Discover People at Soitec

Activity leader, salesperson, recruiter, warehouse worker… Pascal Menegaldo worked about ten different jobs before becoming a methods technician at Soitec. An atypical career path, guided by a single common thread: a passion for human connection, a desire to be of service, and the drive to keep learning.

What is your role today at Soitec?
I have been a Methods Agent since 2018. With my colleague Karine, who trained me in the job, we form a very complementary duo. The methods department is a bit like the company's "Swiss Army knife": we work across all production buildings, from IT to electrical connections, as well as workstation layout, which is a multi-task role with a strong focus on ergonomics. It's also about serving production and all its key players so that everyone can work under good conditions. What am I passionate about? Inventing or finding solutions that exist nowhere else to meet the specific needs of the cleanroom. 

You worked many jobs before joining Soitec. What was your career path? 
I started out in activity leadership and sports education, then managed holiday centers. It was exciting but very demanding. I then shifted toward retail at Decathlon, first as a salesperson and then as a workshop manager, where I helped set up the after-sales service. Later, I discovered human resources at Adecco, where I learned the ropes of being a recruitment manager on the ground.

After a few years behind a desk, I missed being out in the field. Training as a forklift operator/warehouse worker opened the doors to the industrial sector for me, and then to Soitec twenty-two years ago. 

How did you evolve within Soitec?
I started as a warehouse worker. I was in contact with the whole company because we received packages for all departments, from production to executive management. It was this network and the connections forged over the years that allowed me to advance.

Soitec supported me very well: I was able to complete a Vocational Baccalaureate in Logistics via VAE (Validation of Prior Experiential Learning) because I didn't have a high school diploma when I arrived. In 2018, after an initial unsuccessful attempt, I persevered and landed my current position in methods. It's great proof that the company knows how to trust those who want to learn.

What is the common thread running through all these experiences?
Interpersonal skills and a spirit of service. Whether working as an activity leader, recruiter, salesperson, or methods technician, my leitmotif has always been to interact with people and provide them with a solution. Today, I thrive on this diversity: I can switch from a computer study to an intervention beneath the cleanroom floor tiles.

One of my proudest projects was creating a stainless-steel protective barrier system for cleanroom equipment. Joel, my former manager, trusted me and gave me full carte blanche, with the help of my new colleagues, of course, from design and supplier selection to cutting the tubes and engraving the Soitec logo. This system was even exported to our Singapore site!

What drove you to change career paths several times?
It's kind of in my DNA. I've never been afraid of the unknown. When I was younger, people kept telling me that without a diploma, I wouldn't make it. At 18, I decided to prove them wrong. I tried timber framing, I was an ambulance driver... Every experience made me grow. Where there's a will, there's a way. You just need to remain humble, accept starting at the bottom of the ladder sometimes, and prove yourself through hard work.

You are also the founder of the Cross Soitec. How did that adventure begin? 
As a passionate athlete, I approached the company back then to sponsor my participation in the New York Marathon. One thing led to another, and with the support of the communications team and motivated colleagues, we launched the idea of an internal race. At first, we thought about a single 10k run, but we adapted it into several short relays to make it accessible to more participants. Naturally, it then expanded to include walking and fancy dress for a cooler, more friendly atmosphere. It has been going on for over 15 years now, and it's a real source of pride to see Soitec's "family" atmosphere live on through this type of event.

Any advice for those hesitating to change careers?
You shouldn't be afraid to try. People often stay in a position out of fear of losing status or salary, even though fulfillment might be somewhere else. My journey shows it: you can arrive without a specific diploma and end up in technical or managerial roles. Internal networking and honesty at work often make the difference. If you have the desire to learn, doors will open.