Life as an ASM Process Engineer
Jessica Cimada, Process Development Manager, discusses what it means to work at the forefront of semiconductor innovation—where curiosity, precision, and persistence come together to shape the technologies of tomorrow.
I'm a Process Development Manager at ASM, specializing in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). If I had to explain what I do, I’d say it’s a bit like working with LEGO blocks, but on a scale you can’t see. I build up layers, refine structures, and shrink everything down to something incredibly small. Down to the atomic level. That’s where my work happens every day, where precision isn’t just important, it’s everything.
I didn’t start out thinking I’d end up in semiconductors. What really pulled me in was my curiosity, my love for solving complex problems and figuring out how things work. That curiosity took me further than I ever expected. I went on to complete a Ph.D., becoming the first in my family to reach that milestone. And somewhere along the way, I realized I had found a field where I could keep learning, keep questioning, and keep pushing myself.
Turning complexity into impact
What I enjoy most about my work is the challenge. In this industry, there are no easy answers. As we move towards the angstrom era, the problems we’re solving become more complex and the margin for error becomes smaller. Things don’t always work the first time. Or the second. But every setback teaches you something. Every failure moves you forward.
At ASM, we explore atoms so that others can build the technologies that shape the world. Being part of that process, turning something incredibly small into something that enables massive innovation, that’s what makes the work meaningful.
AI is rapidly becoming part of how we work as engineers. It opens up new possibilities and helps accelerate discovery. But at the same time, it reinforces something important: AI is a tool. Critical thinking, creativity, and human judgment still matter just as much, if not more. In a field like this, it’s not just about having answers, but about asking the right questions.
A year of breakthroughs
In my time at ASM I have achieved five published patent applications and secured five additional provisional patent applications, with more ideas already in progress.
It’s exciting to see your work evolve from an idea into something tangible, something that contributes to real technological progress.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth never stops. Technology evolves fast, and staying relevant means staying curious. Learning continuously. And building the problem-solving skills that help you navigate uncertainty and complexity every day.
Why ASM
For me, ASM is defined by its culture. There’s a strong sense of accountability, but also collaboration. You’re encouraged to experiment, to challenge ideas, and to keep pushing boundaries.
It’s an environment where you don’t just do your job, you develop, you explore, and you contribute to something bigger. Advancing progress through the art of atomic layering. That’s how we stay ahead of what’s next.
