SkyWater Technology, the largest exclusively U.S.-based pure-play semiconductor foundry, today announced the appointment of Christine Dunbar as Senior Vice President of Sales and Solutions Engineering. Reporting to President and COO John Sakamoto, Dunbar will spearhead customer acquisition and growth across SkyWater’s platforms, including its recently expanded 200mm Fab 25 facility. This move signals a bolstering of commercial leadership as SkyWater continues to scale its domestic foundry capacity and serve both commercial and government markets. “SkyWater’s growth is driven by our ability to translate customer needs into scalable platforms that support long-term partnerships,” said Thomas Sonderman, Chief Executive Officer of SkyWater Technology. “Delivering on that strategy requires strong commercial leadership and deep customer engagement, qualities that have defined Christine’s leadership.”
Christine Dunbar Appointed SVP of Sales and Solutions Engineering
Dunbar arrives with nearly three decades of experience in the semiconductor industry, a background encompassing both advanced development and high-volume manufacturing – critical expertise for a company focused on scaling its operations. Her previous roles at industry giants like IBM Microelectronics, GlobalFoundries, and IQE, including leadership of multi-billion-dollar portfolios, demonstrate a proven capacity for driving commercial success.
Dunbar’s recent position as head of strategic partnership development at Natcast further positions her to strengthen SkyWater’s position within the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. “It’s an honor to be a part of this organization, and I look forward to partnering with our customers to help translate their ideas into scalable solutions,” she said.
Dunbar also stated, “Having worked across the semiconductor supply chain, I’m committed to strengthening collaboration and ensuring our expanded domestic capabilities deliver meaningful value to those we serve.” This appointment directly supports SkyWater’s ambition to expand its U.S.-based foundry capacity, particularly following the acquisition of the 200mm Fab 25 facility, and to reinforce U.S. technology leadership.
SkyWater Technology Expands U.S.-Based Foundry Capacity with Fab 25
SkyWater Technology is actively reinforcing its position as a leading domestic semiconductor manufacturer, evidenced by the recent addition of the 200mm Fab 25 facility to its operational footprint. The Bloomington, Minnesota-based company, the largest exclusively U.S.-based pure-play foundry, is strategically expanding capacity to meet growing demand for secure and resilient chip production within the United States. This expansion isn’t simply about adding square footage; it’s a deliberate move to bolster the nation’s technological independence in a sector increasingly subject to geopolitical pressures and supply chain vulnerabilities.
SkyWater currently operates facilities in Minnesota, Florida, and Texas, specializing in foundational nodes and advanced packaging technologies. The company’s commitment to scaling its U.S. Dunbar’s expertise will be crucial in navigating the complexities of both commercial and government markets, particularly as SkyWater serves as a trusted partner for federal defense programs. technology leadership.
With state-of-the-art facilities in Minnesota, Florida, and Texas, SkyWater specializes in foundational nodes and advanced packaging to support the nation’s critical infrastructure, strengthen supply chain resilience, and ensure long-term U.S. technology leadership.
SkyWater Technology
Technology as a Service Supports Quantum Computing & Defense Programs
SkyWater Technology is strategically positioning itself to support emerging technologies with its “Technology as a Service” (ATS) model, a move increasingly vital for both quantum computing development and national defense programs. The Minnesota-based foundry, the largest exclusively U.S.-based pure-play semiconductor manufacturer, isn’t simply building chips; it’s offering a platform for innovation, empowering companies to move from initial concepts to tangible realities. This approach is particularly crucial given the complex fabrication needs of next-generation technologies, demanding specialized facilities and expertise. The company’s commitment extends beyond commercial ventures, with a clear focus on bolstering U.S. technological independence.
This translation is facilitated by the ATS model, which provides access to advanced manufacturing capabilities without the enormous capital investment traditionally required. Dunbar, bringing nearly three decades of semiconductor experience, will focus on accelerating customer acquisition and scaling growth. Her experience across the semiconductor supply chain is expected to strengthen SkyWater’s execution and drive growth in both commercial and government sectors. The company’s expansion, including the recently acquired 200mm Fab 25 facility, is directly linked to this ambition to support advanced technologies and ensure long-term U.S. technology leadership.
