Lam Research to add 200 jobs in Singapore this year

Lam Research plans to add about 200 jobs in Singapore this year, with most of the new roles in engineering and technical work tied to semiconductor manufacturing.

Nearly 90% of the positions will focus on specialised areas including high-bandwidth memory, 2.5D and 3D integration, silicon photonics, co-packaged optics, panel-level packaging, and tool and service intelligence technologies.

The hiring push comes as semiconductor companies respond to rising demand linked to artificial intelligence and more complex chip designs. The expansion builds on more than three decades of operations in Singapore and is meant to deepen local technology expertise while supporting work with customers and partners across the region.

Industry forecasts cited by Lam project global semiconductor revenue will exceed USD $1 trillion in 2026. Singapore already plays a significant role in the sector. The Singapore Economic Development Board says the country produces one in 10 of the world's chips.

The focus on engineering recruitment also reflects a broader policy debate in Singapore over how the workforce should adapt to technological change. In his National Day Message, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted rapid growth in artificial intelligence and said the country must keep investing in people and skills so workers can adapt.

Skills demand

The roles Lam is seeking to fill show where demand is growing in advanced chipmaking. High-bandwidth memory has become increasingly important as AI systems require faster data movement, while newer forms of chip integration and optical technologies are being adopted to address performance, power and packaging constraints.

As a result, recruitment is shifting beyond general engineering into narrower technical disciplines. Companies across the semiconductor supply chain are competing for workers with expertise in materials, process engineering, packaging, optics and manufacturing software, particularly in markets with established fabrication and research activity.

Lam continues to work with local institutions including Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and Singapore Institute of Technology. The partnerships are intended to expose students to semiconductor careers and give them practical insight into the industry.

Lam is one of several multinational semiconductor groups with a sizeable presence in Singapore, which has positioned itself as a manufacturing and research hub for advanced electronics. The city-state's role in the global chip industry has drawn fresh attention as AI investment drives demand not only for leading-edge processors, but also for the equipment and packaging methods needed to produce them.

Lam supplies wafer fabrication equipment and services used in semiconductor manufacturing. Its tools form part of the production chain for advanced chips, placing the company in a segment of the market that benefits when chipmakers expand capacity or shift to more demanding process technologies.

Industry view

Andrew Goh outlined the rationale for the expansion.

"Singapore's semiconductor ambitions are built on the strength of its people, and the demand for deep engineering talent has never been greater," said Andrew Goh, Corporate Vice President and General Manager for Southeast Asia at Lam Research. "By expanding our local footprint, we are investing in the people who will drive the next generation of chipmaking, while strengthening the specialised talent pipeline to sustain Singapore's leadership in semiconductor innovation."

Trade body representatives said the move reflects continued confidence in Singapore's talent base and industrial ecosystem.

"Singapore's standing as one of the world's leading semiconductor hubs rests on its ability to continually develop world-class talent. Lam Research's continued investment in Singapore underscores the confidence that global semiconductor companies have in our talent and innovation ecosystem. As companies expand specialised engineering capabilities and deepen partnerships with our Institutes of Higher Learning, they contribute not only to their own growth, but to the long-term strength and resilience of Singapore's semiconductor ecosystem," said Ang Wee Seng, Executive Director, Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association.

Lam was also recognised as one of Singapore's Best Employers for the second consecutive year, ranking 34th nationwide in 2026.