2026 Summer Software/Firmware… at MKS Instruments · Milpitas

A Day in Your Life at MKS:

If you're looking for a challenging experience in an engineering/technical environment, our Software/Firmware Engineering Intern position will expose you to the latest industrial laser technology, that address difficult problems to make the world a better place. You will help us characterize & release new micromachining laser products to production.

As an Engineering Intern at MKS Instruments/Spectra-Physics Lasers, you will work with hands-on coding, debugging and testing software and Realtime Embedded systems. Use Arm microcontrollers, ADC/DAC's, serial busses such as I2C, SPI, CAN and help build CI pipelines.

Undergraduate Intern / Co-op Program Overview:

• 3 month summer intern/co-op within a functional area of MKS Instruments that provides students a comprehensive and engaging experience from before your program starts to after the program ends.

• Meaningful work and project assignments

• Networking opportunities with peers and executives

• Exposure to different divisions of the business

• Understanding of MKS Instruments’ commitment to inclusion and belonging

Intern/Co-op Term: This is a 3‑month summer internship based in Milpitas, CA. The intern will work in a hybrid schedule.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Hands-on coding in C/C#/Python

• Assisting in design & debugging of firmware running on Embedded systems.

• Assisting in design/coding/debugging C#/.NET environment GUI front end

• Working with instruments such as SW/HW debuggers, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers.

• Preparing summary report. Delivering summary presentation at end of term.

Skills You Will Bring:

• Enrolled in Bachelor’s Degree program in Software/Electrical/Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, or relevant majors

• Hands on coding in C#/Python and C programming language

• Ideal if hands-on experience, working in lab, with equipment and control systems.

• Experience with electronics is desirable 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Normally receives general instructions on new assignments, with some instruction on day-to-day work

• Detail oriented and able to work independently

• Qualified candidate must be US Persons.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly Pay Range: $25.00 to $30.00 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Benefits: MKS offers a benefits package for interns/co-ops working at least 20 hours per week, including 11 paid holidays, sick time, and 15 paid vacation days accrued on a biweekly basis.

The application period for the intern/co-op position is estimated to be through the end of March 2026; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. 

#LI-DNI

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies.  MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com .

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role