2026 Summer Internship - Photonics Test Engineer - PhD (Santa Clara, CA)

Applied Materials is seeking a PhD intern for a Photonics Test Engineer role in Santa Clara, CA. This role involves characterizing and testing next-generation photonics interconnect devices and optoelectronic subsystems. Responsibilities include bringing up high-speed optical components, designing and maintaining test setups, developing test procedures for silicon photonics chips, and executing validation plans using industry-standard equipment. The intern will also manage test data and maintain equipment calibration, contributing to material innovation in the global electronics industry.

Must Have

• Ph.D. or working towards Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics, Applied Physics or related field.
• Hands-on experience with optical chip, component, and system-level prototyping and testing for Telecommunications or DCI product development.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing support, including optical component testing and performance evaluation.
• Fluent in programming (C, Python, LabView) for test scripting and automation.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting software (JMP, Matlab, MS Office).

Good to Have

• Experience with CAD/modeling/simulation software (PADs, Solidworks, Zemax).
• Self-motivated, creative, teamwork oriented.

Perks & Benefits

• Supportive work culture
• Career learning, development, and growth
• Programs and support for health and wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Program
• Meditation and family support resources
• Travel insurance
• Competitive and comprehensive total rewards program
• Free career development and mentoring programs
• Technical and professional courses
• Applied Giving program (employee donations matched by Foundation)

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.

What We Offer

You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

As an optoelectronics testing engineer, you'll be responsible for characterizing and testing our next generation photonics interconnect devices, such as interposer, waveguide, FAU, CPO, transceivers, and various optoelectronic subsystems. You will conduct verification and characterization of various active and passive optical and photonic components including but not limited to modulators, photodetectors, passive waveguides and couplers, multiplexers and de-multiplexers, and fiber-to-chip coupling. You will define test plan and develop test setup and procedures for optical device and modules.

Responsibilities

• Bring-up and characterization of high-speed optical components, including waveguide, coupler, modulators and photodetectors, ensuring they meet performance expectations.
• Design, implement and maintain optical and electrical test setups
• Design and implement test procedures for silicon photonics chips and SIP based optical subsystems
• Design and execute validation and debug plans aligned with product specs, including link-level electro-optic testing using industry-standard equipment like BERTs, DCAs, VNAs, and AWGs.
• Design and debug test methods and fixtures to characterize optical alignment systems
• Establish and manage test data collection, archiving, analysis and presentation
• Maintain test equipment and instrument calibration, identify and purchase test parts and write equipment preventive maintenance (PM) procedures

Qualification

• Ph.D. or working towards Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Optics and Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field
• Hands on experience with optical chip, component and system-level prototyping and testing for Telecommunications or Data Center Interconnect (DCI) product development.
• Working knowledge and experience with manufacturing support, such as optical component testing and performance evaluation.
• Fluent in programming skills in a PC/Windows environment using C, Python, LabView to enable test scripting and automation
• Data collection, analysis and reporting data analysis software such as JMP, Matlab, and MS Office.
• Desirable experience with CAD/modeling/simulation software such as PADs, Solidworks, and Zemax
• Self-motivated, creative, teamwork oriented

Additional Information

Time Type: Full time

Employee Type: Intern / Student

Travel: Not Specified

Relocation Eligible: Yes

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 members. In 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.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at AccommodationsProgram@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.