Quick Answer

Conditional. GlobalFoundries hires individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As a global semiconductor foundry manufacturing advanced microchips with approximately 13,000 employees worldwide, GlobalFoundries operates fabrication facilities in Malta, New York (Fab 8), Essex Junction, Vermont (Fab 9), Dresden, Germany, and Singapore. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a background check and are subject to Fair Chance Hiring principles and EEOC guidelines.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to intellectual property theft, fraud, or industrial espionage (due to high-value proprietary technology access), violent offenses (cleanroom safety concerns), and drug-related crimes (safety-critical manufacturing environment). Recent offenses within the past 7-10 years face the highest scrutiny. Certain positions requiring Department of Defense security clearances have the most restrictive barriers.

Entry-level Manufacturing Operator and Technician Apprenticeship positions offer the most accessible pathways, with no prior semiconductor experience required and paid on-the-job training provided. GlobalFoundries operates in New York and Vermont, both states with Ban the Box protections for private employers, delaying criminal history inquiry until after initial interview or conditional offer.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Blanket Exclusion: GlobalFoundries cannot automatically exclude you solely for being a felon. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment of each applicant's criminal history.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Be prepared for the company to evaluate whether your felony is related to job duties using the Green Factors: nature of crime, time elapsed, and nature of the job sought.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Manufacturing roles require ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, wear personal protective equipment (bunny suit in cleanrooms), and work in environments with temperature variations.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Pre-employment drug testing is required for most manufacturing and cleanroom positions. GlobalFoundries maintains a drug-free workplace policy. Testing is typically urine-based.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Be completely honest about your criminal record when asked after conditional offer. Lying is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation. E-Verify confirmation is mandatory.

  
  

• Security Clearance Potential: Some positions may require ability to obtain Department of Defense security clearance. Certain convictions permanently disqualify clearance eligibility.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. GlobalFoundries operates in multiple states with varying fair chance hiring laws, with major U.S. facilities in New York (Malta) and Vermont (Essex Junction). Both states have Ban the Box protections that delay criminal history inquiry.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors: (1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, GlobalFoundries must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time (typically 5 business days) to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

New York: New York State's Article 23-A protections require employers to consider rehabilitation and specific factors before denying employment based on criminal history. The Malta facility follows best practices of delaying inquiry until after conditional offer.

Vermont: Vermont's Ban the Box law (effective July 2017) applies to all public and private employers. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Inquiry may occur during interview or after deemed qualified. Violations carry $100 civil penalty.

Semiconductor Industry-Specific Considerations

The semiconductor industry involves highly controlled manufacturing environments and valuable intellectual property, creating specific regulatory considerations:

• Trusted Foundry Status: GlobalFoundries is designated a "Trusted Foundry" by the U.S. Department of Defense, meaning some positions may require security clearance eligibility. In September 2023, GlobalFoundries secured a 10-year, $3.1 billion DOD contract for secure semiconductor manufacturing.

  
  

• CHIPS Act Compliance: As a recipient of $1.5 billion in CHIPS and Science Act funding (February 2024), GlobalFoundries operates under federal oversight for workforce development and security protocols.

  
  

• Intellectual Property Protection: Cleanroom access involves proprietary processes worth billions. Crimes involving fraud, theft, or trade secret violations face elevated scrutiny regardless of age.

  
  

• Chemical Handling: Manufacturing involves hazardous chemicals requiring strict safety compliance. Drug and alcohol-related offenses face heightened review due to safety implications.

Company Overview

GlobalFoundries (GF) is a global semiconductor foundry manufacturing integrated circuits for customers worldwide. Originally spun off from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in 2009, GlobalFoundries merged with Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing that same year and acquired IBM's semiconductor manufacturing business in 2015. Headquartered in Malta, New York at its state-of-the-art Fab 8 facility, the company is the third-largest semiconductor foundry globally and the only one with manufacturing in the United States, European Union, and Singapore.

GlobalFoundries manufactures chips used in smartphones, automobiles, IoT devices, aerospace and defense applications, data centers, and critical infrastructure. The company serves over 250 customers worldwide, including the U.S. government, and employs approximately 13,000 people globally, with about 7,000 in the United States.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 2009 (spun off from AMD)

• Headquarters: Malta, New York (Fab 8)

• Employees: ~13,000 globally; ~7,000 in U.S.

• Industry Rank: 3rd largest semiconductor foundry globally

• U.S. Facilities: Malta, NY (Fab 8 - 300mm); Essex Junction, VT (Fab 9 - 200mm)

• Stock Exchange: NASDAQ: GFS

• CEO: Dr. Thomas Caulfield

• Ownership: Publicly traded; Mubadala Investment (UAE sovereign wealth fund) is controlling shareholder

• Revenue: ~$6.84 billion (trailing twelve months)

Hiring Policy Analysis

GlobalFoundries conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines and complies with state-specific Ban the Box laws in New York and Vermont where major facilities are located. Background checks are conducted after conditional offer in compliance with Vermont law and best practices, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history review. The company's hiring process typically includes online application, phone screening, in-person interviews, conditional offer, background check authorization, and final hiring decision. The Technician Apprenticeship program provides a structured pathway for entry-level candidates with no prior semiconductor experience.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by access to proprietary technology, security clearance requirements, safety-critical responsibilities, and level of supervision.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, ZipRecruiter, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, experience, and certifications. Night shift positions typically include 12.5% shift differential.

Career Path Examples

GlobalFoundries emphasizes internal advancement and offers tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 annually to support employee development. Many technician and engineering leadership positions are filled through internal promotion.

Manufacturing Track: Manufacturing Operator ($17-$22/hr) → Senior Operator ($22-$26/hr) → Process Technician ($26-$40/hr) → Section Manager ($90K-$110K/yr). Advancement based on performance, certifications, and demonstrated reliability.

Technical Track: Technician Apprentice ($20-$25/hr) → Equipment Technician ($25-$35/hr) → Senior Technician ($35-$45/hr) → Equipment Engineer ($70K-$90K/yr). Associates degree pathway available through apprenticeship program.

Facilities Track: Logistics Technician ($18-$22/hr) → Facilities Technician ($22-$30/hr) → Senior Facilities Technician ($30-$38/hr) → Facilities Engineer ($65K-$85K/yr). Technical certifications accelerate advancement.

Background Check Process

Understanding GlobalFoundries' background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional offer, in compliance with Vermont Ban the Box law and EEOC best practices.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; E-Verify employment authorization confirmation; employment history verification (typically 3-5 years); education verification for positions requiring specific degrees; drug screening (mandatory for most manufacturing positions); and for certain roles, security clearance eligibility assessment.

  
  

• Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback for most positions. New York and Vermont both follow this standard for employment screening. Employment verification typically extends 3-5 years. Positions requiring security clearance may involve indefinite lookback for serious offenses including violent crimes, espionage-related offenses, and certain fraud convictions.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process averages approximately 35-36 days from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks to complete after conditional offer. Security clearance processing (if required) adds additional time.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Recruiter review (1-2 weeks) → Phone screening → In-person/video interview(s) → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → Background check conducted → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision made → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: Intellectual property theft, trade secret violations, industrial espionage (directly related to semiconductor manufacturing); fraud, embezzlement, financial crimes (access to high-value materials); violent felonies, especially assault or weapons charges (workplace safety); recent drug trafficking or manufacturing (safety-critical environment); sex offenses (co-worker safety); any offense disqualifying security clearance eligibility for DOD contract positions.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property crimes older than 7 years; drug possession (not trafficking) with documented rehabilitation; DUI/DWI older than 5 years without recurrence; juvenile offenses; expunged or sealed records (which typically cannot be reported). All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence, time elapsed, and job relevance.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. You have at least 5 business days to respond.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Vermont Ban the Box: Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. You have the right to explain circumstances and present rehabilitation evidence.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand through consumer reporting agencies.

Application Strategy

1. Target Entry-Level Manufacturing Positions: Focus on Manufacturing Operator and Technician Apprenticeship roles which have the lowest barriers and highest hiring volume. These positions explicitly state "no experience required" and provide comprehensive paid training. Avoid IT Security or government contract positions initially.

   
   

2. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through globalfoundries.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External or gf.com/careers. GlobalFoundries posts positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Check the careers page regularly as operator and technician positions are posted frequently at both Malta and Essex Junction facilities.

   
   

3. Prepare for the Interview: Research semiconductor manufacturing basics and GlobalFoundries' position in the industry. Prepare to discuss your mechanical aptitude, ability to follow detailed procedures, and commitment to workplace safety. Interview difficulty is rated moderate (2.67/5) with 60% positive experiences reported.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Vermont law allows criminal history inquiry during interview or after you're deemed qualified—wait to be asked. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

   
   

5. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Emphasize your commitment to workplace safety and protecting proprietary information. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, technical training, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and references from employers, probation officers, or community members.

   
   

7. Check Expungement Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing or expungement. New York offers Certificate of Relief from Disabilities and Certificate of Good Conduct. Vermont allows expungement of certain offenses. Sealed records cannot be reported on background checks.

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, follow up with HR if you don't hear back within 2-3 weeks. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation. Persistence and professionalism demonstrate the reliability employers value.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing Has Growth Opportunities: With billions in CHIPS Act investments and defense contracts, GlobalFoundries is actively expanding. The company has received $1.5 billion in federal funding and has committed to $16 billion in North American investment over the next decade. Hiring is ongoing.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers at GlobalFoundries begin as operators or apprentices. Prove reliability through consistent attendance, following procedures precisely, and demonstrating safety commitment. The Technician Apprenticeship provides a pathway to associates degree with tuition reimbursement.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance. Ensure court records reflect any completed sentences or expungements.

   
   

4. Emphasize Precision and Protocol: Semiconductor manufacturing requires following detailed procedures exactly. Any experience with precision work, quality control, following specifications, or regulated environments is valuable. Highlight these transferable skills.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. GlobalFoundries requires pre-employment drug screening for most manufacturing positions. Testing is typically urine-based. Only pre-employment testing is required—no random testing reported by employees.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history—even informal work shows dependability. Manufacturing employers especially value attendance reliability and shift commitment.

   
   

7. Consider Night Shift: Willingness to work night shift (typically 7pm-7am or 6pm-6:30am) increases your chances significantly and comes with 12.5% shift differential plus higher sign-on bonuses ($3,500-$5,000 vs. $2,500 for day shift).

   
   

8. Apply to Both U.S. Locations: Consider applying to both Malta, NY (Fab 8) and Essex Junction, VT (Fab 9) to maximize opportunities. Vermont's stronger Ban the Box protections may provide additional pathway. GF is Vermont's largest private employer.

Benefits Overview

GlobalFoundries offers a comprehensive benefits package. Employees rate compensation and benefits 3.7/5 stars. Benefits eligibility typically begins after 90 days for full-time employees.

• Compensation: Manufacturing Operators start at $17-$22/hr. Technicians earn $25-$40/hr. Night shift includes 12.5% differential. Sign-on bonuses range $2,500-$5,000. Annual raises based on performance review. Profit sharing available.

  
  

• 401(k) and Retirement: Excellent 401(k) match: 100% of contributions up to 3% of salary, plus 50% match on the next 3% (3-6%), for total company match of 4.5%. Vested immediately from day one.

  
  

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with multiple plan options. Employee contributions required but described as "reasonable" by employees. FSA available. Mental health benefits and Employee Assistance Program included.

  
  

• Time Off: 80 hours sick time annually. 2 personal days. 3-5 weeks vacation depending on tenure. Paid holidays. Parental leave: 20 weeks paid (among best in industry). Bereavement leave.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance (company-paid basic plus optional additional coverage). Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year. Student loan repayment assistance (U.S. only). Gym reimbursement. Discount programs. Employee Resource Groups. Short-term and long-term disability. Hybrid/remote work options for eligible positions.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Pros: Competitive pay for area, excellent 401(k) match vested immediately, strong parental leave, good health insurance options, work 14 days per month (compressed schedule), job stability, learning opportunities in high-tech industry.

  
  

• Employee Perspectives - Cons: 12-hour shifts can be demanding, advancement can be slow, management quality varies by department, some report feeling undervalued, high turnover in some areas, training quality inconsistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does GlobalFoundries hire people with felonies?

   Yes, GlobalFoundries considers applicants with felony convictions through individualized assessment. Best opportunities exist for entry-level Manufacturing Operator and Technician Apprenticeship positions. Factors improving chances include: offense older than 7 years, no relationship to job duties, documented rehabilitation, and offenses unrelated to integrity, theft, fraud, or violence. Positions requiring security clearance have significantly higher barriers.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at GlobalFoundries?

   GlobalFoundries conducts background checks after extending a conditional offer, in compliance with Vermont Ban the Box law. The check includes criminal history at county, state, and federal levels; E-Verify; SSN verification; employment history; and education verification for degreed positions. Drug screening is required for most manufacturing positions. Pre-adverse action notice is provided if considering withdrawal of offer.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at GlobalFoundries—what is the lookback period?

   Standard 7-year lookback for criminal history at both New York and Vermont facilities. Employment verification covers 3-5 years. Positions requiring security clearance may involve indefinite lookback for serious offenses. Expunged and sealed records should not appear on standard background checks.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at GlobalFoundries?

   Highest difficulty: Intellectual property theft, trade secrets violations, fraud, embezzlement, violent felonies, drug trafficking, sex offenses. Moderate difficulty: Theft, burglary, recent DUI/DWI. Lower difficulty: Non-violent offenses older than 7 years, simple drug possession with rehabilitation. All assessments are individualized.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at GlobalFoundries for applicants with a record?

   Manufacturing Operator ($17-$22/hr) is best—no experience required, comprehensive training provided, high-volume hiring. Technician Apprenticeship ($20-$25/hr) offers paid training toward associates degree. Logistics Technician ($18-$22/hr) provides warehouse support with less cleanroom exposure.

   
   

6. Does GlobalFoundries drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, pre-employment drug testing is required for most manufacturing positions. Testing is typically urine-based. Only pre-employment testing is required—no random testing reported. The company maintains a drug-free workplace policy due to safety requirements.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will GlobalFoundries ask about criminal history?

   Under Vermont's Ban the Box law, GlobalFoundries cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Inquiry may occur during interview or after deemed qualified. At Malta, NY, the company follows best practices of delaying inquiry until after conditional offer. You have the right to explain circumstances.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at GlobalFoundries if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement to supervisory and management positions is possible for those demonstrating reliability and performance. GlobalFoundries emphasizes internal promotion with tuition reimbursement. However, positions requiring security clearance face additional barriers. Time since offense and rehabilitation evidence become increasingly important.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at GlobalFoundries?

   The complete process averages 35-36 days from application to start date. Recruiters review applications for 2 weeks before scheduling interviews. Background checks take 1-2 weeks after conditional offer. Security clearance processing takes significantly longer.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at GlobalFoundries?

    Key strategies: Target entry-level operator/apprentice positions; work night shift for higher pay and easier placement; apply to both Malta, NY and Essex Junction, VT; emphasize mechanical aptitude and safety commitment; document rehabilitation; be completely honest; prepare concise explanation of your record; check expungement eligibility; follow up professionally.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If GlobalFoundries doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in manufacturing and related industries:

Conclusion

GlobalFoundries offers genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in entry-level Manufacturing Operator and Technician Apprenticeship positions. As the third-largest semiconductor foundry globally and recipient of significant federal investment through the CHIPS Act, the company represents a pathway into the high-tech manufacturing sector with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and advancement potential.

The work environment is demanding—12-hour shifts in cleanroom conditions with strict safety protocols and attention to detail. However, the compensation ($17-$40/hr depending on role) exceeds many entry-level manufacturing positions, and the 401(k) match (4.5% vested immediately), health benefits, and 20-week parental leave are among the strongest in the industry. The Technician Apprenticeship provides a unique pathway to associates degree with tuition reimbursement.

Key Success Factors: Target entry-level positions at Malta, NY or Essex Junction, VT facilities; demonstrate mechanical aptitude and commitment to safety; be completely honest about criminal history; document rehabilitation thoroughly; consider night shift for higher pay and easier placement; maintain absolute reliability in attendance and performance.

Biggest Barriers: Intellectual property and fraud-related offenses (directly conflict with semiconductor IP protection); violent offenses (cleanroom safety environment); positions requiring security clearance (DOD contracts have strict disqualifications); recent offenses within 7 years face elevated scrutiny.

With billions in federal investment driving expansion and consistent hiring needs across manufacturing operations, GlobalFoundries represents a viable second chance opportunity for those willing to demonstrate reliability, follow precise procedures, and commit to building a career in semiconductor manufacturing. Vermont's strong Ban the Box protections and the company's apprenticeship program make this an accessible pathway for motivated individuals ready to prove themselves in high-tech manufacturing.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with GlobalFoundries.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Positions requiring security clearance have additional requirements and disqualifying factors not fully detailed in this guide. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://gf.com/careers/