Career Path and Profile - Christina Stark

After completing her studies at KIT, Christina Stark works as a test engineer in physical failure analysis. She examines microchips—primarily from driver assistance systems—at various stages of their lifecycle, from development to field use, employing a wide range of physical methods to detect defects. In addition to her work in the lab, she consults frequently with clients and gains insights into their work. What does she like best? “The variety. I’m the kind of person who would love to tackle new challenges every day. My work comes surprisingly close to that.” The lectures on semiconductor physics and electronics prepared her best; she still refers to their materials here and there even today. At work, she notices the important soft skills her physics degree has equipped her with: “The patience to stick with things, communication skills, the ability to work independently and take initiative, the ability to grasp a topic quickly, and the habit of questioning facts.” And she adds: "I firmly believe that a university education, with all its challenges but also its freedoms, fosters this development."

What industry are you currently working in, and what does your daily work routine look like?

I work as a test engineer in physical failure analysis on ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), mainly chips from driver assistance systems. To do this, I examine ASICs at various stages of their lifecycle (development, manufacturing, field use, etc.) for defects using a wide variety of physical methods. One method I use frequently, for example, is the nanoprober, which can be used to electrically characterize and, if necessary, locate tiny structures. My daily routine as a test engineer is diverse, as new failure patterns constantly emerge, and in addition to working in the lab, I also consult frequently with customers and gain insights into their work.

Which scientific qualifications and soft skills from your studies help you in your current job?

The lectures on semiconductor physics and electronics for physicists prepared me best for my work. Every now and then, I even consult my old lecture notes. At work, I notice the important soft skills that my physics degree has equipped me with: the patience to stick with things, communication skills, the ability to work independently and take initiative, the ability to grasp a topic quickly, and the habit of questioning facts. I don’t know to what extent these skills depend on a specific choice of major, but I firmly believe that a university education—with all its challenges, but also freedoms—fosters this development.

What do you like best about your current job?

The variety. I’m someone who would love to tackle new challenges every day. My job comes surprisingly close to that. I also find working with a large team of very different people and personalities exciting.

What were the challenges you faced after completing your master’s degree?

After finishing my master’s degree, I had a few months off and was really looking forward to that time. However, I had underestimated how much my self-esteem would suffer during that period. In hindsight, I would try to give this time more structure and purpose.

How did you find your current position?

I had applied for several positions in the area, including various job postings and also unsolicited applications. I found this specific position through the company’s online job portal. The initial contact was made very quickly. After a technical interview, there was another interview with the HR department. I didn’t really have any idea what to expect until I’d been on the job for a week.

What was a personal highlight during your studies at KIT?

All the encounters with wonderful people!

Looking back, what advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Enjoy your studies and remain aware of the privilege of being able to manage your time so freely. Think about your personal strengths and try to develop them in concrete ways. And beyond your studies and self-reflection, don’t forget that you are part of a wonderful community—get involved.