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Semiconductor & precision
2026-02
6-minute read
Semiconductor & precision: repatriation and mobility in parallel
Capacity expansion is driving repatriation, while global project density increases cross-region mobility—creating a parallel dynamic of return and flow.
Key takeaways
Repatriation improves supply, gaps remain
Returnees concentrate in process and equipment, but advanced materials and high-end process roles remain scarce.
Cross-node experience commands a premium
Engineers with multi-node production experience are consistently valued across markets.
Regionalized delivery is now core capability
Shorter delivery cycles heighten the need for localized execution and cross-region coordination.
What this means
Process expansion boosts repatriation, yet high-end process and materials talent remains limited. As cross-region projects increase, demand rises for talent with both cultural fluency and deep process expertise.
Hiring implications
Build cross-node capability models for critical roles, maintain an overseas backup bench, and standardize delivery workflows to reduce cross-region coordination cost.
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