Process Engineer Co-op

Who We Are

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology. 

What We Offer

Location:

Gloucester,MA

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. 

Applied Materials is seeking highly motivated graduate students to join our Research & Development (Varian R&D) and Advanced Project Development teams in Gloucester, MA. This opportunity offers the chance to work on next-generation semiconductor technologies that enable many of the world's most advanced electronic devices.

Our teams are focused on developing and optimizing cutting-edge semiconductor processes and equipment used throughout the industry. Through innovative engineering and scientific research, we advance technologies including ion implantation, material modification, deposition, etch, pattern shaping, plating, and wafer processing. Students will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists, contributing to the development of new processes and solutions that support future semiconductor manufacturing.

Position Responsibilities

• Work hands-on with advanced semiconductor equipment and processes while following established laboratory safety procedures, including limited chemical handling as required.
• Support laboratory and process development activities, including equipment preparation, wafer processing, wafer measurements and metrology, data collection and analysis, and documentation of experimental results.
• Lead small-scale development projects, analyze results, and present findings to engineering teams.
• Support laboratory and process engineering activities as needed.

Position Details

• Duration and Location: 6-12 months, Gloucester, MA (on-site)
• Start Date: Multiple start dates available between January 2027 (or earlier, if available) and March 2027, with greatest need for January or earlier starts
• Students must maintain active student status and, where applicable, appropriate work authorization (including approved CPT) throughout the duration of the assignment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Doctoral degree (or Master's) in Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field. Students in the final year of their graduate program are encouraged to apply.
• Must maintain active student status throughout the duration of the internship/co-op.
• Must be in good academic standing, with a preferred GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
• Hands-on laboratory experience and a willingness to work directly with equipment and experimental systems.
• Experience conducting research projects and presenting technical findings.
• Experience or coursework related to semiconductor processing, semiconductor manufacturing, device fabrication, wafer processing, metrology, materials characterization, semiconductor film treatment, dry etch, wet etch, semiconductor material modification, or CVD/PVD film deposition is desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Quick learner with strong attention to detail.

This internship/co-op provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advanced semiconductor process development while contributing to technologies that power the next generation of electronic devices.

Compensation 

$47 - 50 per hour

Additional Desired Skills

• Experience with programming, data analysis, AI-related tools, or software development, including Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Microsoft Copilot, or similar technologies.
• Experience working in semiconductor process development, semiconductor manufacturing, or advanced laboratory research environments.

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 [email protected], 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.