NXP ISO Standard Thesis Internship

Project overview

How can the ISO 59000 series support the circular economy transition in the semiconductor industry with a focus on NXPs organizational practices

The semiconductor industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to environmental concerns and resource scarcity. Transitioning to a circular economy is now a strategic imperative. Semiconductor production relies on rare materials like silicon gallium and rare earth elements whose extraction is energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. Circular strategiessuch as material recovery reuse and recyclingcan reduce ecological impact and supply risks.

Rapid device obsolescence contributes to rising e-waste often containing valuable components discarded too early. Designing chips for disassembly repairability and recyclability can extend lifecycles and improve resource efficiency. Semiconductor fabs are also highly energy-intensive; circular approaches like closed-loop water systems renewable energy use and process optimization can lower emissions and costs.

Regulatory frameworks (e.g. EU Green Deal RoHS WEEE) and consumer expectations are driving demand for sustainable products and transparent supply chains. Circularity also fosters innovation in design and business models offering competitive advantages and new revenue streams.

NXP is at the start of its circular economy journey. To ensure meaningful progress within the internship timeframe the project will focus on the most impactful circularity elementsfrom raw material sourcing to product delivery. This targeted approach allows for in-depth analysis and a comprehensive assessment of strategic opportunities.

The goal is to identify and define the strategic building blocks needed to establish a strong foundation for circularity at NXP enabling long-term transformation across its supply chain.

Activities involved in this project

Gap Analysis ISO 59000 Series at Organizational Level

Conduct a gap analysis comparing current practices (e.g. ISO 9001 ISO 14001 and other relevant standards) with the ISO 59000 series. Leverage past experience to guide circular operations and support circular economy integration.

Adaptation of New Standards

Explore how the ISO 59000 family can be tailored to semiconductor operations drawing insights from the adoption of ISO 9001/14001 and other industry-specific standards.

Benchmarking

Assess current trends in the semiconductor industry and evaluate NXPs position relative to major competitors.

Final Report

Deliver a comprehensive report supplemented with an operations management summary strategic recommendations and a presentation.

Location of work

Hybrid. The student can discuss the on-site and online plan with the company. Students will work part-time while taking elective courses. However the student can choose to do a Company-based Project in one block instead of a block of the elective course to work on writing a thesis full-time. Preferably three days in person (High Tech Campus 60 5656AG Eindhoven) with the possibility of working from home two days per week.

Duration of the project

January/February to June 2026

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