[Interview] "I Want to Be a Female Role Model in the System Semiconductor Industry"... MZ Generation Engineers' Well-Founded Confidence

Open Edge Technology Engineer Interview
Ambitious MZ Generation Who Values Both Growth and Work-Life Balance
"The Appeal of IP Work Lies in Exploring Advanced Technologies"

System semiconductors account for 60% of the global semiconductor market. Although this sector is nearly three times larger than the memory semiconductor market, Korean companies hold only about a 3% share. This means there are many challenges to overcome. It is even rarer to find domestic design IP companies showcasing technology at the forefront within the system semiconductor industry.

Despite this harsh environment, there are those determined to take responsibility for the future of Korea's system semiconductor industry. They are MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) female engineers working at Open Edge Technology. Open Edge Technology is a rapidly growing startup that supplies AI semiconductor IP to domestic and international fabless (semiconductor design) companies and integrated device manufacturers (IDMs). We met with Kim Miri, R&D staff engineer at Open Edge Technology, and Jang Hyewon, staff engineer of the Network-on-Chip (NoC) team at Open Edge Technology.

Engineer Kim Miri of Open Edge Technology (left) and Engineer Jang Hyewon of Open Edge Technology / Photo by Open Edge Technology

"The appeal of IP work lies in contemplating technology 2-3 years ahead"

―Please introduce yourselves.

▲Engineer Kim (hereafter Kim): After studying electronic communication engineering in undergraduate school, I started my career at Open Edge Technology. I am currently in my third year, working on developing and verifying various IPs within the company.

▲Engineer Jang (hereafter Jang): I have been working at Open Edge Technology for two years. I am responsible for designing data pathways in NoC (a solution that arranges connection lines for IP signal transmission and reception within semiconductors). My major was electronic information and communication engineering.

Engineer Jang Hyewon (left) and Engineer Kim Miri exchanging conversation during an interview / Photo by Open Edge Technology

―'System semiconductor,' 'IP startup,' and 'female engineer'?all these keywords describing you are quite rare in the domestic semiconductor industry. What made you choose to work in this field?

▲Jang: At school, I studied both memory and system semiconductors and interned in the memory sector. However, since memory is already a large industry, it was difficult to find a clear vision or answer about how I could contribute. On the other hand, the system semiconductor field and its roles seemed to have great growth potential. Especially in startups, even those with fewer years of experience can take initiative in various tasks. Thanks to this, I often felt that I was growing while working.

▲Kim: IP forms the blueprint for designing semiconductor chips. The more IPs you know, the better you can understand system semiconductors overall. Since IP technology is showcased at the very forefront of system semiconductors, working while predicting technology 2-3 years ahead was also interesting. In fact, IP plays a crucial role in realizing next-generation technologies such as autonomous driving and artificial intelligence (AI). I appreciate being able to work while feeling the importance of my tasks.

Engineer Kim Miri taking a photo in her workspace /
[Photo by Open Edge Technology]

MZ generation engineers cannot compromise on growth or work-life balance

―After hearing your stories, it seems more people will aspire to become system semiconductor or IP engineers. What advice would you give?

▲Kim: Studying computer architecture, operating systems, and digital circuits before joining can help with the work. Of course, even if you majored in these fields during undergraduate studies, there is still much to learn on the job. I was able to continuously receive necessary training through the company's new employee education program (Edge On). You have to keep studying while working. Nowadays, various institutions offer related education, so gaining experience through them would be helpful.

―Working and learning busily might leave little time to rest. Is work-life balance achievable?

▲Jang: It is possible. I have been curling for 10 years. I am serious enough to represent the city every year at the national winter sports festival held once a year. When the competition period approaches, I use the flexible working hours system. I shift my commuting times earlier and practice in the evening. At the end of the year, I plan to travel to Australia during the company’s vacation period (last week of December).

Engineer Jang Hyewon participating in curling as a hobby /
[Photo by Open Edge Technology]

―What do you envision for your future 10 years from now?

▲Kim: I have not set a clear long-term goal yet. Since there are very few female engineers in the system semiconductor field, there have been few role models to refer to. Of course, I have not felt any difference or limitation because I am not a male engineer. However, I hope that in 10 years, more female talents will be inspired by us and grow their dreams.

▲Jang: After hearing this, I feel we should become role models. (laughs) It would be even better if many talents come together to create role models. Since this is an industry that will receive much attention in the future, I hope many people will challenge it without prejudice.