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TFLN Team Intern – Process Development

PHI Lab

Sunnyvale, CA, USA

Posted on 10 Feb, 2026

Skills
No skill added

Job Summary
Engineering role focused on photonic device fabrication, including process development and characterization to improve device optical performance and enable compact, low-power, and high-performance photonic microsystems. These devices are targeted towards broad application spaces, including sensing, communications, and computation.

Position Details

NTT Research Inc. is a leader in cutting-edge photonic technologies, driving innovation in telecommunications, optical computing, nonlinear optics, and quantum hardware. Our team is composed of world-class scientists and engineers developing next-generation optical systems; we aim to push the envelope at every level, from precision fabrication to system-scale design. We are now seeking a highly motivated and technically strong process development intern to join our team and contribute to the advancement of technologies based on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN).

As a process development intern, you will be responsible for executing process experiments, characterizing process performance, and measuring integrated photonic devices. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop and improve the manufacturing capabilities that enable cutting-edge TFLN devices.

Responsibilities

Execute standard fabrication steps and measurements.
Design process experiments and analyze metrology data to improve performance.
Support process development projects, depending on experience and length of internship. For example:
- Optimization of unit processes on individual process equipment
- Develop baseline processes for new metrology tools
- Development of test vehicles to understand process interactions
- Coordinate process evaluations with external vendors
Document and communicate research findings

Qualifications and Skills

Exceptional candidates will be considered regardless of background.
Hands-on experience with process and/or metrology equipment in cleanrooms
Knowledge of fabrication and metrology techniques (photonics, CMOS, MEMS, etc.)
Coursework in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, or a related field.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in photonics fabrication.
Familiarity with photonic material platforms (e.g., silicon/silicon nitride photonics, lithium niobate, chalcogenide, III-V semiconductors).
Experience working with academic or industry foundries.
Pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in a related field
Availability for 6+ month internship.