At Fab 25, growth has never come from standing still. Over decades, the site has continuously reinvented itself, evolving from an IDM facility into a critical part of a U.S.-based foundry platform, adapting to new technologies, new business models, and new industry demands.
Anh-Thu Tran, Head of Production at SkyWater’s Austin Fab, has grown right alongside Fab 25. Her 28-year journey mirrors Fab 25’s transformation. Rooted in deep technical expertise, shaped by change, and defined by a willingness to take on what’s next.
Today, both Anh-Thu and Fab 25 sit at the center of a pivotal moment. The facility provides high-volume manufacturing capacity and advanced capabilities that are increasingly scarce in the U.S., with proven strengths in copper processing, high-voltage technologies, and 65 nm node infrastructure. As a cornerstone of SkyWater’s exclusively U.S.-based foundry platform, Fab 25 plays a vital role in enabling secure, scalable production for a wide range of foundational chip technologies, supporting growing customer demand and national security priorities.
That same mindset of continuous evolution, driven by challenge and opportunity is what has shaped Anh-Thu’s path from engineer to senior leader.
Hooked from the Start
Anh-Thu’s journey into semiconductors began with a single material science class at the University of Texas at Austin. What started as curiosity quickly turned into fascination, leading her to a role at AMD and ultimately to a 28-year career at the site now known as Fab 25. From the moment she entered the fab, she was captivated.
“The complexity of what we do and how it impacts everyday life pulled me in immediately,” she says.
Over the years, she built deep expertise across engineering, process, and reliability. As a self-described introvert, she thrived as a technical contributor, learning, solving problems, and continuously growing. But the thought of staying comfortable began to feel uncomfortable for Anh-Thu.
Seizing the Opportunity
A pivotal moment for Anh-Thu came during a major transition in the site’s history. Presented with an opportunity to lead a complex, high-visibility project, Anh-Thu faced a decision.
“It would have been easier to stay in my lane,” she says. “But I kept asking myself: what if I didn’t do it?”
That nagging question became a turning point. Stepping into the role meant presenting, influencing, and leading in ways that didn’t come naturally. It required her to confront her hesitation and move forward boldly.
“That was the start of my leadership journey,” she says. “Not because I felt ready, but because I was willing to push myself.”
Embracing the Discomfort of Leadership
Today, Anh-Thu leads with a situational approach. She steps in closely during times of challenge and empowers her team to operate with more latitude when operations are steady. Underlying that approach is an ongoing internal tension.
“I still feel that push and pull,” she says. “The introvert in me versus the curiosity that wants to grow.”
Rather than resisting this tension, she leans in. To Anh-Thu, leaning in is about finding purpose in the “stretch zone,” that vibrant space where her natural preference for reflection meets the high-stakes demands of leadership. She uses her curiosity as a bridge, moving toward challenges with an open mind. This isn’t just about asking the hard questions; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to propel her team to excel. By embracing the energy of this journey, she challenges her team to reach the next level.
She treats leadership as a discipline by observing, analyzing, and adopting what works from others. That intentional growth requires self-awareness and a willingness to evolve.
“I think of it as productive internal conflict,” she explains. “That’s where growth happens.”
Leading by Example
In a high-stakes, traditionally male-dominated industry, stepping forward can carry additional weight.
“Doing a good job isn’t always enough. You have to make sure your team’s work is seen,” she says. “And by pushing myself, I’m helping create space for others to do the same.”
By consistently choosing growth over comfort, Anh-Thu is helping redefine what leadership looks like and creating a path for others to follow.
Transforming Through Challenge
That mindset has been essential during one of the most transformative periods in Fab 25’s history. Following the transition to SkyWater and the shift from an IDM to a foundry model, the team faced uncertainty and significant change. Rather than merely enduring the transition, they chose to embrace the challenge as a catalyst for growth.
The team is welcoming this evolution by actively pushing through the integration of AI as a powerful change agent. The team is leveraging AI as the key enhancement that will push manufacturing to the next level, unlocking insights from massive data streams and supporting next-generation technologies.
Through it all, the team has delivered. In 2025, Fab 25 contributed significantly to the company’s record-breaking revenue. “We didn’t just adapt, we pushed through,” she says. “And we are coming out stronger.”
Redefining What Leadership Looks Like
Leadership in a fab environment can be misunderstood. “You’re not just managing machines, you’re leading people,” she says. “It takes technical depth, business understanding, and empathy all at once.”
Her focus is on listening, removing roadblocks, and ensuring ideas from the floor connect to broader strategy.
Anh-Thu’s Advice: Take that Uncomfortable Step Forward
Her advice to aspiring leaders is simple. Don’t wait until you feel ready. “Leadership is a skill you build,” she says. “If you’re willing to push yourself and stay adaptable, you can grow into it.”
She emphasizes strong communication, a “quiet ego,” and a willingness to embrace discomfort. “The best opportunities are often the ones that feel the hardest to take.”
Leadership is a Privilege
On the toughest days, it’s the team that keeps her moving forward. “We’ve been through everything together, and every time we come back stronger,” she says.
That resilience reflects her own journey and the culture she continues to build.
“It’s a privilege to lead a team like this.”
In an industry defined by precision and predictability, Anh-Thu has found her greatest strength in the unpredictable space of personal growth. Her story, much like the evolution of Fab 25 itself, proves that the most rewarding breakthroughs happen just on the other side of discomfort. For Anh-Thu, leadership isn’t a destination – it’s a continuous process of seizing the next opportunity, no matter how quiet the voice or how big the challenge.