Why Are You Passionate About Semiconductors?
Delve into the world of semiconductors, where innovation meets practicality, and discover the driving forces behind this game-changing industry. Gain exclusive insights from industry leaders who are shaping the future of manufacturing, renewable energy, and advanced electrical systems. Explore the precision and interdisciplinary research that make semiconductors the backbone of modern technology.
- Wanted to Work in Manufacturing
- Optimizing Renewable Energy Solutions
- Precision in Industrial Control Systems
- Powering Modern Electrical Systems
- Interdisciplinary Semiconductor Research
Wanted to Work in Manufacturing
I got into semiconductors because I wanted to work in manufacturing when I came out of college. At the time, the narrative was that manufacturing in the US was going to all be offshored so I wanted an opportunity to put my engineering skills to work in manufacturing before that happened. I was amazed the first day I stepped into a fab (industry term for factory) by all of the machines, automation, and smart engineers/technicians. For an early-career engineer who likes to troubleshoot and work through problems, it was a dream job.
Joel Polanco
Senior Product Manager, Intel
Optimizing Renewable Energy Solutions
I am passionate about semiconductors because they represent the heartbeat of modern tech innovation, and understanding them allows me to leverage advanced technologies like AI to optimize renewable energy solutions. We use semiconductor technology to integrate AI into solar panels, turning them into smart energy management systems. This not only improves efficiency but also adapts energy consumption to individual lifestyles.
An example of this is how our AI technology in Livermore, CO, uses semiconductor-driven components to provide real-time energy metrics and adapt solar energy output based on usage patterns. This integrates seamlessly with home automation systems like Google Home, showcasing the practical application of semiconductors in creating intelligent, user-friendly energy solutions.
Moreover, my journey from a technical and trade school background, with certification in photovoltaics and renewable energy, has given me a solid foundation in the semiconductor technology behind these solutions. This hands-on expertise allows me to innovate and improve the way we implement these technologies in the energy sector, ensuring sustainability and efficiency for our clients.
Spencer Gordon
CEO & President, NextEnergy.ai
Precision in Industrial Control Systems
Semiconductors control environments in ways most people never think about. Temperature, airflow, energy efficiency—it all comes down to precision, and precision starts at the chip level. In industrial and agricultural spaces, even a slight improvement in control systems can slash waste by 20% or more. That means better resource management, lower costs, and stronger sustainability. In fact, without semiconductors, modern climate control wouldn’t exist.
This isn’t just about gadgets. It’s about real-world impact. Smarter semiconductors mean safer working conditions, healthier crops, and more stable supply chains. Whether it is managing air quality in a factory or optimizing irrigation in a greenhouse, the right tech makes all the difference. The future depends on better, faster, and more adaptive systems. That starts with semiconductors doing their job—quietly, efficiently, and everywhere.
Barbara Robinson
Marketing Manager, Weather Solve
Powering Modern Electrical Systems
My passion for semiconductors comes from understanding how they power nearly everything we rely on, from smart home devices to industrial electrical systems.
The remarkable capability of semiconductors to advance efficiency and create innovation stands out as their most interesting quality. Electricians today combine the installation of electrical wiring systems with advanced smart technology integration for both operational efficiency and automation purposes. The fundamental role of semiconductors forms the core operation. Electrical systems today experience significant impact because of small components such as solar inverter microcontrollers and occupancy-based smart switches.
Power-efficient semiconductor development stands as a major revolutionary advancement in the field. Semiconductor-based technology from today replaced energy-wasteful electric systems through current innovations that improve efficiency and performance levels. The benefits of power-efficient semiconductors become evident while installing LED lighting bright spot type products and smart thermostats as well as energy-efficient motor controls in residential and commercial settings. Semiconductors generate excitement because they allow users to complete complex operations using fewer power resources thus driving the development of electrical work trends.
Jason Rowe
Founder & Electrician, Hello Electrical
Interdisciplinary Semiconductor Research
I am passionate about semiconductors because they combine knowledge from multiple scientific fields, which makes the work incredibly dynamic and innovative. Semiconductor research brings physics, chemistry, and materials science together to create solutions that operate at a microscopic level. This interdisciplinary nature means every discovery or advancement builds on expertise from different areas, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve. For instance, understanding the atomic structure of materials and how electrons behave allows us to manipulate their properties in ways that seem almost futuristic. This blend of science and precision is what makes the field so exciting to me.
Daniel Vasilevski
Director & Owner, Bright Force Electrical