The Rising Stars: 20 Under 30 blog series celebrates the brightest young leaders shaping the future of the semiconductor industry. These exceptional individuals have earned the SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 Award for making a remarkable impact across the supply chain—whether in engineering, sales, marketing, or R D. The series spotlights these rising stars for their career achievements, commitment to innovation, leadership skills, and dedication to driving both business success and community growth.Follow their inspiring journeys, and discover how they are thriving and paving the way for future generations in the semiconductor world.Introducing Marieke Vermeulen: Product Quality Assurance Engineer at MelexisMarieke Vermeulen's journey into the semiconductor industry is a testament to curiosity, adaptability, and self-driven learning. With a background in classical philology, her entry into Melexis as a customer quality technician was unexpected, yet she quickly embraced the challenges of the industry. Through her commitment to growth and innovation, Marieke has risen to the role of Product Engineer, demonstrating leadership and a passion for continuous improvement. Her contributions, particularly in product ownership and driving business growth, highlight her as a dynamic force within Melexis, embodying both technical excellence and a collaborative spirit.SEMI: What inspired you to join the semiconductor industry? Vermeulen: My entry into the semiconductor industry was actually quite accidental. After completing my master’s degree in classical philology, I was still unsure about which direction I wanted my professional life to take. Then, an opportunity arose to join Melexis as a customer quality technician.I did not have anyone in my immediate circle with experience in the industry, so I entered the field without really knowing what to expect. I had only a vague idea of what a semiconductor company did. However, from those early days onwards, I have not looked back. It is my love of knowledge and the desire for a deeper understanding that continues to drive me in my role within Melexis’s quality department. During my literature studies, I was motivated by the idea that there is no absolute, uncontestable truth. Meaning will change with time and place. This perspective aligns closely with the mindset of the semiconductor industry. With new inventions and concepts constantly emerging, the industry is always evolving. We must challenge what we believe to be true yesterday and adapt to the discoveries and advancements for today.So, while there was no direct inspiration that led me to join, more of a stumble into the field, I have since developed a deep respect for how the industry operates. I In particular, I respect how people in the industry do not hesitate to question in order to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.SEMI: How did your early experiences and education shape your career path?Vermeulen: There was no direct experience. During my school years, STEM was just beginning to earn its place in my educational framework, and we were only introduced to the basic principles. Fortunately, this has changed significantly since then. However, my background hasn’t held me back, in fact, quite the opposite.One main principle from my studies stands out: in language, nothing is set in stone. There is no single truth, no single solution and no single voice. At its heart, language is shaped by human interaction. My studies taught me to think critically and to understand that there is always more than one answer to a question. This approach directly influences the way we work in the product quality department. Our goal is to develop and produce products that meet a customer’s needs as closely as possible. But it is a continuous process and very rarely a straight line. We learn from our past experience to improve the next iteration, again and again. We regularly consult with our peers to gather different ideas, and we listen to the industry to understand where the needs are. Then, we translate those insights into an effective solution.SEMI: Can you share a professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, and explain why it’s significant to you?Vermeulen: Our products go through two main stages in their lifecycle: development and production. As a product engineer, I am responsible during the production stage. However, before we reach this point, there is a transition period where the development and production teams come together to prepare the product for the best possible launch. This period is often hectic, but it clearly demonstrates how much of a team effort our products represent. Every team member understands their role and works towards the collective goal. Being part of such a diverse team and seeing our products succeed is always a thrill for me. While the products are made with metals, silicon, and other elements, it is the human factor that truly brings them to life. The very first spark is always the idea to create. SEMI: As a young professional in the industry, what is your greatest challenge? Vermeulen: As a young woman in STEM, the most obvious answer is that I have to prove myself more than my male colleagues or more experienced peers. However, at Melexis, I have found strong support in overcoming this challenge. Our voices are heard, and we are an active and valued part of our teams. We can express our ideas freely, knowing they will be considered just as seriously as anyone else’s. I can only hope this trend continues throughout the industry.SEMI: What advice would you give to younger generations aspiring to make an impact in this industry?Vermeulen: To those who are unsure if STEM is truly for them, I would say: We need engineers, but we also need dreamers to bring the ideas to life. We need designers and coders who can make the device function, but we also need people who can communicate these concepts to the world. Moreover, we need educators who can inspire and teach the next generations. There is a place for many different minds within the industry, so I encourage you to step in this direction. I’m sure you will find a place.And for those inspired by the semiconductor world and are sure this is where they want to be: don’t be afraid to look beyond the industry. Listen to those around you and take their ideas to heart. Be the inventor for those who cannot bring ideas to life, and offer solutions to those who feel stuck.Cooperation has made our industry great, and it is essential for building a strong foundation moving forward. SEMI: How do you envision future work environments?Vermeulen: The past few years have demonstrated how advanced technology has made the world much smaller. With just a click of a button, a camera, and a microphone, we can connect to the world, ignoring the constrains of time, space and borders. This accessibility opens the door for many more people to enter the industry from all around the globe. A hybrid and flexible work environment enhances this even further, accommodating those who might face physical or logistical restrictions. We need to continue on this path. By embracing diversity, we allow new ideas to emerge at the intersection of different minds. Why exclude a brilliant mind simply because they are on the other side of the continent? Why overlook someone whose mother tongue differs from yours when we can find a common language?At Melexis, we already welcome many different cultures, and it is amazing to see how vibrant this makes our offices. New team members bring their own experiences and blend them with ours. Just as alloys often retain characteristics of their base metals, these newly melded ideas will enrich our collective innovation.SEMI: What impact has the 20 Under 30 Award had on your career? Vermeulen: The award has connected me with wonderful peers and highlighted how we all strive to improve the industry, each in our own way and from our unique areas of expertise. It also has provided me an opportunity to demonstrate that the industry is welcoming to a variety of experiences and is willing to invest in its people. The goal was to foster connections, and it has truly jumpstarted this for me. Following 20 Under 30 JourneysMarieke Vermeulen's story is an inspiring example of how passion for learning and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to remarkable success. From her unexpected entry into the semiconductor industry to her achievements as a Product Engineer at Melexis, she has consistently demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication. Her journey highlights the importance of curiosity and adaptability in driving both personal and professional growth, making her a role model for others in the industry.The Rising Stars: 20 Under 30 blog series celebrates the exceptional talent and leadership driving the future of the semiconductor industry. Each of the young innovators honored is excelling in their respective fields while shaping the landscape of technology and business with their visionary approaches and dedication. Their stories exemplify the remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment that define the next generation of industry leaders. The series is intended to inspire and motivate future professionals to pursue their passions and embrace the opportunities within this dynamic industry. Stay tuned for more stories of rising stars who are paving the way for continued growth and innovation in the semiconductor world.Learn more about the SEMI Europe 20 Under 30 Award and the recipients honored at SEMICON Europa. For more information contact Maria Daniela Perez at [email protected] Daniela Perez is Communications Manager at SEMI Europe.
