Discover People at Soitec

A former soldier, Benoît is now a Level 4 Operator at Soitec. His journey is a testament to a successful transition between the rigors of the military and the demands of the high-tech industry.

What is your current role at Soitec? 
I am an operator in the MTBE (Metrology Test Back End) final sorting zone. I joined Soitec in 2010, and since 2019, I’ve held a Level 4 technical position. My role is to ensure the final quality of the wafers before they are shipped. it is a position that requires high precision and an in-depth understanding of our sorting processes.

What was your background before joining Soitec? 
I spent 15 years in the French Army. It was a life of travel and overseas operations, but it left very little room for personal life. I spent countless Christmases and birthdays away from my family. Over time, the physical toll started to show, and I was finding it harder to pass the annual tests required for missions. They offered me a chance to stay in the army, but I wanted to take the leap and return to civilian life.

How did your transition to the civilian workforce go? 
It wasn't easy. The army offers its own kind of protective framework, whereas the civilian world is a more competitive environment where you have to carve out your own space. I initially worked for 18 months at Rexel (an electrical equipment supplier) as a salesperson. Customer relations there were tough; the lack of politeness from some professionals really struck me. Then, I moved to Grenoble for personal reasons, and the military career transition office sent my CV to Soitec during a job fair.

What surprised you when you arrived at Soitec? 
The social codes! It’s another world. At first, using the informal "tu" (tutoiement in French) was a real issue for me. To me, using "vous" was a necessary barrier for respect and hierarchy. My manager at the time constantly had to tell me to stop addressing him formally! I had to learn that you can be on a first-name basis while remaining perfectly respectful. I also discovered kindness. In my old life, conflicts were sometimes settled more... directly. Here, I’ve learned the importance of dialogue, explanation, and mentorship.

What skills from your former life help you today? 
Rigour, without a doubt. Also, the sense of reporting: saying what I’m doing, why, and how. I remember my first phone calls where I would use military procedure when picking up: "Hello, Benoît, MTBE operator, to whom do I have the honor?". It triggered fits of laughter on the other end of the line! More seriously, team spirit and versatility are the pillars I brought back from the army. In an industry with as many procedures as ours, my military background is an asset: rules don’t scare me, they reassure me.

How do you feel about this career change 15 years later? 
Soitec has given me a stability I didn't have before. In the past, you had to be available 24/7. Today, I have a structure with fixed working hours, and the rest of the time belongs to me. This newfound freedom allows me to focus on my manual hobbies, like DIY projects. In a house, there’s always something to do! I finally have real weekends and Christmases with my family. I can look toward my future with peace of mind.

What advice would you give to someone hesitating to change career paths? 
Don't be afraid of the unknown. My motto is a bit like that of the SAS (the British Army's special forces unit): "Who Dares Wins." You have to know how to challenge yourself, listen to advice from those who already know the field, and dare to seek support. You have nothing to lose by trying, and in the end, you gain a brand-new life.