Automation, Data Analysis, Documentation, Experiment Design, High Reliability, Machine Tool, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Optics, Photonics, Prototyping, Semiconductors, Testing, United States Department of Energy (DOE)
We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineering intern to assist in the development and validation of an automated high-precision mechanism designed to mate optical connectors to Silicon Photonic SiPh and Co-Packaged Optics CPO devices.
In this role, you will bridge the gap between mechanical design and real-world performance. Your primary focus will be to test, evaluate, and characterize the automated system to identify its operational limits, ensuring sub-micron repeatability and long-term reliability in a high-stakes semiconductor testing environment.
Primary Responsibilities
- System Characterization
- Execute complex test plans to quantify the performance of automated mating hardware, focusing on precision repeatability and force profiles.
- DOE & Limit Testing
- Design and conduct Design of Experiments (DOE) to identify failure modes related to mechanical misalignment, thermal drift, and component wear.
- Data-Driven Analysis
- Collect and process mechanical and optical performance data to define the Safe Operating Area for the automation platform.
- Hardware Iteration
- Design and prototype custom jigs, fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) to improve alignment accuracy and connector protection.
- Failure Mapping
- Create a Failure Catalog documenting the mechanical and optical thresholds where the system performance degrades, e.g., insertion loss spikes or physical material wear.