2026 Summer RF Engineering Intern MSPHD (Santa Clara, CA)

Who We Are

Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

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Intern Etch Technology Group(Summer 2026)

Applied Materials Etch Department

Applied Materials Etch Department is seeking a highly motivated intern to join the Etch Technology Group in Summer 2026. Our team focuses on deep understanding of reactive ion etch (RIE) technology and delivers innovative solutions to meet complex semiconductor processing challenges. We develop new hardware and diagnostic technologiesincluding novel biasing schemes wideband filters plasma sources optical and electrical diagnosticsand support process and hardware development inside capacitively and inductively coupled plasma chambers.

This role offers hands-on experience in plasma physics RF engineering electronics measurements and nextgeneration semiconductor manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical circuits for plasma chamber biasing and advanced etch applications
• Generate PCB Gerber files and build prototype circuits using breadboards handsoldering and machining
• Perform detailed electrical measurements using:
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Power supplies
  • Function generators
  • Additional RF/electrical test equipment
• Develop algorithms and perform scientific computing in Python MATLAB or equivalent languages
• Calibrate and operate optical diagnostics including laserbased systems
• Support development execution and analysis of plasma diagnostic techniques such as:
  • Langmuir probes
  • Retarding field energy analyzers (RFEA)
• Gather experimental data perform quantitative analysis and clearly communicate results to the technical team
• Contribute to R&D projects involving RF power delivery plasma processing and vacuumrelated hardware
• Work closely with senior technical experts in a collaborative smallteam environment
• Expand applied knowledge in physics electromagnetism electronics plasma discharges and semiconductor processes

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Masters or PhD/Doctorate in:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Applied Physics or Physics
  • Plasma Physics
  • RF Engineering
  • Or a related technical field
• Expected graduation date December 2026 or later
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• Strong collegelevel understanding of electromagnetism and electronic circuits
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Laboratory electrical measurements
  • R&D or engineering laboratory work (academic work or extracurricular)
• Proficiency in Python MATLAB or other scientific programming languages
• Soldering and basic machining skills
• Self-motivated quick learner and able to work effectively in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with RF power delivery or exposure to RF systems
• Background in plasma diagnostics (Langmuir probes RFEA)
• Familiarity with semiconductor processing plasmas from coursework research or lab experience
• Knowledge of vacuum systems or mechanical engineering related to vacuum technology
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to present technical data clearly
• Experience in electronic circuit design or hardware development

Additional Information

Time Type:

Employee Type:

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Relocation Eligible:

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location hire grade job-related knowledge skills experience and with consideration of internal equity of our current team addition to a comprehensive benefits package candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program as applicable.

For all sales roles the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color national origin citizenship ancestry religion creed sex sexual orientation gender identity age disability veteran or military status or any other basis prohibited by law.

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