Intern, Process Engineer, Plasma Etch on RIE… at Coherent · Fremont

About Indium Phosphide (InP) Technology
The world’s communications infrastructure depends on semiconductor lasers, and particularly those based on indium phosphide technology. Indium phosphide lasers are engineered to emit at wavelengths that are optimal for long-distance transmission through fiber optics. In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet.

Coherent’s broad portfolio of InP components includes application-specific Fabry-Pérot lasers, directly modulated lasers (DMLs), and tunable lasers. It also includes photodiodes for high-speed receivers and power monitoring. In 2022, we introduced 200 Gbps indium phosphide electro-absorption modulated lasers (EMLs) for high-speed datacenter transceivers. This design provides our customers with the most advanced, robust, and cost-competitive laser devices for their 800G and next-gen 1.6T datacom transceiver designs. 

Our world-class and highly reliable InP technology platform is one of the very few in the industry that has been proven, with more than one hundred million lasers in the field deployed over the last decades

We are seeking a motivated Summer Intern to support the Process Engineering team in the area of plasma etching for semiconductor device fabrication. The intern will assist engineers in developing, monitoring, and optimizing Reactive Ion Etch (RIE) and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) etch processes used in the fabrication of laser and photodiode (PD) devices in a cleanroom environment.

This internship offers hands-on experience with semiconductor plasma processes, data analysis, and process characterization.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist process engineers with RIE and ICP plasma etch processes used in compound semiconductor device fabrication
• Collect and analyze process data including etch rate, uniformity, selectivity, and profile characteristics
• Support process monitoring and statistical analysis to track process stability and repeatability
• Assist with process characterization experiments and design-of-experiment (DOE) activities
• Review and organize metrology data such as etch depth, sidewall profile, and critical dimension measurements
• Document experimental results, process changes, and engineering reports
• Participate in cleanroom wafer processing activities under supervision
• Contribute to process optimization and yield improvement efforts

Education & Experience

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• Basic understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes including vacuum technology
• Familiarity with plasma etching concepts or microfabrication
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with data analysis using Excel or similar tools
• Ability to work in a semiconductor cleanroom environment

Skills

• Coursework or lab experience involving plasma physics, microfabrication, or semiconductor processing
• Basic knowledge of RIE or ICP plasma etch systems
• Familiarity with thin film materials used in compound semiconductor devices
• Experience with statistical data analysis tools (e.g., JMP, Python, MATLAB)
• Interest in laser or photodiode device fabrication
• Ability to work in a cleanroom environment wearing appropriate cleanroom garments
• Ability to stand for extended periods and follow safety protocols

Additional Information

• Internship Duration: 10 – 14 weeks.
• At Coherent, interns are valued members of our team and have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions from day one. In addition to hands-on project experience, our internship program includes opportunities to connect with fellow interns and colleagues across the organization through virtual and in-person networking events, team-building activities and more. Interns are expected to actively participate in these events as part of their professional development and to fully immerse themselves in our collaborative and innovative culture.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in Fremont, CA. 
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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