They learn. They contribute. They drive Soitec forward.
More than 100 work-study students and interns are currently growing across all company sectors: R&D, human resources, communications, finance, sustainability, characterization… Everywhere, they hold real responsibilities and contribute fully to Soitec's projects. And to share their daily routine, no one is better placed than one of their own: Sofia, our communications work-study student from Italy, is the author of these portraits.
Different backgrounds, the same energy. Today, discover the journey of Loélie Lenglet, characterization technician at the CARAC lab in B3.
Loélie: precision measurement driving innovation
Receiving batches, preparing samples, carrying out measurements, analyzing results: in the CARAC laboratory, every step counts. For two years, Loélie has been working at the heart of this characterization chain, at the crossroads of production needs and R&D projects.
A demanding environment where she gradually gained technical expertise and autonomy, up to managing her own project.
A constant passion for chemistry and materials
After a scientific high school diploma, Loélie chose to focus on chemistry, a fascinating subject and a key everyday field. She went on to pursue a BUT in Chemistry in Grenoble and specialized in Materials and Processes during her third year.
For her, a work-study program was the obvious choice:
« It’s the best way to combine theory with practice and gain real professional experience. »
Already familiar with Soitec having done her middle school internship there, applying to the characterization laboratory in Bernin (B3) came naturally. Drawn to the growing microelectronics sector and R&D work, she joined the site for a two-year apprenticeship.
From daily lab routine to the 4PP FullMap project: a 360° challenge
Within the lab, Loélie plays a key role: receiving batches, rigorously preparing samples, characterizing, and sending out results. Her tasks support daily production while also feeding R&D projects where she can track data progress from A to Z. She also actively participates in the site’s quality (ISO), energy, and environmental audits.
Her biggest challenge? The 4PP FullMap project. Working closely with expert engineer Stéphane Aouba, she adapted a resistivity measurement (4-point probe) to 12-inch (300 mm) wafers, a novel format for equipment initially designed for 8-inch wafers. From specific wafer cleaving to protocol development and data interpretation, she managed this operational project with complete autonomy:
« It’s a huge satisfaction to see an R&D project evolve and to have your team’s trust to lead it from A to Z. »
Trust, kindness, and team spirit
Within the lab’s E2 team, Loélie felt right at home straight away. As the only woman in her group, she highlights the kindness and interpersonal skills of her colleagues and her manager, Jean-Christophe Brancaz.
« They integrated me immediately, taught me the ropes, and trusted me right from the start. »
This experience allowed her to develop strong technical knowledge, as well as essential soft skills: teamwork, communication with requesters, and synthesis skills.
A rewarding experience heading toward new horizons
As her work-study program comes to an end, Loélie sums up these two years in a single word: « Rewarding ». Now graduated with her BUT degree, she wishes to continue her studies in a Master's program to deepen her knowledge and keep growing in the field of materials, backed by the experience gained in the field.
To students hesitating to take the leap, she shares simple advice:
« Don’t hesitate! Work-study programs allow you to gain experience, build your career path, and become more independent. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover what you truly enjoy. »
One thing is certain: she will hold lasting memories of the trust placed in her and the team spirit of the CARAC lab.
