Photodetector Wafer Processing & Device Characterization Intern

MACOM; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

MACOM in Ann Arbor, MI is seeking an Engineering Intern to support photodetector wafer processing and device characterization. You will assist with lithography, deposition, etching, cleaning, and inspection, and perform electrical and optical tests on optoelectronic devices.

You will document procedures and collaborate with process and device engineers on yield and reliability improvements. The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, data analysis with Excel/Python/MATLAB, and learning in a

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (EE, materials science, physics, photonics, optics, chemical engineering, or semiconductor engineering).
• Completed coursework in semiconductor devices, electronics, materials science, physics, or photonics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret experimental data.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Assist photodetector wafer processing activities including lithography, deposition, etching, cleaning, and inspection.
• Perform electrical characterization (I-V, dark current, breakdown voltage, resistance/capacitance).
• Conduct optical characterization (responsivity, optical power calibration, wavelength testing).
• Operate lab equipment (probe station, analyzers, optical setup, meters, oscilloscopes, network analyzers).
• Analyze measurement data using Excel, Python, MATLAB; document procedures and results.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Electrical Engineering

Materials Science Engineering

Physics

Photonics

Optics

Chemical Engineering

Semiconductor Engineering

Tools

Excel

Python

MATLAB

Probe station

Semiconductor parameter analyzers

Oscilloscopes

Network analyzers

Job description

**Photodetector Wafer Processing & Device Characterization Intern****Location:** Ann Arbor, Michigan**Position Overview**MACOM is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineering Intern to support the development and characterization of advanced photodetector technologies used in high-speed optical communications, sensing, and aerospace applications. The intern will work closely with process, device, and product engineers to support wafer fabrication activities, perform electrical and optical characterization, analyze experimental data, and contribute to process improvement initiatives.This position provides hands-on experience in semiconductor wafer processing, cleanroom operations, optoelectronic device testing, and data-driven engineering within a fast-paced photonics manufacturing environment.**Key Responsibilities**• Assist engineers with photodetector wafer processing activities, including:o Photolithographyo Thin-film depositiono Wet and dry etchingo Surface cleaning and preparationo Wafer inspection and metrology• Support cleanroom fabrication of photodiodes and related optoelectronic devices.• Perform electrical characterization of devices, including:o Current-voltage (I-V) measurementso Dark current analysiso Breakdown voltage testingo Resistance and capacitance measurements• Conduct optical characterization, including:o Responsivity measurementso Optical power calibrationo Wavelength-dependent performance testing• Operate laboratory and characterization equipment such as:o Probe stationso Semiconductor parameter analyzerso Optical test setupso Power meterso Oscilloscopeso Network analyzers (as applicable)• Analyze measurement data using Excel, Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.• Document experimental procedures, test results, and observations in engineering reports and laboratory notebooks.• Collaborate with process and device engineers to identify yield, performance, and reliability improvement opportunities.• Follow all laboratory, cleanroom, ESD, and safety procedures.Required Qualifications• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in:o Electrical Engineeringo Materials Science Engineeringo Physicso Photonicso Opticso Chemical Engineeringo Semiconductor Engineering or related field• Completed coursework in semiconductor devices, electronics, materials science, physics, or photonics.• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret experimental data.• Effective written and verbal communication skills.• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary engineering team.Preferred Qualifications• Prior semiconductor fabrication or cleanroom experience.• Familiarity with photodetectors, photodiodes, or optoelectronic devices.• Experience with semiconductor characterization techniques.• Knowledge of semiconductor process technologies and wafer fabrication fundamentals.• Experience with data analysis tools such as:o Pythono MATLABo JMPo Minitab• Exposure to test automation and instrument control is a plus.**Learning Objectives**By the end of the internship, the candidate will have gained experience in:• Semiconductor wafer fabrication workflows.• Photodetector device physics and operation.• Electrical and optical characterization methodologies.• Experimental design and engineering data analysis.• Root cause investigation and process improvement techniques.• Working within a high-volume manufacturing and product development environment.**Desired Characteristics**• Curious and hands-on approach to engineering challenges.• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.• Willingness to learn new laboratory and fabrication techniques.• Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills.• Passion for advanced semiconductor and photonic technologies.**During the 12 weeks each Intern will:**• Be given an individual and well-defined project with set outcome goals• Gain hands on experience• Receive excellent training and ongoing supervision• Be invited to attend an intern webinar series• Attend networking/social events• Attend and present at Poster Session about each Interns project successes and pitfalls• Receive formal, written feedback