Intern- YE Physical Failure Analysis Engineer

Micron Technology, Inc.; Boise (ID); On-site; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision plans

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Micron Technology, Inc. is offering a 3-month, full-time PFA Engineer Intern position on the Yield Enhancement (YE) team in Boise, ID.

You will support physical failure analysis investigations of defect issues found by YE and Fab customers, learning to isolate, image, and analyze defects in advanced memory devices under mentor guidance. You will run through an internship project, complete safety trainings, and develop skills in device structure, process flow, and failure mechanisms, while

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of semiconductor devices and fabrication processes.
• Hands-on lab experience such as microscopy, SEM/FIB, sample preparation, or cleanroom is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; good written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Performs PFA sample preparation and analysis (e.g., deprocessing/delayering, cross-sectioning, FIB, SEM/TEM imaging) per area guidelines.
• Reviews EFA results, fault isolation data, and probe/yield data to identify where to target physical analysis.
• Identifies and categorizes physical defect signatures using defect references and helps characterize new defect types.
• Performs data analysis to support PFA results and root-cause investigations.
• Summarizes findings in clear reports (images, defect locations, likely root cause) and communicates with YE/Fab engineers.

Skills

Semiconductor basics

Lab experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Data tools (Excel, Python)

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering

Tools

Excel

Python

JMP

Job description

Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all. Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.

Job Description

As a PFA Engineer Intern on the Yield Enhancement (YE) team, you will support physical failure analysis investigations of defect issues found by YE and Fab customers. You will learn to isolate, expose, and image physical defects in advanced memory devices, analyze the results to help find the root cause, and present clear findings to engineering partners. Alongside your daily work in the lab, you will complete a focused improvement project during the 3-month internship and present the results at the end. You will set your priorities following the YE PFA queue, with guidance from a mentor engineer.

Responsibilities and Tasks

Physical Failure Analysis and Investigation

• Performs PFA sample preparation and analysis (e.g., deprocessing/delayering, cross-sectioning, FIB, SEM/TEM imaging) according to area skill guidelines.
• Reviews EFA results, fault isolation data, and probe/yield data to decide where to target the physical analysis.
• Identifies and categorizes physical defect signatures using defect references, and helps characterize new or unknown defect types.
• Performs data analysis to back up PFA results in pursuit of root cause.
• Summarizes findings in clear, concise reports (images, defect location, likely root cause) and communicates them to part owners and YE/Fab engineers.

Lab Equipment Operation

• Learns to operate PFA lab equipment safely and efficiently, following defined safety and contamination-control guidelines.
• Builds an understanding of how the equipment works and supports basic troubleshooting with equipment owners.

Internship Project and Continuous Improvement

• Owns a focused, short-term project that fits a 3-month timeline and presents the outcome to the team and leadership at the end of the internship.
• Completes all required safety and equipment training certifications defined by area guidelines.
• Builds technical knowledge of device structure, process flow, and failure mechanisms for current and future parts.
• Suggests improvements for the department and participates in team projects that support department and company objectives.

AI-Enabled Analysis and Productivity

• Uses approved AI and digital productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) to work more efficiently on data analysis, image/report generation, knowledge retrieval, and problem-solving.
• Uses AI tools to speed up documentation, communication, and investigation workflows while keeping data accurate and applying engineering judgment.
• Uses AI technologies responsibly, following company policies, data protection requirements, and intellectual property safeguards.

Schedule

3-month full-time internship, day shift (Monday–Friday).

Education

Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of semiconductor devices and fabrication processes.
• Hands-on lab experience is a plus (e.g., microscopy, SEM/FIB, sample preparation, cleanroom).
• Strong attention to detail and good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication; able to summarize technical results simply.
• Familiarity with data tools (Excel, JMP, Python, etc.) is preferred.
• No prior industry experience required. Previous internships or research projects in semiconductor or failure analysis are preferred.

Benefits

• We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget.
• Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave.
• Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time‑off program and paid holidays.

Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.