Rachel Harrington is not the type of person to give up on a goal—so when the professional hairdresser decided to pursue a new career in nursing, she expected to see it through. But after taking some courses, she says, “I started to feel like it wasn’t the right fit for me. I had to go back to square one and remap my future plans.”
The problem was that Harrington didn’t feel the same passion for nursing that she did for the beauty industry—and she wasn’t willing to settle. Not long after putting her career pivot on pause, a friend told her about ASML, a manufacturing company that he’d recently begun working for.
“My friend described ASML as a place that would be perfect for someone like me, who is trade driven and eager to learn,” Harrington says. “As I did more research on the company, I found myself excited at the thought of working there.”
Harrington credits her experience attending a technical high school for giving her the confidence to apply for a role at ASML, where today she is a senior technician at the company’s factory in Wilton, CT.
“During my four years of high school, I was able to learn multiple skills that would prepare me for any trade I decided to pursue,” she says. “Reflecting on this made me realize that I’m capable of learning and succeeding in many different trades as long as I apply myself and have a goal in mind.”
Here, she shares why her role at ASML is so rewarding, the skill she learned as a hairdresser that helps her succeed, and advice for women working in traditionally male industries.
What made you excited to apply for a job at ASML?
When I was researching the company, I watched videos on the ASML YouTube page and saw such a diversity of people. Seeing how people from different walks of life were able to become successful within the company was reassuring, and I thought maybe that could potentially be me. This solidified my choice in applying and seeing if there was a place for me in the manufacturing industry.
What about the candidate process at ASML made you decide it was the right fit?
Applying to ASML was one of those crazy ideas I am so happy I followed through with. Working here has been amazing, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I felt so welcomed during the interview process. The managers I spoke with were engaging and I never felt like I was just another candidate in the hot seat hoping to get selected for a position. This let me see the true ASML culture at work. Applying for a large company like ASML was intimidating, but I was able to continue my interview with confidence based on how I was treated.
What was the onboarding process like at ASML? How did they support your growth especially as an employee without experience in the field?
The onboarding process was great. New hires are grouped together and on the first day, a guide makes sure everyone knows where they are going and where the common areas are. Most of my group was in the cleanroom, so we were shown how to put our gowns on and we were on our way.
At my work center, I was introduced to the person who would train me. I mentioned that I was a very visual learner, and I feel like I owe him a lot because without his support I don’t know if I would have done so well in the long run. He walked me around the entire floor, and explained how every part of the machines I saw translated into our role. That kind of support continued every step of the way until I was fully trained.
What are you responsible for in your current role? What is the most rewarding part about it?
I am responsible for maintaining and assembling a component of the machine called a Zmirror. My team makes sure incoming material is qualified for use, then we assemble the product and send it out for final contamination testing before it’s shipped out.
I am also in a supporting role for test modules, which typically run components for quality testing. If all goes well with testing, these components end up in fully assembled lithography machines. In this support role, I maintain and distribute masks, or reticles, to determine whether a module has contamination. With the reticle we can run scans that will determine how contaminated a machine is. My responsibility during final testing is to report my findings back to the operators of test modules so they know how to move forward.
I’m very proud to take part in upholding the quality of ASML lithography machines. These roles are extremely rewarding because I’m seeing the technology that can be created as a result of our lithography machines. This contribution will impact the rest of the world, from the cars that we drive to medical devices that are used to save lives.
What was the biggest challenge you faced after pivoting to manufacturing, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting acquainted with the terminology. Every trade and area of expertise comes with a “language” that is foreign to those who haven’t studied or practiced it. The manufacturing environment can be fast paced, so having proper communication is key. I was able to overcome this road block by putting in time during my first few months at the company to research key manufacturing words or phrases. ASML also provides many resources for employees to learn what certain terms refer to.
What transferable skills from your time as a hairstylist have helped you succeed at ASML?
Bad service at the hair salon is guaranteed to bring a customer down, which is why being precise and attentive to detail as a stylist is so important. This kind of precision consists of checking, rechecking, and checking again to make sure the quality of my work is at its absolute highest. Another skill that has helped me succeed at ASML is having steady hands. Again, it goes back to precision. Applying this skill to a critical bond ensures it is consistently done correctly.
Describe the culture at ASML. How does the diversity of employee background and work experience contribute to the culture?
The culture at ASML is inclusive, progressive, and welcoming. The diversity among coworkers creates a unique atmosphere for any individual to thrive and grow with the right attitude and drive. I believe this is because those who work in manufacturing have a level of appreciation for individuals who come to the company ready to learn and become a part of a bigger picture.
They value our desire for knowledge and are willing to oblige in the role of our mentors for a short period of time. This mentor-like environment tends to occur daily, without a prompt to do so. The environment at ASML is one where everyone is constantly learning from each other, whether it’s knowledge of another culture or a new skill.
What advice would you give other women who are interested in working in a male-dominated industry like manufacturing?
My best advice would be to do your job well, but always ask questions that you feel will help you improve. Never move forward in doing something if you have any doubt or are confused in any way. Lastly, make sure you are voicing your opinions and that those opinions are addressed and discussed. Unfortunately, a woman’s opinion can be held at a low regard working alongside the wrong men. A way to turn that around is to make sure you know what you are talking about, back yourself up with facts, and be confident. At ASML we have a very respectful culture, but I still like to remind myself of these actions.
How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I make sure to get outside! My day-to-day work life is in the clean room, and although it’s rewarding, this means no windows, no summer breeze, and no sunlight. Some of my favorite activities after work include cycling, hiking, and visiting different breweries with friends. On a day where I have alone time I will usually draw or paint at home, go to the beach, or take to the road and visit towns I don’t go to often for a shopping spree.
I love that ASML stresses the importance of work-life balance. I have only gotten into cycling within the last two years because of the ASML cycling club! Having that available is a huge plus for someone like me who prefers to stay active, and helpful in reminding me that it is OK to have a good balance of work and life.