How does one get a position as a process engineer or field engineer in the semiconductor manufacturi

Hello everyone and Merry Christmas,

I am not really entry level but I also do not have tons of experience in the semiconductor industry.  I finished my BS in EE and physics and also did a master's in EE specializing in device physics and semiconductor manufacturing.  I am not currently in a geographical area with a semiconductor industry (Michigan). 

I do have 8 months of experience working in a cleanroom at a MEMS company here in Michigan where I carried out all of the main semiconductor processes (litho, etch, deposition, oxidation, annealing, etc).  I also have hands on process experience in graduate school. 

My question is:  How does one get a job in the semiconductor manufacturing industry??  I have been applying everywhere (many different places and many geographical areas).  I cannot even get an interview anywhere.  I have a couple things holding me back, particularly my spotty CV and mostly automotive engineering experience. 

Also, the fact that my training is in semiconductors keeps me from getting jobs even in the automotive industry. 

What should I do?  I am not getting any younger (I'm 32) and I feel like I am getting nowhere fast.  I am trying to hone my IC design skills so maybe I can get a job doing that as well but I don't know much about this area, unfortunately.

Any advice or moral support you guys can provide would be appreciated. 

Kind regards,

Semiconguy

You mention that you worked for a MEMS company.  Perhaps you could ask someone there for advice as to the next steps.  Another thing to do is to join a professional organization and take part in meetings.
One thing I had luck with many years ago was taking a technician job through a temporary agency. Even though I had an EE degree and some experience that was what it took to get my foot in the door.
One other thing. I've noticed that it's VERY difficult to find a job in the USA during the month of December. Perhaps the new year will be better for you.

Hi Elizabeth,Thanks for your advice.  I have decided to stay at my current position for the medium to longer term over the last day or so.  It seems relatively stable and pays well enough.  I think that trumps relevance of the work to my education and interests. 

A company in New York (Global) and Samsung(Austin) were hiring a lot last year, I saw there announced through there page in a social media in  (link'ed). Maybe you can create a profile there and start following the companies that you are interested and sometimes they put announcement there. Like Elizabeth said, maybe take a tech job to start and then move up from there. Good Luck!

Hey Matthew,   I'm an ASE certified tech in the automotive industry, and certified by my local IBEW 640 as a Journeyman Wireman.  I'm going to school for my EE because there are plenty of jobs in Arizona for someone with diverse experience.  In your case, with automotive experience, try the main auto parts companies in your area. I had to turn down a very lucritive job with O'Riley automotive because I had a family and could not travel. The offering was a position in their QC division. Flying all around the world for the "rotating electrical office" to verify that units were built to specifications.