2026-2027 Process Engineer Co-op - Doctorate (Gloucester, MA)

Applied Materials; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Materials in Gloucester, MA invites PhD students to join our R&D group for a 6–9 month internship/co-op focused on semiconductor processes, thin-film materials, and advanced characterization. You will work on patterning and material modification for future device architectures, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

This full-time internship offers hands-on experimentation, training in cleanroom protocols, and potential for patents or conference presentations.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in Electrical, Chemical, Mechanical, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Must be enrolled in a PhD program and available for 6–9 months full-time.
• Experience in semiconductor processing, thin-film materials, plasma science or advanced characterization.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and support novel semiconductor processes focusing on patterning and material modification for future device architectures.
• Perform thin-film characterization using FTIR, Raman, XPS, XRR, ellipsometry, SEM, TEM and related techniques.
• Design and execute DOE-based experiments and analyze data with Python, MATLAB, JMP.
• Collaborate with lithography, etch, deposition, materials science, modeling and customer groups.
• Present technical findings to internal stakeholders; potential for patents and conference talks.
• Available for a 6–9 month co-op on-site at Gloucester location; multiple September–November 2026 start dates.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Analytical thinking

Education

PhD candidate in STEM fields

Tools

FTIR

Raman

XPS

SEM

TEM

Job description

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world's technology.

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world's technology.

What We Offer

Location: Gloucester,MA

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible - while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

In the R&D Group, we are focused on developing next-generation processes and materials to enable future semiconductor technology nodes. Our team combines experimental process development, advanced metrology, and computational modeling to solve critical challenges in next generation lithography and materials modification processes for advanced nanofabrication and future device architectures. We work at the intersection of materials science, plasma physics, and surface engineering to accelerate innovation from concept through feasibility testing and customer application development.

What You'll Do

• Conduct research and support novel semiconductor processes, focusing on patterning and material modification, for future device architectures.
• Perform thin-film characterization using FTIR, Raman, XPS, XRR, ellipsometry, SEM, TEM, and related techniques.
• Design and execute experiments using Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies and analyze data using advanced data analytics tools (Python, MATLAB & JMP).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including lithography, etch, deposition, materials science, computational modeling, and customer application groups.
• Present technical findings to internal stakeholders, with opportunities to contribute to patents and conference presentation.
• Available for a 6 to 9 month co-op term on-site at our Gloucester location
• Multiple start dates available between September and November 2026, with the greatest need for September starts

Who We're Looking For

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics.
• Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program and available to work full-time for a 6–9 month internship/co-op assignment.
• Research experience in semiconductor processing, thin-film materials, plasma science or advanced characterization techniques.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar computational tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently design and execute technical investigations.
• Comfortable working in shared research facilities, adhering to cleanroom protocols, and quickly learning new equipment/processes/procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present technical findings across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in semiconductor processing technologies, including ion implantation, lithography, reactive-ion etch (RIE), chemical vapor deposition (CVD/PECVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), and other semiconductor fabrication methods.
• Strong record of research accomplishments demonstrated through publications, conference presentations, patents, or other scholarly contributions.
• Candidates from diverse backgrounds, with fresh perspectives, and with a passion for semiconductor R&D are strongly encouraged to apply!

Compensation

$47 - 50 per hour

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Intern / Student

Travel: Not Specified

Relocation Eligible: Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at [e-mail], or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.