Huawei Reportedly Offers TSMC Engineers for Chip Production
SMIC and Huawei may have successfully developed 5nm technology, but producing thousands of chip wafers using older DUV (Deep Ultraviolet) machines currently poses a significant scaling challenge for these companies. The main objective for Chinese firms is to completely reduce their dependence on foreign companies. In line with this goal, it has been reported that Huawei is attempting to recruit TSMC engineers by offering enticing packages that are three times their current salaries.
It is claimed that emails have been sent to engineers by Huawei Management. Chloe Chen, a 43-year-old engineer from Taiwan, mentioned that she frequently encounters job offers from recruitment agencies controlled by Huawei. The emails indicate that she should consider new opportunities and that someone with her level of experience is being sought. However, according to reports, the engineer has not responded to any of these offers.
Chen might be satisfied with her current position or could consider joining Huawei as a significant risk to her career. According to reports, opting for the Chinese tech giant means losing chances of finding jobs at other firms in Taiwan. Consequently, Taiwan's Justice Investigation Bureau is closely examining numerous similar cases involving offers presented under the guise of data analysis companies.
Huawei's offers can go up to three times the salaries of TSMC engineers based in Taiwan, presenting an attractive strategy to lure talent. However, these enticing offers come with certain risks for Taiwanese engineers. Concerns about the recruitment processes being aimed at obtaining secrets from former employers create potential dangers for the engineers' careers, leading many to hesitate in accepting the offer.
On the other hand, there remains uncertainty regarding how engineers receiving offers will be treated post-hire. Even with salaries triple what they are currently making, the possibility of being overworked to the point of burnout in a new work environment and challenging working conditions raises concerns. Additionally, the risk of losing the chance to find jobs at Taiwanese firms further places engineers in a vulnerable position.