In a Race for Chips, America Turns to Its Engineers

The United States has doubled down on its commitment to semiconductor manufacturing, and mechanical engineers are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. To bolster the nation’s semiconductor workforce, the Department of Commerce and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have partnered together to address the growing need for skilled labor in this rapidly growing field. 

The government plan includes creating a National Network for Microelectronics Education and a Network Coordination Hub to support the development of training programs and related work opportunities across the country. With up to $30 million in investments over the next five years, the agencies hope to ensure that the U.S. workforce can meet future demands of the microelectronics sector. By engaging community colleges, undergraduate programs, and skilled workers across the country, the new effort aims to create more pathways to enter the semiconductor industry while leveraging America’s diverse and widespread talent pool.  

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo framed the initiative as an investment in the American workforce, echoing a broader goal of reclaiming leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. “We’re not just investing in semiconductor manufacturing and research and development,” she said. “We’re investing in the American people.” 

As the government focuses on “good-paying jobs” and revitalizing American manufacturing, the engineering community finds itself at the forefront of a national effort to secure technological independence. For mechanical engineers, this effort represents more than a policy shift. It is a direct recognition of the need for technical expertise and innovation in a field that is critical to national security and economic competitiveness. From fabrication design to precision manufacturing, engineers play an indispensable role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of microelectronics. As training programs roll out next year, mechanical engineers will find new opportunities to upskill, collaborate, and lead in developing the processes that power the U.S. semiconductor industry.  

The Network Coordination Hub and broader National Network for Microelectronics Education will build on the National Semiconductor Technology Center's (NSTC) Workforce Center of Excellence (WCoE). For more information, click here.