Chipmetrics is delighted to announce the appointment of Stefan Polzin as our new Chief Operating Officer, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our growing team.
Originally from Weißwasser and now residing in Dresden, Germany, Stefan holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering and an Executive MBA in General Management from IESE Business School. With extensive expertise spanning measurement, data analysis, process integration, technology transfer, and program management across manufacturing, packaging, wafer testing, design, and qualification, their background covers SMEs, startups, and large enterprises alike.
“Initially, my interest was in renewable energy, particularly solar cells. However, I quickly discovered that semiconductor manufacturing itself was even more fascinating,” he explains.
In his new role, Polzin will lead Chipmetrics’ operational business, particularly focusing on advancing the pocket wafer area. “I’m looking forward to understanding precisely what our customers need. The uncertainty of not knowing exactly where we will be in six months excites me – it’s the journey of discovery I enjoy most,” he remarks.
Stefan brings a unique combination of technical expertise and business acumen that promises to significantly enhance the team’s capability and success. “Great teamwork, structured processes, and automation of routine tasks to prioritize strategic initiatives are what drive me professionally,” he says. “One of my proudest career moments was developing a new assembly process for image sensors alongside a customer, creating an entirely new market segment that grew to €20 million within five years.”
Excited about current trends in semiconductor technology, especially Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), he highlights: “The rising density in semiconductor 3D device integration will significantly amplify the importance of ALD. Its role will expand not only in frontend manufacturing but increasingly in backend and packaging applications as well.”
Outside of work, his interests have evolved over the years. “My adventurous activities like basketball, skydiving, and scuba diving date back a bit now. Today, I find enjoyment in cinema, hiking, and geocaching.” Additionally, he shares a passion for forestry – perhaps suitable for someone now working with a Finnish company: “From initially cultivating exotic trees on my balcony, I’ve progressed to managing a mixed forest, transforming it from a monoculture.”
Another of Stefan’s interesting personal accomplishments is completing the challenging ToughGuy obstacle race in the UK four times. “Maybe my next challenge should be the Finnish version – Winter Warrior,” he suggests entusiastically.
Asked why he chose Chipmetrics, the newly appointed COO reflects, “Ever since my studies, I have felt drawn to Nordic countries. Combining my passion for semiconductors with an opportunity in Finland was simply irresistible. Plus, I relish the challenge of being the underdog, ultimately succeeding through teamwork.”
Looking forward to his first year at Chipmetrics, Polzin has clear goals: meeting every employee personally, successfully establishing the recently incorporated German subsidiary Chipmetrics GmbH, and placing the company on a robust financial footing for future growth.
Stefan concludes with a friendly note to his new colleagues: “I’m German and an engineer, which means I communicate efficiently and can sometimes seem quite direct, or task focused. But please, don’t hesitate to pull me into some small talk!”
Welcome aboard – we’re thrilled to have you!
