Neil Rankin, Wolfson Microelectronics

Wolfson Microelectronics, one of high-tech Scotland’s greatest current success stories, experienced significant growth following its listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2003, and the emergence of its chips in major consumer devices such as the Apple i

Headquartered in Edinburgh, the company has blazed a trail for the Scottish electronics sector, achieving significant growth from its early beginnings as a spin-out from Edinburgh University.

Today Wolfson has attracted highly-skilled and qualified engineers from overseas as well as recruiting top-class graduates from Scottish universities.

They are attracted by the opportunity of working for a Scottish company with a growing international reputation, as well as the quality of life in Scotland.

To date, Wolfson has created more than 90 products for the digital market. They are essential to consumer audio applications such as digital televisions, set-top boxes, hi-fis and DVD players.

They help realise the full potential of portable devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players and digital cameras. They are a key component in scanners and copiers. And they are now being installed into exciting new applications such as in-car navigation and entertainment systems.

Talentscotland spoke to Neil Rankin, a Principal Device Engineer who returned to Scotland to join Wolfson Microelectronics in Edinburgh.

What is your (personal & professional) background?

I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at The University of Edinburgh from 1991 and graduated with a M.Eng Electronics degree in 1996. This was a five-year Masters degree.

After graduating in 1996 I worked full-time at National Semiconductor in Greenock as a Device Engineer in the Process Development group focusing on device modelling and device engineering. In 1998 I joined the newly opened Scottish Microelectronics Centre (SMC) working as a full-time Research Associate studying in the field of statistical device modelling.

In 2001, I rejoined National Semiconductor at the R&D headquarters in Santa Clara, California, USA. I worked in Silicon Valley for 5 years as a Principal Device Engineer in the Advanced Process Technology Group developing process technologies across all business units.

In 2006, I moved back to Scotland and joined the Advanced Technology Group at Wolfson Microelectronics in Edinburgh.

Is Scotland a good place to have a technology company?

Absolutely. Over the last 10 years, as manufacturing has moved to Asia, Silicon Glen has been transformed from a well known location for manufacturing to a centre for numerous fabless design companies, led by Wolfson Microelectronics.

Wolfson has had success in the global market place because it has been able to attract many talented and innovative engineers. This is helped by Scottish universities providing highly skilled engineering graduates, providing the back bone of the company for further growth.

You recruit both locally and from outside Scotland. What is the attraction?

Wolfson is a fast-growing company and has been successful in developing products for many well known global customers.

This hard-earned reputation has attracted talented and innovative engineers who want to be part of an exciting environment and enjoy the opportunity to design leading edge products.

In addition, Edinburgh is a very cosmopolitan city with a wide range of cultures and events and it is a very attractive place to live and work. Many international students attending Scottish universities have remained in Scotland after graduating, as they have found it very easy to settle into the Scottish culture and work environment.

For you personally, is Scotland a good place to live?

Being Scottish I am slightly biased. Scotland has a vibrant culture and on the doorstep to the rest of Europe. It is an ideal location for outdoor pursuits with fantastic scenery and loaded with historic interest. I am very pleased to have returned to Scotland and the future is looking good.

More information:

Spotlight on Wolfson Microelectronics