

The Role:We are currently recruiting for Electrical Design Engineers of all levels to join our in-house design team that is based in Southampton. We are a friendly and professional multi-disciplined team, responsible for the design management of a variety projects across the water & energy sectors. We are keen to receive applications from individuals with experience of working within the...

Totton

Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineer

The EC&I engineer develops control strategies and designs, and delivers Real Time Control software (ladder) and process documentation for companies manufacturing process development projects. They have overall responsibility for delivery of capable control systems for current and future systems, ensuring the safety of the process, minimising energy consumption, and maximising product output.Principal AccountabilitiesDesigns and Develops control automation systems for plant...

Abingdon

Principle Electronics Design Engineer

Principle Electronics Design Engineer - £55k – High Wycombe – HybridMy client are leading providers of technology products to leading industrial companies and research communities. They are looking to expand their Electronics team by adding a Principle Electronics Design Engineer.Responsibilities:Find technical solutions within electronics development projects, working across a multidisciplinary teamProvide expertise in electronics issues for the wider team, mentor...

Oxford

PCB Design Engineer

PCB Design Engineer - £ 45 - 50k – Milton Keynes – HybridMy client is a renowned company in their niche providing tracking and simulation products for a range of sectors. Due to sustained success, they’re expanding their engineering team.Main duties:Develop analogue and digital electronics, and design PCB layouts.Work closely with team members to determine PCB configurations, outlines, interfaces, and...

Milton Keynes

Senior R&D Engineer

Senior R&D Engineer - £50-60k - Oxford – Hybrid (1 day a week on-site)My client is a fast-growing, elite tech company in Oxford. They have doubled their profit since last year, and are looking for a Senior R&D Engineer to be a part of their growth plans.Main duties:Investigate and develop solutions for customer applications, collaborating with Product Management. Plan and...

Caulcott, Oxfordshire

Senior FPGA Engineer

Senior FPGA Engineer | £80-100k | Slough | HybridMy client's innovative technologies have facilitated the deployment of high-speed internet and robust communication networks for remote and underserved areas, fostering digital inclusion and supporting the growth of smart cities and IoT applications.Due to the launch of a cutting-edge, and innovative project, they are looking for a Senior FPGA Engineer to join...

Maidenhead

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Hiring?
Discover world class talent.