In 2025, SK hynix is continuing this practice by appointing thirteen DEs, one HE, five Masters, and two Honored Masters. The program is garnering significant attention this year as Heeyoul Lee, the company’s inaugural HE, has become the first to continue working beyond the official retirement age. To find out more about the initiative, the SK hynix Newsroom sat down with HE Kyoonhyoung Kim and Honored Masters Youngdae Kwon and Jeongil Shin to gain insights into their appointments and visions.

Appointment of Top Technical Experts: A Shared Sense of Pride & Responsibility

At SK hynix, HEs and Honored Masters are esteemed technical experts who pass down their field expertise to junior engineers and provide solutions to complex challenges. The company systemized the Technical Expert Career Track by introducing the HE and Honored Master appointment programs in 2020 and 2022, respectively, building on the previously established DE and Master track. Under this framework, the company selects the most skilled and experienced individuals as DEs and Masters. Only DEs and Masters with the highest technical skills advance to HEs and Honored Masters, respectively.

The rigorous selection process for HEs and Honored Masters involves evaluating candidates’ technical capabilities, reputations, and executive assessments. Therefore, only those with the highest technical proficiency are chosen to continue research and development beyond retirement age. Reflecting on this prestigious recognition, Kim, Kwon, and Shin expressed both immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility.

“It’s an honor to see my dream become a reality,” Kim said. “While my responsibility is greater, I see this as a great opportunity to do more important work. As an HE, I will do my best to set a model example for the Technical Expert Career Track.”

“I’m proud to be recognized for the hard work I’ve shared with my colleagues,” Kwon stated. “I will not only comprehensively document my knowledge in whitepapers but also pass down my expertise, and grow together with the team as an Honored Master.”

“This recognition gives me pride in my work,” Shin revealed. “I will continue to focus on improving my capabilities, sharing my knowledge, and fulfilling my responsibilities as an Honored Master, striving to be a model member.”

The three gurus plan to continue leveraging their roles to make a broader impact. Kim aims to establish technology roadmaps and explore new business models while pioneering future technologies and mentoring junior engineers. Kwon hopes to collaborate with colleagues to solve complex challenges while documenting his unique know-how to train future Honored Masters. Meanwhile, in fulfilling his role as an Honored Master, Shin will deepen his knowledge of lithography¹ equipment, including manufacturer-related expertise. This will help achieve early stabilization of new equipment and boost company knowledge about the field and programming applications.

¹Lithography: A process used in semiconductor manufacturing to transfer intricate patterns onto a surface, typically a silicon wafer. Lithography can involve the use of deep ultraviolet (DUV) and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths.

Fostering Innovative Achievements Through Decades of Expertise

The journeys of Kim, Kwon, and Shin to the pinnacle of their careers involve decades of innovation and achievements. Over the years, they have honed their expertise, becoming highly skilled in their fields while garnering significant accomplishments along the way.

Kim has a strong passion for modeling and achieving real-world results

Since joining the company in 1992, Kim has accumulated 33 years of experience in modeling research. As a physics major, he developed a strong interest in modeling after joining the company as it involves analyzing device characteristics using physical equations and computer simulations. He took immense satisfaction in seeing his simulation results align perfectly with real-world product performance, which further fueled his passion.

“One standout moment came in 2014 when I successfully developed a proprietary SPICE² model despite the challenges of maintaining modeling accuracy amid device miniaturization,” said Kim. “This model remains in use today, which gives me an indescribable sense of accomplishment.”

²Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE): A computer simulation model used to model and analyze electrical circuits, helping engineers predict how a circuit will behave before it is built.

Kim’s development of a leading SPICE model significantly impacted his evaluation for the Technical Expert Career Track, establishing his reputation as an expert in the field.

Kwon has relished tackling technical challenges throughout his career

For over 30 years, Kwon has tackled countless technical challenges, finding the most fulfillment in solving difficult problems. He compared the thrill of resolving unsolved issues to cracking a cold case. His proficiency was especially evident in the localization of very high temperature³ (VHT) carbon equipment, one of his key achievements.

³Very high temperature (VHT): Refers to operating conditions that significantly exceed standard temperature ranges. VHT devices can perform efficiently in elevated temperatures due to the inclusion of heat-resistant materials.

“For a year, a critical issue in this project remained unsolved, pushing it to the brink of failure,” Kwon revealed. “In response, we formed a united team with process engineers, equipment specialists, and partner companies, working tirelessly to find a solution. Not only did we overcome the challenge, but we also gained industry recognition for our technological capabilities, securing exclusive rights in the process.”

Following this success, Kwon continued to make significant contributions by actively participating in a task force (TF) team which aimed to enhance equipment competitiveness. His efforts in establishing and standardizing various management systems further solidified his capabilities, ultimately leading him to achieve the prestigious title of Honored Master.

Shin taught himself various programming languages during his journey to becoming an Honored Master

As a young engineer, Shin’s passion for programming led him to explore game development. Over the years, he taught himself multiple programming languages including C, C++, and Python, building a knowledge base which would play a key role in his journey to becoming an Honored Master.

“Lithography equipment generates approximately 1 GB of data per hour, usually requiring manufacturer support for data analysis,” Shin said. “To streamline this process, I combined my domain knowledge with programming to develop an in-house lithography equipment analysis tool, enabling our team to analyze data independently and much more efficiently.”

Shin’s analysis tool greatly improved engineers’ workflow efficiency, leading him to earn the Honored Master title. His dedication to data analysis remains strong to this day as he still monitors three screens at once, searching for hidden insights within continuously updated datasets. He credits this technical acumen and unwavering passion as the secrets to his growth as an Honored Master.

Technical Excellence as a Foundation, Outstanding Reputation as the Key to the Top

As tech gurus, the three newly appointed experts have earned deep respect from their colleagues, a key factor in their selection as HEs and Honored Masters.

Kim’s colleagues at the 2025 Technical Experts Appointment Ceremony showing him support

Kim’s bond with his colleagues was particularly evident at his HE appointment ceremony as his coworkers held banners in his honor. When asked about the secret behind this strong relationship, he emphasized the importance of open and informal communication.

“Stepping into a new career path, I knew I had to set an example,” Kim stated. “More than anything, I made it a priority to continuously communicate with my colleagues. I made a conscious effort to actively participate in team events and engage with everyone on an equal footing.”

Kwon (image 1) and Shin (image 2) celebrating with colleagues at the 2025 Technical Experts Appointment Ceremony

Kwon attributed his strong reputation to always demonstrating exemplary behavior and prioritizing horizontal communication. “I treated every organizational challenge as my own, leading by example,” he revealed. “When working with others, I maintained a horizontal approach, listening carefully to different perspectives. To foster equal communication, I also obtained relevant certifications to deepen my understanding of data, allowing me to engage in more data-driven decision-making.”

Meanwhile, Shin pointed to his significant on-the-job experience as the foundation for his status at the company. “I simplified maintenance technology training by creating quizzes for junior engineers and always stepped in first when issues arose,” he explained. “I believe my approach as a mentor, which involves always sharing knowledge, and my extensive hands-on experience contributed to my positive evaluation.”

The three gurus, with their combined technical expertise and strong reputations, also shared their visions for the future:

• Kim: “My vision is to enhance simulation accuracy and share my knowledge to foster junior engineers who can internalize the company’s VWBE⁴ philosophy. At the same time, I will continue developing technology roadmaps and driving innovation.”
• Kwon: “With a commitment to ending on a high note, I see myself growing as a CVD⁵ expert while exploring new fields to become a pi-shaped⁶ talent. Additionally, I will document my knowledge in whitepapers and actively share my expertise through SKHU⁷ lectures.”
• Shin: “I will dedicate myself to continuous self-improvement to stay ahead in this fast-changing industry. With the skills I develop, I will carefully mentor junior engineers and communicate every detail.”

⁴Voluntarily, Willingly, Brain, Engagement (VWBE): SK Group’s management philosophy that emphasizes proactive and engaged thinking.
⁵Chemical vapor deposition (CVD): A method that deposits materials onto the wafer’s surface using a chemical reaction.
⁶Pi-shaped: Individuals who have deep expertise in two distinct areas (represented by the two vertical lines of the symbol for pi, π) and a broad understanding across multiple disciplines.
⁷SKHU (SK hynix University): SK hynix’s internal educational institute, offering structured technical and business training to enhance skills at all levels and boost the company’s competitiveness.

Advancing Technical Achievements After Retirement

Kim, Kwon, and Shin shared their final thoughts on the Technical Expert Career Track. “We have provided a blueprint for engineers and equipment maintenance team members to focus on developing their technical capabilities,” they said. “This initiative not only plays a central role in advancing and disseminating technology, but also serves as a driving force to break through growing technological limits.”

Expressing their gratitude, they added: “We are thankful that this initiative allows us to pass on our technical achievements to the next generation even after retirement.” Kim, who is approaching retirement age this year, remarked: “I am proud to have the opportunity to continue working even after reaching the retirement age. I am determined to help establish SK hynix as the global leader in modeling.”

(From first image) Kim, Kwon, and Shin express their appreciation for the Technical Expert Career Track

Finally, the three gurus shared advice for aspiring technical experts:

• Kim: “If you have passion and determination, anyone can become a technical expert. I encourage you to broaden your perspective, develop deeper insights, and challenge yourself with perseverance—all while maintaining good relationships with your colleagues.”
• Kwon: “Challenge yourself with difficult goals and make bold attempts to break the mold. Keep developing your skills consistently, communicate effectively with colleagues, and work with a courageous attitude under the VWBE philosophy.”
• Shin: “I became an Honored Master because I honed my programming skills early on. So, prepare diligently, even if no one recognizes your efforts. Opportunities come to those who are ready.”

Meanwhile, Heeyoul Lee, the inaugural HE and the first to continue working past retirement age, remains a mentor dedicated to passing on his know-how to the next generation.

At SK hynix, DEs, HEs, Masters, and Honored Masters are actively contributing to the growth of the company and strengthening its technical foundation. Lee, Kim, Kwon, and Shin are committed to continually advancing the company’s technological expertise and upholding their responsibilities as the top experts in their fields.

The post Meet the New Honored Engineers and Masters of 2025: The Technical Experts Looking Beyond Retirement at SK hynix first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

When 20-year SK hynix veteran Boyeon Kim was in college, she estimated only around 10% of the students in her engineering program were women. The lack of women in engineering classes prompted those on campus to distinguish students into three groups: men, women, and “engineering women”. Despite graduating years after Kim, Yujin Lee, who joined the company in 2022, admitted she did not expect to find female mentors or even work with other women in the engineering field.

The experiences of Kim and Lee in South Korea are echoed elsewhere around the world. In the U.S., women only accounted for 11.6% of all employed electrical and electronics engineers in 2023. To address this significant imbalance, International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is celebrated annually on June 23 to raise the profile of women in engineering and inspire more young women to pursue careers in this profession.

To mark the occasion, Kim and Lee from DRAM Development sat down for a one-on-one discussion at SK hynix’s Icheon headquarters. The pair covered a range of topics including progress for female engineers, their achievements, key lessons, and future goals.

Changes & Progress for Female Engineers

Yujin: “Since you’ve been in this industry for a much longer time than me, I’ve always wondered what it was like back when you first started. Did you ever feel like you were at a disadvantage because you were one of the few women in the office?”

Boyeon: “Even when I was just one of a handful of women in class or at work, I can’t remember ever being explicitly discriminated against because I was a woman. But I did somewhat feel like I had to work harder than other team members to be recognized in a traditional workplace.”

Yujin: “Then, have you experienced any changes since you started your career?”

Boyeon: “While the culture was predominantly androcentric when I started out, it feels like it has now shifted toward recognizing and celebrating diversity.”

Yujin: “When I joined the company, I felt that women in the industry generally didn’t face many obstacles but were still encountering issues in areas such as networking. However, I received a pleasant surprise when I was assigned to my team: two of the leaders were women. It’s encouraging to see experienced female leaders around me who I can learn from. I’ve also benefited significantly from the design schools, mentoring opportunities, and seminars offered by our team’s senior members.”

Female Mentors: A Guiding Light for Young Engineers

Yujin: “Did you have female mentors when you were a young engineer?”

Boyeon: “I was fortunate to have a senior female colleague on my team around my fourth year. She helped and supported me as I grew, and she remains a reliable mentor to this day. Even after nearly two decades, I always seek her advice when faced with challenges and still find it beneficial to ask her questions.”

Yujin: “I was also lucky enough to meet various mentors. My interest in the semiconductor industry sprouted from meeting a mentor at a university alumni networking event, while I decided to work at SK hynix after meeting another mentor during my internship here. In addition to those mentors, it’s also been so inspiring to work under you and another female team leader. As a leader, what is your approach to mentorship?”

Boyeon: “When mentoring junior colleagues, I often discuss their current career status and how they want to progress. People can become somewhat complacent after working for years at a company, so, in order not to get tired, it’s important to keep planning for their future growth and envisioning a bigger picture.”

Yujin: “I am always grateful when you and my other senior colleagues take the time to help me despite your busy schedules. Often, I feel like I’ve grown significantly after just listening to your thought processes. I also apply many of these lessons to my daily life outside of the office. When I see you balance work and family while living your own life, it makes me think that I can do the same in the future.”

Boyeon: “I’m glad that you feel inspired. When it comes to talking with seniors, please don’t hesitate to ask questions. Seniors actually enjoy receiving questions from juniors and are happy to answer them.”

Eye-Opening Lessons That Transformed Perspectives

Boyeon: “You’ve been working at SK hynix for about two years now. What is something that you can say you are proud of accomplishing?”

Yujin: “Although I haven’t worked here for long, I’m satisfied with becoming familiar with my daily tasks. My latest project was regarding peripheral circuit design, and I’ve managed to approach my work intuitively after six months.”

Boyeon: “Is there anything you’ve learned from this project?”

Yujin: “My logical thinking skills have improved, and this has allowed me to enjoy my work while also feeling a sense of reward. In general, I have also learned that when I hurry to finish work, a problem generally occurs in the end. For example, there was one instance just after I started working here when I didn’t apply all the known conditions to simulations when verifying circuit designs. After a defect occurred during a wafer test, I learned that I needed to apply all relevant conditions to simulations in order to verify them—even if there are more than 1,000 conditions. I’m now more thorough in my approach to work.”

Boyeon: “Yes, there is a lot to learn from our mistakes and failures. Likewise, my most memorable project wasn’t one that was successful from the beginning. On the contrary, I learned the most from a project where we performed quite poorly. Even when our team had to work overtime every day to interpret the malfunctions that occurred in our product design, this tough experience was really valuable as it helped me and my team members develop our skills.”

Yujin: “Do you think the team gained anything unexpected from this experience?”

Boyeon: “It made us realize the importance of teamwork. We saw first-hand how the skill of each member comes together to become the overall skill of the entire team.”

Welcoming the Next Generation of Female Engineers

Boyeon: “Let’s talk about what lies ahead for us now. What is your goal for this year?”

Yujin: “I think I’ve moved on from merely absorbing knowledge from my senior colleagues to now thinking about the direction I should take by myself. Going forward, I want to become an engineer who works efficiently and uses various tools to enhance my design methodologies.”

Boyeon: “My goal is always to become a better leader. As a team leader, I see it as my responsibility to foster members’ growth and development. As SK hynix leads the DDR5 market, our team goal is to ensure the company maintains this position as we move into the DDR6 era.”

Yujin: “Lastly, what advice would you give to your younger self or to younger women who want to pursue a career in this field?”

Boyeon: “Like everyone else, I wanted to immediately be good at my job. This made me become impatient with myself. But I learned that it’s really crucial to be patient and draw a picture of how you want to grow and take small steps every day to reach your destination. What about you?”

Yujin: “Right, I can see that looking at the big picture is important when it comes to personal development. If I was to give advice, I would say if you’re inspired and motivated to tackle complex but rewarding puzzles, I’m sure we’ll make a great team here at SK hynix.”

The post INWED 2024: Junior & Senior SK hynix Workers Share Their Experiences as Women Breaking Barriers in Engineering first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.