Crystal, Associate Engineering Manager | No problem is too big

Crystal was the “science girl” at school. From class projects to science fairs, she loved the curiosity and sense of accomplishment the subject brought, sparking a lifelong pursuit of turning it into a successful career.

Getting a college education wasn’t easy at first. As the first in her family to pursue higher education, she faced cultural barriers and pressure. Through persistence and the support of strong mentors, Crystal forged a path through her studies, postgraduate research, and ultimately into the career she wanted: engineering.

Bridging her graduate research skills to larger, real-world challenges, Crystal built a strong reputation as manufacturing demand shifted to smaller components with greater precision. Confidence has been a key factor in her success, grounding her belief that no challenge is too great to tackle.

Now moving into management and supporting her team, Crystal is committed to continuous improvement in the field of layered semiconductor components and packaging, where precision and details are paramount. From performance measurements to process-control thresholds, she knows the problem-solving skills she has developed over a lifetime will be essential as she takes on a new generation of engineering challenges.

I always wanted to be an engineer — ever since I was little, since I was five. When I was young, my dad intentionally did things to spark my interest in science. In first grade, I remember how he even once took a few days off work to help me with my science fair project. He wanted me to win and to feel that sense of accomplishment.

I worked hard through my studies to get to where I am today. If I wasn’t studying for a test, I was in the lab setting up an experiment or helping graduate students. I just enjoyed being there so much. The connections I made in the lab eventually led me to my career and to the workplace I’m in now.

I was the first person in my family to go to college, and my parents were cautious at first. They didn’t want me to do it. However, once I succeeded, they were proud.

After that, I went to graduate school, where I took a research assistant position in the Advanced Materials Processing Laboratory at San Diego State University. The experiences, knowledge and contacts I gained there led me to where I am today.

I love my job, and I love working with the people here. In my current role, I manage a team of engineers manufacturing microelectronic substrates. I feel a strong bond with the operators at the plant — they remind me of my family.

I’m new to management, and aligning with my team is one of the big challenges I’m tackling. Everyone is unique, with different needs, approaches, and communication styles. Finding a way to manage all of these aspects effectively is key.

ACHIEVEMENTS
・First in her family to attend and graduate from college (and later graduate school)
・Promoted year over year
・Consistently exceeds manufacturing performance metrics
・Drives new digitalization initiatives forward

Looking to the future, I’ve outlined several improvements I want to bring to my team, focusing on strengthening performance metrics and control thresholds. Much of engineering work is still very paper-driven, so I want to push initiatives that bring greater digitalization.

I believe many social challenges can be addressed through engineering. One of these is women’s empowerment; a career gives women choice and the independence they need. On the sustainability side, I believe sintering is the future. It uses less energy and materials and is far more cost-effective.

I’ve wanted to be an engineer since first grade and was willing to go through anything to get here. Now, I’m committed to channeling that passion to others, teaching them how to use resources to solve problems on their own.