Module Engineering - PhD Intern (Advanced Wet Etch and Cleans)

Intel Corporation; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 121,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Intel Corporation in Hillsboro, OR seeks a Module Engineering PhD Intern to contribute to semiconductor manufacturing processes for a module. You will sustain and improve equipment performance, troubleshoot issues, and support qualification activities in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

You will apply your research to practical challenges, collaborate with engineering teams, and develop process control methodologies while gaining hands-on experience with advanced characterization

Qualifications

• Must be actively pursuing a PhD in a relevant science/engineering field.
• Hands-on academic or internship experience in semiconductor processes.
• Strong fundamentals in chemistry, materials, and surface science.
• Experience with data analysis, statistics, and DOE techniques.
• Publications, presentations, or patents demonstrating problem-solving are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of semiconductor processes for a module.
• Sustain and improve equipment performance for reliability and efficiency.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform qualification activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to refine process control methodologies.
• Apply statistics and experimental design to improve reliability and throughput.
• Gaining hands-on experience with materials characterization techniques.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of process control systems.

Skills

Data analysis

Statistics

Process optimization

Python

MATLAB

DOE

Machine Learning

Education

PhD in Materials Science Engineering

Physics

Chemistry

Electrochemistry

Chemical Engineering

Tools

Ellipsometry

AFM

SEM/TEM

XPS

FTIR

ICP-MS

TXRF

Job description

Job Details: Job Description

The Role and Impact As a Module Engineering PhD Intern, you will contribute to the development and optimization of semiconductor manufacturing processes for a specific module. You will engage in sustaining and improving manufacturing equipment performance, troubleshooting issues, and supporting qualification activities. This internship offers an excellent opportunity to apply your academic research to practical engineering challenges, gain hands-on experience, and explore your future career potential in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. Business group Intel Foundry is dedicated to advancing semiconductor manufacturing technologies and delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of customers worldwide. As a part of this organization, you will join a team focused on optimizing manufacturing processes, sustaining equipment performance, and driving production excellence, while contributing to Intel's broader mission of technological leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and optimization of semiconductor manufacturing processes for a specific module.
• Sustain and improve manufacturing equipment performance to ensure operational reliability and efficiency.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment issues and performing qualification activities to meet production standards.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to refine process control methodologies and achieve production goals.
• Apply advanced statistical analysis and experimental design to improve process reliability and throughput.
• Gain hands-on experience with materials and device characterization techniques, including SEM and TEM.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for process control systems and methodologies.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be actively pursuing a PhD degree in Materials Science Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Electrochemistry or Chemical Engineering 3+ months of educational, research, laboratory, internship, or industry experience. Demonstrated hands-on experience through academic research, laboratory work, internships, coursework, or technical projects. Basic understanding of semiconductor manufacturing processes, process integration, or advanced manufacturing methodologies.

• Experience with data analysis, statistical methods, and process optimization techniques.
• Strong academic performance with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.
• Demonstrated deep expertise in chemical reaction kinetics, selective wet etching, interfacial surface chemistry, corrosion/passivation mechanisms, or surfactant-assisted cleaning/drying mechanisms (e.g., Marangoni drying, supercritical CO2).
• Hands-on experience with advanced thin-film, surface, and chemical characterization techniques (e.g., Ellipsometry, AFM, SEM/TEM, XPS, contact angle goniometry, FTIR, TXRF, or ICP-MS).
• Experience with automated fluidic systems, wet processing instrumentation design, single-wafer spin hardware, or experimental fluid dynamics/mass-transfer troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing Python, MATLAB, JMP, or Machine Learning for design of experiments (DOE), multivariate statistical analysis, or process automation.
• Strong publication record, conference presentations, or filed patent applications demonstrating systematic problem-solving in experimental chemical and materials science.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data analysis, statistical methods, and process optimization techniques.
• Strong academic performance with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred.
• Demonstrated deep expertise in chemical reaction kinetics, selective wet etching, interfacial surface chemistry, corrosion/passivation mechanisms, or surfactant-assisted cleaning/drying mechanisms (e.g., Marangoni drying, supercritical CO2).
• Hands-on experience with advanced thin-film, surface, and chemical characterization techniques (e.g., Ellipsometry, AFM, SEM/TEM, XPS, contact angle goniometry, FTIR, TXRF, or ICP-MS).
• Experience with automated fluidic systems, wet processing instrumentation design, single-wafer spin hardware, or experimental fluid dynamics/mass-transfer troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing Python, MATLAB, JMP, or Machine Learning for design of experiments (DOE), multivariate statistical analysis, or process automation.
• Strong publication record, conference presentations, or filed patent applications demonstrating systematic problem-solving in experimental chemical and materials science.

Job Type & Location

Job Type: Student / Intern

Shift: Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location: US, Oregon, Hillsboro

Additional Locations:

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Position of Trust

N/A

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $120,898.00-120,902.00 USD

Salary Details

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Our standard internship rates are based on your degree, location, and the job role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location and job role during the hiring process.

Work Model

This role will require an on-site presence.

Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter. Intel’s official careers website. Find your next job and take on projects that shape tomorrow’s technology.

Other Information

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