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Photodetector Wafer Processing & Device Characterization Intern
Job Location:
Job Location:
Ann Arbor, MI - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
2 October 2026 (19 hours ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
30 December 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
MACOM (NASDAQ: MTSI) is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced semiconductor products across a diverse range of end markets including Data Centers Telecommunications Industrial and Aerospace and Defense. We develop innovative cutting-edge technologies and products across the spectrum of radio frequency (RF) microwave millimeter wave photonics and high-speed analog technologies. Our solutions support critical network infrastructure applications like artificial intelligence high performance computing satellite communications radar unmanned aerial vehicles medical equipment test and measurement and advanced wireless networks.
MACOM has more than 75 years of expertise in semiconductor process development wafer fabrication circuit design advanced packaging systems architecture and applications engineering. We are committed to our customers success. We partner with customers to help solve their most challenging problems by providing semiconductor solutions that are at the forefront of the highest power highest frequency and/or highest data rates.
Leading technologies innovative products and driven employees. Come be a part of MACOM and help advance the next generation of connectivity infrastructure!
Photodetector Wafer Processing & Device Characterization Intern
Location: Ann Arbor Michigan
Position Overview
MACOM is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Engineering Intern to support the development and characterization of advanced photodetector technologies used in high-speed optical communications sensing and aerospace applications. The intern will work closely with process device and product engineers to support wafer fabrication activities perform electrical and optical characterization analyze experimental data and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
This position provides hands-on experience in semiconductor wafer processing cleanroom operations optoelectronic device testing and data-driven engineering within a fast-paced photonics manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Assist engineers with photodetector wafer processing activities including:
o Photolithography
o Thin-film deposition
o Wet and dry etching
o Surface cleaning and preparation
o Wafer inspection and metrology
Support cleanroom fabrication of photodiodes and related optoelectronic devices.
Perform electrical characterization of devices including:
o Current-voltage (I-V) measurements
o Dark current analysis
o Breakdown voltage testing
o Resistance and capacitance measurements
Conduct optical characterization including:
o Responsivity measurements
o Optical power calibration
o Wavelength-dependent performance testing
Operate laboratory and characterization equipment such as:
o Probe stations
o Semiconductor parameter analyzers
o Optical test setups
o Power meters
o Oscilloscopes
o Network analyzers (as applicable)
Analyze measurement data using Excel Python MATLAB or similar tools.
Document experimental procedures test results and observations in engineering reports and laboratory notebooks.
Collaborate with process and device engineers to identify yield performance and reliability improvement opportunities.
Follow all laboratory cleanroom ESD and safety procedures.
Required Qualifications
Currently pursuing a Bachelors or Masters degree in:
o Electrical Engineering
o Materials Science Engineering
o Physics
o Photonics
o Optics
o Chemical Engineering
o Semiconductor Engineering or related field
Completed coursework in semiconductor devices electronics materials science physics or photonics.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to collect organize and interpret experimental data.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior semiconductor fabrication or cleanroom experience.
Familiarity with photodetectors photodiodes or optoelectronic devices.
Experience with semiconductor characterization techniques.
Knowledge of semiconductor process technologies and wafer fabrication fundamentals.
Experience with data analysis tools such as:
o Python
o MATLAB
o JMP
o Minitab
Exposure to test automation and instrument control is a plus.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the internship the candidate will have gained experience in:
Semiconductor wafer fabrication workflows.
Photodetector device physics and operation.
Electrical and optical characterization methodologies.
Experimental design and engineering data analysis.
Root cause investigation and process improvement techniques.
Working within a high-volume manufacturing and product development environment.
Desired Characteristics
Curious and hands-on approach to engineering challenges.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
Willingness to learn new laboratory and fabrication techniques.
Self-motivated with excellent organizational skills.
Passion for advanced semiconductor and photonic technologies.
During the 12 weeks each Intern will:
Be given an individual and well-defined project with set outcome goals
Gain hands on experience
Receive excellent training and ongoing supervision
Be invited to attend an intern webinar series
Attend networking/social events
Attend and present at Poster Session about each Interns project successes and pitfalls
Receive formal written feedback
EEO:
MACOM is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce. MACOM will not discriminate against any worker or job applicant on the basis of race color religion sex gender identity sexual orientation national origin age disability genetic information veteran status military service marital status or any other category protected under applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation:
MACOM is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you have a disability and are in need of a reasonable accommodation with respect to any part of the application process please call 1- or email Provide your name phone number and the position title and location in which you are interested and nature of accommodation needed and we will get back to you. We also work with current employees who request or need reasonable accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
Required Experience:
Intern
About Company
MACOM designs and manufactures high-performance semiconductor products for the Telecommunications, Industrial and Defense, and Data Center industries.
