Microscopy Engineer Intern

Seagate Technology; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 59,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Stock purchase plan

Paid holidays & sick leave

Job summary

Seagate Technology in Bloomington, MN seeks an intern to join the head failure analysis and microscopy team, supporting magnetic head development through materials characterization.

The role involves hands-on lab work with FIB, TEM, SEM, AFM, and spectroscopy, plus data analysis in Python. You will design experiments and contribute to root-cause estimation, with a collaborative, learning-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork and ability to work independently.
• Excited, self-motivated learner.
• Flexible to work in both lab and office areas.
• Creative problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Engage in the physical failure analysis workflow used to characterize hard drive read/write heads.
• Design experiments to test physical, chemical, and kinetic properties of different metallic and dielectric materials in bulk single crystals, polycrystals, heterostructures, and interfaces.
• Prepare, characterize, and analyze materials and devices using microscopy or other lab tools (FIB, SEM, TEM, spectroscopy, optical imaging, AFM, etc.).
• Develop computational data analysis and visualization routines using Python.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Self-motivated learner

Lab and office flexibility

Creative problem solving

Education

MS/PhD student

Tools

FIB

TEM

SEM

AFM

Spectroscopy

Job description

About Our Group

We are the head failure analysis and microscopy characterization team within the Head Analysis and Performance Group at Seagate's R&D and Operations site in Bloomington, Minnesota. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in the areas of failure analysis, electron microscopy, and materials science laboratory. We use high precision and high-resolution tools (such as AFM, FIB, SEM, and TEM) to support magnetic head development and production through fundamental materials characterization and root cause estimation.

About Our Group

We are the head failure analysis and microscopy characterization team within the Head Analysis and Performance Group at Seagate's R&D and Operations site in Bloomington, Minnesota. Our team consists of engineers and technicians in the areas of failure analysis, electron microscopy, and materials science laboratory. We use high precision and high-resolution tools (such as AFM, FIB, SEM, and TEM) to support magnetic head development and production through fundamental materials characterization and root cause estimation.

About The Role - You Will

• Engage in the physical failure analysis workflow used to characterize hard drive read/write heads.
• Design experiments to test physical, chemical, and kinetic properties of different metallic and dielectric materials in bulk single crystals, polycrystals, heterostructures, and interfaces.
• Prepare, characterize, and analyze materials and devices using microscopy or other lab tools (FIB, SEM, TEM, spectroscopy, optical imaging, AFM, etc.).
• Develop computational data analysis and visualization routines using Python.

About You

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork and ability to work independently.
• Excited, self-motivated learner.
• Flexible to work in both lab and office areas.
• Creative problem solving.

Your Experience Includes

• Prior experience operating FIB and/or TEM is required.
• Experience with sample preparation, materials analysis, and sample characterization.
• Hands‑on lab tool operations and troubleshooting.
• Hands‑on experience in lab work.
• Application of data analysis skills using languages such as Python and data/result documentation.
• Current student pursuing Master's or PhD degree in Material Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or other related fields.

Location

Our Normandale campus spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington, and serves as the Recording Head development and manufacturing arm of Seagate. Located in the heart of a bustling community, Seagate offers an on‑site café, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunchtime? Shopping is abundant in the area. If working out is your thing, the on‑site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, outdoor activities, tournaments, and group workouts. Looking for something more laid back? Reset in one of our meditation rooms, or simply take a walk around our indoor walking path. On‑site cultural festivals, celebrations, and community volunteer opportunities also abound.

The estimated base wage range for this position is $35 - $43/hr. The individual base wage is based on work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible Interns, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and participation in the employee stock purchase plan. Seagate also offers Interns 12 paid holidays and a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave. The benefits for this position are based on a 24 to 40‑hour‑per‑week schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location and tenure with the Company.

Location

Normandale, United States

Travel

None