Process Simulation Intern: Plasma Etch & ML Surrogates

Lam Research Corporation; Fremont (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Lam Research Corporation in California is seeking a Process Simulation Engineer Intern to help build a virtual twin of plasma etch processes. You will develop physics-based models and ML surrogates, linking tool settings to predicted profiles, to support data-driven process development for Lam’s etch products.

The role requires pursuing an MS or PhD in a related field, strong Python skills (PyTorch or similar), and hands-on ML model experience.

Qualifications

• Pursuing MS/PhD in chemical engineering, physics, materials science, chemistry or related field.
• Strong Python skills and hands-on ML model development experience.
• Background in reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, or plasma science.

Responsibilities

• Build and refine models of plasma etching processes and surface interactions.
• Calibrate model parameters against experimental profiles (CD vs depth).
• Design simulation experiments to generate training data.
• Develop fast surrogate models for slower physics simulations.
• Use surrogates to identify key settings and optimize process conditions.
• Write Python tools to automate simulations, data processing, and plotting.
• Document workflow and present results at internship end.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

JAX

TensorFlow

Reaction kinetics

Transport phenomena

Machine learning

Communication skills

Education

MS/PhD in chemical engineering or related field

Tools

GPyTorch

BoTorch

Physics-informed neural networks

Job description

Lam Research Corporation in California is seeking a Process Simulation Engineer Intern to help build a virtual twin of plasma etch processes. You will develop physics-based models and ML surrogates, linking tool settings to predicted profiles, to support data-driven process development for Lam’s etch products.

The role requires pursuing an MS or PhD in a related field, strong Python skills (PyTorch or similar), and hands-on ML model experience.