When I was a kid, I was more intrigued by what was inside my toys than how they looked like from the outside, I ruined some of course while exploring, but looking back now, the bigger picture comes together for me of how my curiosity on how things worked and why they worked the way they did later shaped my career. I of course, cannot neglect the impact my upbringing had on my choices in terms of allowing said curiosity and trust in my decision making. Then, throughout my school years, I enjoyed mathematics and physics, and was always still very curious about science, which made the choice of mechatronics engineering as a major for my Masters pretty natural since it combined a broad range of skills in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, robotics and industrial engineering. In a sense, it’s like earning three or four engineering technology degrees in one. The multidisciplinary skills and knowledge in mechatronics engineering gave me the solid base I needed to solve complex engineering problems. It allowed me to have a big-picture perspective, flexibility and adaptability.

As a Front-end/Back-end interaction Specialist, working in the R&D department, I am the technical point of contact between the two major entities of the semiconductor production eco-system: Frontend- the making of the wafer- and Backend - the preparation and assembly of the units into packages-  having to ensure synergy and technical compatibility between the two for every new product introduction within the business group, driving backend manufacturing capability studies and technical innovations in the die-package dynamic and solving complex interaction problems give me a sense of pride knowing that I contribute to the creation of products that impact the lives of millions around the world, in an age where semiconductors are the building blocks of modern life. From the smart watch on your wrist, to your car, to the health devices used to diagnose and cure your loved ones.

My advice for women who are thinking of a career in engineering:

"Go for it! Don't have any doubts about your capabilities. Engineering is fun and gives you a lot of career opportunities in all a range of industries.
In the last 6 years of my career, I worked in three different countries, and was able to see first-hand how women in engineering being a minority is more common that I had thought. That gave me the purpose of contributing actively to changing that however I can."

Khaoula Mahzouli