Lithography Process Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Process Engineer Summer Intern will support the Process Engineering team in the development, qualification, and optimization of semiconductor manufacturing processes and capital equipment. This role provides hands-on exposure to semiconductor process technologies, cleanroom operations, and equipment qualification activities.

The intern will work closely with experienced engineers to analyze process performance, support tool setup and validation, and assist in continuous improvement initiatives. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in semiconductor manufacturing environments and capital equipment development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Process Engineers with setup, qualification, and optimization of semiconductor manufacturing tools and processes
• Support process characterization and validation activities, including Design of Experiments (DOE) and data analysis
• Participate in tool installation, startup, and process qualification activities
• Collect and analyze process data related to yield, throughput, uniformity, and defect performance
• Assist in performing process troubleshooting and root cause analysis related to equipment or process issues
• Support development and documentation of process recipes, work instructions, and qualification reports
• Assist with tool and process acceptance testing (FAT/SAT where applicable)
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process capability and equipment performance
• Work with cross-functional teams including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality
• Maintain accurate engineering records and technical documentation
• Follow all cleanroom protocols, ESD controls, and safety procedures

Learning Objectives

During the internship, the Process Engineer Intern will gain experience in:

• Semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Cleanroom operations and protocols
• Capital equipment setup and qualification
• Process troubleshooting and yield improvement
• Statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis
• Engineering documentation and reporting
• Cross-functional collaboration in semiconductor equipment environments

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in one of the following:
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Materials Science and Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Physics
  • Or related engineering discipline
• Minimum GPA of 3.4
• Basic understanding of:
  • Engineering fundamentals
  • Data analysis and statistics
  • Laboratory or technical environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or exposure related to:
  • Semiconductor processing
  • Microfabrication
  • Thin films, etch, deposition, or lithography
  • Vacuum systems or plasma processes
  • Process control or instrumentation
• Familiarity with:
  • Statistical tools (Excel, JMP, Minitab, or similar)
  • Data analysis and visualization
  • Design of Experiments (DOE) concepts
  • Technical documentation practices
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in team environments

Cleanroom and Work Environment Requirements

This position requires work in a semiconductor cleanroom environment, including:

• Wearing full cleanroom gowning (bunny suit, gloves, hood, booties, and eye protection)
• Working in environments with strict contamination control protocols
• Following ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) handling procedures
• Adhering to chemical safety and hazardous material handling procedures
• Standing for extended periods and working around semiconductor processing equipment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in cleanroom environments for extended periods
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform tasks at semiconductor tools
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to work in environments with controlled lighting and noise conditions
• Ability to follow PPE and safety requirements

Work Environment

This role will involve working in:

• Semiconductor cleanrooms
• Engineering laboratories
• Equipment manufacturing or integration areas
• Office environments for analysis and reporting

Exposure to:

• Vacuum systems
• Process gases
• High-voltage and automated equipment
• Precision manufacturing tools

Training will be provided to ensure compliance with all safety and operational requirements.

Typical intern projects may include:

• Supporting process qualification for newly installed semiconductor tools
• Assisting with process characterization using statistical methods
• Evaluating process uniformity and repeatability across wafers
• Supporting tool performance improvement initiatives
• Assisting with yield or defect reduction projects
• Developing standardized process documentation
• Supporting factory or customer acceptance testing
• Assisting with process recipe optimization

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay
• Hands-on semiconductor industry experience
• Mentorship from experienced engineers
• Exposure to advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies
• Opportunity to contribute to real-world engineering projects.