Summer 2027 - Process Engineering Intern - DFBU Productivity - MS/PhD

Lam Research Corporation; Tualatin (OR); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid on-site/remote options

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Lam Research is seeking a Summer 2027 Process Engineering Intern in the DFBU Productivity group in Tualatin, OR. You will run dielectric deposition experiments in lab and clean-room settings, applying model-based and ML techniques to predict and prevent productivity losses, and analyze tool data to identify improvement opportunities.

You will present your findings to DFBU leadership, with mentorship from experienced engineers and a defined project aligned to business needs.

Qualifications

• Must be an M.S. or Ph.D. student in Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science/Engineering with strong academic standing, returning to school after the internship.
• Strong foundational understanding of physical sciences (Thermodynamics, Physical chemistry)
• Strong communication skills to convey project summary and results

Responsibilities

• Run experiments on dielectric deposition tools in lab and clean-room environments.
• Apply model-based and machine learning approaches to predict and prevent productivity losses.
• Analyze tool and fleet data (uptime, downtime, chamber recovery) to identify top improvement opportunities.
• Support root-cause investigations and preventive parts-replacement plans to reduce downtime and wafer scrap.
• Present findings and recommendations to engineering and leadership in a short technical memo

Skills

Strong communication

Physical sciences knowledge

Clean-room work

Education

MS/PhD student in Chemistry, Physics, E.E., Chemical Eng., Mechanical Eng., or Materials Science

Tools

Python

JMP

MATLAB

Job description

In your career, let’s prove what’s possible.

At Lam Research, we create equipmentthat drives technological advancements in the semiconductor industry. Our innovative solutions enable chipmakers to power progress in nearly all aspects of modern life, and it takes each member of our team to make it possible.
Across our organization, our employees come to work and change the world. We take on the toughest challenges with precision and accuracy. We push for the next big semiconductor breakthrough. We lead the way in one of the most critical and fast-moving industries on the planet. And we do it together, with deep connections and limitless collaboration.
The impact we have on the world is made possible by focusing on our people. So we recognize and celebrate our teams’ achievements. We strive to create an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone’s contribution and voice has value. We evaluate and evolve our offerings, so our people receive the support and empowerment to do meaningful things for their lives, careers, and communities.
Because at Lam, we believe that when people are the priority and they’re inspired to unleash the power of innovation for a better world together, anything is possible.

Summer 2027 - Process Engineering Intern - DFBU Productivity - MS/PhD

Date: Oct 31, 2026

Location: Tualatin, OR, US, 97062

Worker Category: On-site Flex

The group you’ll be a part of

In the Global Products Group, we are dedicated to excellence in the design and engineering of Lam's etch and deposition products. Within it, the Dielectrics Deposition (DFBU) Productivity organization helps customers get the most from Lam’s deposition tools by raising capacity, reducing downtime and preventing wafer scrap.

The impact you’ll make

Y ou will help improve the productivity of Lam’s Dielectric Films Deposition products in customer fabs, working with a mentor and experienced engineers to diagnose issues that limit tool throughput and uptime. By summer’s end you will own a defined project and present your results to DFBU leadership.

Example Summer Projects

Each intern owns one primary project matched to business needs and background; Ph.D. interns take on larger, more open-ended work. Typical projects include:

Project

What you would deliver

Chamber recovery time reduction

A study of the steps between maintenance and return to production, with data-backed proposals to shorten recovery and the qualification wafer runs to support them.

Preventive parts replacement

A ranked list of high-risk parts with recommended replacement intervals, built from field failure history and part-life data.

Fleet productivity dashboard

An automated view of uptime, downtime drivers and chamber matching across a tool fleet, with a short guide for the engineering team.

What you’ll do

Run experiments on dielectric deposition tools in lab and clean-room environments, and analyze film and metrology data

Apply model-based and machine learning approaches to predict and prevent productivity losses

Analyze tool and fleet data (uptime, downtime, chamber recovery) to identify top improvement opportunities

Support root-cause investigations and preventive parts-replacement plans to reduce downtime and wafer scrap

Present findings and recommendations to engineering and leadership in a short technical memo

Who we’re looking for

Must be an M.S. or Ph.D. student (Masters or Doctorate) in Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science/Engineering with strong academic standing, returning to school after the internship

Strong foundational understanding of physical sciences (Thermodynamics, Physical chemistry)

Strong communication skills to convey project summary and results

Ability to work in a clean-room environment wearing personal protective equipment, clean-room suit or smock

Preferred qualifications

Background in data science or AI/machine learning based process development

Coursework or lab experience in thin films, CVD or plasma processing

Experience with thin film analytical methods (e.g., SEM/TEM, XPS, XRD, ellipsometry)

Familiarity with problem-solving methods such as SPC, DOE, 5-why or 8D

Experience analyzing data with Python, JMP or MATLAB

Our commitment

We believe it is important for every person to feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By bringing unique individuals and viewpoints together, we achieve extraordinary results.

Lam Research ("Lam" or the "Company") is an equal opportunity employer. Lam is committed to and reaffirms support of equal opportunity in employment and non-discrimination in employment policies, practices and procedures on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. It is the Company's intention to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees.

Lam offers a variety of work location models based on the needs of each role. Our hybrid roles combine the benefits of on-site collaboration with colleagues and the flexibility to work remotely and fall into two categories – On-site Flex and Virtual Flex. ‘On-site Flex’ you’ll work 3+ days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, with the opportunity to work remotely for the balance of the week. ‘Virtual Flex’ you’ll work 1-2 days per week on-site at a Lam or customer/supplier location, and remotely the rest of the time.

Our Perks and Benefits

At Lam, our people make amazing things possible. That’s why we invest in you throughout the phases of your life with a comprehensive set of outstanding benefits.

Nearest Major Market: Portland Oregon
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