Process Development Engineering Intern

Bold Thinking. World Changing.

At SkyWater, our ingenuity helps improve lives around the world by manufacturing U.S. made semiconductors that are essential ingredients of modern life. Automotive safety enhancements, life-saving medical devices, consumer electronics, and American security require semiconductors. Working in our Minnesota headquarters, Florida, or Texas location - employees join together to improve the world.

Explore Whats Possible.

Joining our U.S. - based team means contributing to and learning about the commercialization of some of the most exciting technologies the world has ever seen. We are turning science fiction" into everyday reality through technologies such as superconducting 3D integrated circuits, or computer chips, carbon nanotubes, photonic logic devices, micro electro-mechanical systems, and other emerging device topologies. We manufacture products for aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, consumer, and industrial markets to name a few. Our customers include emerging leaders who rely on our intellectual property, security, and quality manufacturing services.

Step into the Future.

SkyWaters values of Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Growth Mindset guide us to cultivate an empowered learning environment. We also invest in developing highly skilled, dedicated employees - and employees who are entering the workforce for the first time from the military and a variety of educational backgrounds.

Are You Bold Thinking?

Find your place on our team and help us change the world.

Position Summary:

Our Internship program offers students an opportunity to receive training in a hi-tech environment. Throughout your internship, you will gain on-the-job process development experience while working alongside experienced professionals who provide you with both guidance and autonomy as you work on challenging projects. Our internship programs run typically May - August each year.

Projects and Responsibilities:

Support the efforts of Process Development Module Engineers to prepare for and execute new semiconductor packaging processes.

Project 1: Backgrind and Dicing

• Project Summary: The Dicing Intern will work with the process engineers to characterize process sensitivity of Kerf width as a function of process parameters such as saw blade thickness, Grit size, bond hardness, spindle rpm, feed rate, and coolant pressure flow parameters.
• Key Objectives:
• Run experiments and generate Kerf maps of common substrates and thicknesses.
• Interpret CAD drawings from the customer and develop a methodology to set up dicing automation accordingly.
• Controlled test cuts will be performed on common substrate materials and thicknesses.
• Kerf will be measured precisely using standard methods and Kerf maps will be generated.
• The intern will also assist the dicing engineer in interpreting CAD files and setting up the Dicing tool automation accordingly.

Project 2: Backgrind Process Characterization

• Project Summary: The Backgrind process intern will focus on understanding and controlling the variables that affect the grind process CTQs namely final thickness, surface quality, grind stress, yield, and throughput.
• Key Objectives:
• Understand the impact of key process input variables and achieve tight thickness uniformity control, warpage, and prevent subsurface damage and cracks.
• Optimize throughput and quality during the backgrind and top grind process.
• Develop familiarity with consumable toolsets and process metrology tools such as Keyence microscopes.
• Evaluate the effect of process input variables such as device side topography, pre-grind warpage, grinding abrasive grit, bond type, dressing condition, dressing tape type, feed rate, downforce, coolant flow rate on final thickness, TTV, WIWNU, mechanical grinding stresses, chipping, delamination, microcracking, post-grind warpage, and die cracking.

Project 3: High-temp TBDB and Hybrid Bond Process Development

• Project Summary: This project involves developing a temporary bond and debond process TBDB that will allow for improved thermal budget during backside wafer thin film processing.
• Key Objectives:
• The Intern will work with the process engineer to help overcome process issues.
• Key challenges to overcome in the high temperature TBDB process is to balance high temperature survivability while minimizing post bond residue, controlling wafer bow, and preventing die cracking and edge chipping.
• Assist with optimizing surface preparation variables, wafer cleanliness, flatness, pretreatment, etc., coating variables, spin curves, edge bead removal, film thickness range, cure variables, Bake Temperature, Time, and Bonding variables, Bond strength, debond yield, control wafer bow, particle adders residues, and electrical parameters.

Project 4: Compression Molding

• Project Summary: The compression molding intern will work closely with the process engineers to develop robust compression molding processes for FOWLP. and troubleshoot voids, warpage, and delamination.
• Key Objectives:
• Assist the engineer in optimizing compression process variables, mold temperature, ramp rate, compression force, ramp pressure profiles, flow time, cure time, vacuum levels, and outgassing for a given mold compound and panel and package stack, mold tool, and cavity.
• Control CTE mismatch between the substrate and the EMC to produce integrated die molds with excellent cosmetic and dimensional finish with minimal warpage, cracks, flashing, delamination, and voids with acceptable throughput.

Project 5: LDI Lithography

• Project Summary: The Lithography intern will work closely with the process engineers to develop robust patterning processes on Dry Film Resist using Laser Direct Write Technology. In addition, the intern will also work with Nikon Steppers, Contact Mask Aligners, and Track systems to develop photoresist coat, expose, and develop processes for Packaging applications.
• Key Objectives:
• Assist the Lithography engineering team in developing processes for patterning Dry Film Resists using LDI.
• Assist the Lithography engineering team in developing processes for the development of conventional liquid resist, spin bake, and develop processes.
• Resist stripping processes are also in the scope of the duties. As well as resist measurement metrology using ellipsometry.
• Assist with CD, SEM, and Overlay measurement characterization and process window optimization.

Project 6: Electroplating Intern

• Project Summary: The Electroplating intern will work closely with the process engineer to develop robust electroplating processes for Copper, Nickel, SnAg, and Gold and electroless plating processes for very high aspect ratio fills. In addition, the intern will also work with various plating bath metrology tools such as titrators, XRF, SEM, EDS, Cyclic Voltammetry, Profilometry, and sheet resistance testing to characterize the electroplated deposits. The intern may also help the engineer develop and maintain wet etch chemistries.
• Key Objectives:
• Work closely with the plating engineer to analyze and maintain the plating baths.
• Assist the engineer in the development of robust electroplating processes with good uniformity, fill characteristics, and low-stress films.
• If the scope and time permit, the intern will also develop superconformal electroless plating processes for high aspect ratio via fills.

Required Qualifications for an Engineering Internship:

• Degree Program Completion of Junior year in a bachelors degree program in the areas of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Polymer Engineering.
• US Citizenship Required
• Desired Qualifications: Hands-on experience in setting up and running clean room experiments

SkyWater Compliance:

SkyWater complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. To request reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources at 952-851-5200 or Recruiting@SkyWaterTechnology.com.

EOE including Disability, Vets