2027 Process Engineering Intern - PhD (6 months)

The group you’ll be a part of

In the Office of Chief Technical Officer (OCTO) organization, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's next generation photolithography, deposition, and etching products. We drive innovation to ensure our cutting-edge solutions are helping to solve the biggest challenges in the semiconductor industry.

The impact you’ll make

Be a part of the exciting Patterning Technology team in Lam Research. Our mission is to innovate WFE (wafer fab equipment) processes and products in the EUV (Extreme Ultra-Violet) Patterning Technology.

In this role, you will directly contribute EUV Patterning process development efforts. You will work directly with experienced process development engineers developing novel patterning technologies. Your work will lead to breakthrough in the technologies and products that Lam provides to semiconductor manufacturers worldwide.

What you’ll do

• Learn to operate semiconductor wafer processing equipment in laboratory and clean-room environments.
• Supports in the testing and characterization on development of new processes. These duties include setting up of and running experiments, operations of wafer process tools in application labs, chemistry and material analysis, and use of metrology tools to measure and characterize on wafer performance.
• Plan and execute concept and feasibility studies of novel EUV patterning technology including thin film deposition processes, etching process, chemistries, and materials.
• Summarize and analyze experimental test data. Discuss and present data and conclusions with cross-functional teams.
• Further R&D support activities ie: sharing literature reviews on relevant research topics.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for high energy individuals that want to learn and contribute to an innovative organization. The individual must be willing to take on technical challenges and help identify world-class solutions.

• Must be a MS/PhD graduate student in Material Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related majors.
• Understanding of chemical mechanisms in semiconductor wafer processing.
• Hands‑on experience in a cleanroom or laboratory setting working with thin films, semiconductor patterning, or solid‑state materials.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills. Proficient in PowerPoint to adequately convey project status, experimental plans, and conclusions.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with plasma process of depositing and etching of thin films.
• Understanding of problem‑solving and troubleshooting techniques such as DOE, 5‑why, 8D, fishbones, etc.
• Have experience working on troubleshooting processing equipment and systems.
• Experience with thin film analytical methods such as SEM/TEM, XPS, AFM, ellipsometry, SIMS.
• Knowledge in lithography, photoresist, EUV patterning

Our commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non‑discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.

Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on‑site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories – On‑site Flex and Virtual Flex. ‘On‑site Flex’ you’ll work 3+ days per week on‑site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. ‘Virtual Flex’ you’ll work 1‑2 days per week on‑site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.

Salary

CA San Francisco Bay Area Salary Range for this position: $35.75 - $57.50.

The above salary range for this position is relevant to applicants that reside or work onsite in the California, San Francisco Bay Area only. Salary offers will depend on factors that include the location you work from, your level, education, training, specific skills, years of experience and comparison to other employees already in this role. Actual salary may vary from salary offered due to numerous factors including but not limited to unpaid time off, unpaid leave, company mandated shutdown, and other relevant factors.

Our Perks and Benefits

At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.