Discover People at Soitec

My name is Justine Barreyre and I’m a technician in the Polishing Refresh team.

My background

Before joining Soitec, I worked in a bakery-pastry shop, after an unconventional path: a technical diploma in social and family economics, followed by various experiences, including in a pharmacy, retail, and furniture assembly. I heard about Soitec’s recruitment sessions, went for an interview, and it worked out well. I didn’t know what to expect, but I immediately felt at home—and I never left!

My experience at Soitec

I joined Soitec as a thermal treatment operator, and then progressed to a level 3 technical position. My supervisor encouraged me to enter the career path from operator to technician. I went back to school to study for a BUT in chemistry/physical measurements, joined a new team, and took on a new role as a technician in POL REF (polishing/refresh). The beginning was intense, but today I feel comfortable in my role, with more responsibilities. This journey has allowed me to explore very different environments and broaden my perspective on the job. I'm proud of how far I've come.

What motivates me daily is, first and foremost, the work atmosphere and the great team spirit. That’s essential to me—without it, I wouldn’t approach the job the same way. I also enjoy the responsibilities tied to my position. We know we’re a key link in the chain, and if we’re not there, part of the production could be impacted: it’s a tangible and meaningful job. I also appreciate the project and continuous improvement aspects, even if I’m not fully involved in them yet. There’s always something to do, which keeps the work exciting. Finally, I love the technical variety—I’m interested in production, maintenance, and the process itself. This broad scope keeps the role dynamic and motivating every day.

My volunteer commitment

Alongside my job, I volunteer with the association Cemavi, which offers activities for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. The organization runs with very few paid staff and relies mostly on many dedicated volunteers who step in whenever needed. Every weekend, during holidays or special events, activities are organized: kayaking, skiing, adapted vacations, sports, games… The goal is to give these young people experiences they might not otherwise access due to a lack of equipment, resources, or suitable supervision.

I mainly handle event logistics: catering, booth organization, setup and takedown… For instance, I took part in the Aspa Run and will be at the Apathlon—an inclusive sports challenge with mixed teams (people with and without disabilities) doing fun activities like wheelchair basketball, scootering, or judo. It adds up to about ten busy days a year.

I discovered the association through my partner, and from the very first time, I loved the atmosphere. It’s friendly, full of laughter and sharing. We run, we help, we connect. So whenever they ask for help, I’m there! Even though my job and this volunteering are very different, it helps me grow personally. Facing disability makes me more humble and open-minded. You also learn to communicate better and adapt. You walk away smiling—even if you've been up since 5 a.m.

The event I most look forward to every year is the Apathlon. As soon as one edition ends, I’m already thinking about the next. I’ve put a lot into it, including creating an automated scoreboard to streamline organization. It’s a project that means a lot to me.

Another side of my personality?