Optics & Thin-Film R&D Intern (Summer)

KLA; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 37,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

ESPP

401(k) matching

Job summary

KLA invites a summer intern to Ann Arbor, MI to contribute to optics coatings research for next-generation inspection and metrology tools. You will join engineering teams to characterize coatings, work with vacuum systems, and design experiments for data-driven insights.

The role emphasizes hands-on experiment design, data analysis, and collaboration with external partners while developing skills in CAD, simulations, and programming through practical projects.

Qualifications

• Experience with high vacuum systems.
• Surface and thin-film characterization methods and data analysis.
• Experience with XPS, AFM and SEM/EDX a plus.
• Strong academic record.
• Familiarity with CAD software or simulation tools desirable.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop methods and test plans for characterization of optics and thin-film coatings.
• Work with vacuum chambers and related equipment.
• Design, set up and execute multi-disciplinary experiments.
• Analyze data and prepare summary reports.
• Work with simulations based on physical models and build correlations with experimental data.
• Collaborate with scientists at external partner organizations.

Skills

High vacuum

Thin-film analysis

XPS/AFM/SEM

Python

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Graduate student in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks / AutoCAD

COMSOL / ANSYS

Job description

KLA invites a summer intern to Ann Arbor, MI to contribute to optics coatings research for next-generation inspection and metrology tools. You will join engineering teams to characterize coatings, work with vacuum systems, and design experiments for data-driven insights.

The role emphasizes hands-on experiment design, data analysis, and collaboration with external partners while developing skills in CAD, simulations, and programming through practical projects.