A new labor market factsheet on vacancies in the Dutch semicon sector shows that the demand for technical talent will remain high until 2026. The publication provides insight into vacancy trends, recruiting organizations, and the roles that are currently defining within the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem.
The factsheet, based on job vacancy data from 2025 and Q1 2026, shows both continuity and shifts within the sector. Although the number of vacancies per quarter varies, the overall demand for engineering and technical profiles remains consistently high.
In Q1 2026, 644 semiconductor vacancies were registered at 110 organizations. Compared to Q1 2025, especially the number of organizations with open vacancies has increased. This indicates that the demand for semiconductor talent is spreading across a broader group of companies within the ecosystem.
ASML remains the largest employer within the sector, followed by organizations such as Nearfield Instruments, Alten Nederland, and NXP Semiconductors. Additionally, the data shows a continuing demand from a broad mix of companies active in production, software, systems engineering, and technical services.
High demand for engineering and software profiles
The factsheet reveals that software engineers are still the most in demand within the sector. Mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and manufacturing engineers are also among the most common profiles in vacancies.
The demand varies by education level. HBO profiles form a large part of the vacancies, especially in applied engineering and development roles. At the WO level, the demand for specialized expertise is growing, for example in the area of systems architecture, data science, and product ownership. Meanwhile, the demand for MBO profiles is increasing, including for positions such as CNC operator, service technician, and assembly worker.
These developments show that the semiconductor sector increasingly demands broader talent, where digital skills, production expertise, and interdisciplinary collaboration come together.
Insights into labor market developments
The factsheet is intended to support companies, educational institutions, policymakers, and labor market partners with current and accessible insights into labor market developments within the Dutch semiconductor sector.
By combining job vacancy trends with analyses at the function and education levels, the publication contributes to a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges around talent development and sector entry.
The role of ChipNL CC
The outcomes of the factsheet emphasize the importance of continued investments in talent development and reskilling within the semiconductor ecosystem. The ChipNL CC TalentHub connects professionals, students, and employers with education, training, and development pathways that align with the sector's changing needs.
By strengthening collaboration between business, education, and government, the TalentHub contributes to a future-proof labor market for the Dutch semiconductor sector.