About Me
Welcome! I’m Sanjay K. Sah, creator of Sand to Silicon (STS). My career journey has taken me across the full semiconductor value chain—from hands-on R&D and high-volume manufacturing to global supply chain strategy and advanced analytics. Along the way, I’ve cultivated a mission: to empower others to thrive in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.
With more than a decade of experience, I bring a blend of technical expertise and strategic insight. At Intel, I’ve led cross-functional initiatives spanning process R&D, technology transfer, and cost optimization, while also driving the adoption of GenAI and advanced analytics to enhance efficiency and unlock faster, deeper insights.
What excites me most is bridging deep technical knowledge with emerging technologies to solve complex challenges and deliver meaningful business impact. Through Sand to Silicon, I share insights, lessons, and stories from the semiconductor sector—supporting professionals, organizations, and enthusiasts as we collectively navigate this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
Professional Experience
Staff Supply Chain R&D Engineer - Components Sourcing (Intel Corp., May 2022 - Present)
Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing and supply chain engineering for semiconductor commodities (Category ICs, ASICs, FPGAs, PMICs, KGDs, Timing and GNSS modules) enabling innovative board- and system-level solutions across Data Center, AI, Networking, and Edge platform solutions.
Drive cross-functional supplier engagements, including technical collaboration, co-design initiatives, and custom component development aligned with Intel’s multi-generation roadmap.
Manage technical program execution involving BOM risk assessments, new component introductions, lifecycle management, and proactive alignment with platform strategies.
Deliver supply chain resilience and cost savings by mitigating risks related to geopolitical dependencies, leveraging market intelligence, and executing strategic multi-sourcing plans.
Developed MVPs of scalable GenAI tools to enhance supply chain efficiency (part search, alternate sourcing, contract management, market intelligence). Partnered with IT and data teams to drive broader adoption, trained teams on AI applications, and built Power BI dashboards for actionable insights on sourcing and spend.
Sr. Process Technology Development Engineer (Intel Corp., Mar 2018 - May 2022)
Developed and transferred dielectric thin film process technologies to high-volume manufacturing, including tool installation and qualification (CVD toolsets), while driving manufacturing readiness and operational excellence.
As a module quality manager, represented 30+ groups from thin films dielectrics to D1 fab factory level quality meetings.
Chaired cost reduction meetings and collaborated with intel fabs and supply chain for direct sourcing, establishing clean loops for parts and implementations of CIPs. Lead FE DVD module works for NOx reduction by equipment upgrades and working with Environmental group and engineering teams. Partnered on implementing ML-based predictive models to anticipate abatement unit faults in fab tools, improving reliability and compliance.
Supported the auditing and continuous improvements of engineering procedures and specifications. Helped with Engineering candidate interviews, GL coverage and training and mentoring of engineers and technicians.
Recipient of Distinguished Invention Award and LTD Divisional Recognition Award for reducing wafer scraps and extending PM life by stress engineering of fill wafers. This resulted in manufacturing cost savings at Intel fabs by ~$12 M/year.
2-times LTD Department Divisional Award Recipient for reducing FOUP count by 15%, reducing number of TW in PTL qualification and creation of automated plans for tool quals. These led to a reduction of execution time on tool by 50%, technician time by 15hrs/week and made tool matching more efficient.
Thermal Engineer - Transient Analysis (GE, Oct 2015 - Feb 2018)
Conducted thermal hydraulic and plant transient analyses for Boiling Water Reactors using industry-standard simulation codes (TRACG, ODYN) and FORTRAN programming, supporting fuel reload licensing, power uprates, and new plant performance assessments.
Developed and optimized a custom analysis tool to streamline mislocated fuel loading error detection, while enhancing modeling accuracy and engineering processes by modifying and validating TRACG and ODYN simulation codes and integrating advanced computational techniques. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve computational workflows, implement new algorithms, and deliver robust technical solutions for regulatory and customer review processes.
Doctoral Researcher (Jefferson Lab & Virginia Commonwealth University, Jan 2012 - May 2016)
Led collaborative research with Jefferson Lab and VCU on the design, fabrication, and characterization of high-Nickel superalloys for magnetic shielding, involving material processing (EDM, hydrogen annealing) and cryogenic magnetic testing (4K–300K) using SQUID and Versalab systems.
Developed a predictive magnetization model incorporating temperature, stress, and anisotropy effects; integrated the model into finite element simulations of magnetic shields using COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB.
Managed lab operations, supervised students and interns, conducted equipment training, and contributed to teaching and outreach, while presenting research findings at conferences.
Education
Virginia Commonwealth university
MS & PhD in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
University of Central Oklahoma
BS in Engineering Physics - Mechanical Systems
Professional Achievements
Patent Filing Award - Intel
Distinguished Invention Award - Intel
LTD Department Divisional Award -Intel
LTD Divisional Recognition Award -Intel
SSC Division Recognition Award - Intel
Continuous Wave SuperconductingRadio Frequency System & Integrationwith a Subcritical System for NuclearMaterials Research Grant - JeffersonScience Associates
Certifications
Foundry Manufacturing & Supply Chain AI Practitioner - Coder ( Intel )
Green Belt - Lean Six Sigma DMAIC ( GE)