Process Development Engineer Shares the Value of Mindset

Name: Sanaz Zarabi (she/her)

PhD: Engineering Physics/Applied Physics, Aalto University, 2024

What was your main area of research?

I worked on inkjet printing of thin film electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells. I developed and characterized ceramic inks for the electrode material to be used by inkjet printers to enhance the performance of solid oxide fuel cells for conversion of hydrogen to electricity in a sustainable way by reducing the active material consumption

What is your current job?

I am a Process Development Engineer for Beneq in Finland.

I develop different atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for different applications. I also develop new films for the trending applications, along with customer communication, presentation, and training.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love that everyday I have a new challenge to overcome; the nature of the work is so exciting!

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Resilience and the positive mindset that I will make it!

I think the mindset is more important than the technical background! Though my background in thin films and materials engineering helped me a lot.

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

My educational background fit the job, also I tried to learn as much as I could from my experienced colleagues in the company. Moreover, keeping myself up to date with the literature helps a lot!

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

LinkedIn and an internal referral

(almost) a PhD graduate (the thesis was submitted) ➡️ Process Development Engineer

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Try to get hands-on experience, study the related literature, and never stop learning.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

I knew from the very beginning that I wanted to move to industry to actually see a tangible output.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Be open to every option!

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

I had a good resume which showed great competence, like winning national and international awards.