Mechanical Engineering Intern

About Advantest

Advantest America Inc. is part of Advantest Corporation, the world's largest provider of automated test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry. The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge testing solutions that help semiconductor manufacturers ensure the quality and performance of their products. Advantest is known for innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to supporting its customers and employees.

Our Purpose & Values:
Mission: Improve lives through advanced technologies and customer-focused innovation.
Vision: Be the most trusted and valued test solution provider in the semiconductor value chain.

Core Values:
I- Innovation is our Lifeblood
N- Number One is Our Aspiration
T- Trust is our Foundation
E- Empowerment is Our Motivation
G- Global is our Reach
R- Respect is our Heart
I - Inclusion and Diversity is Our Commitment
T- Teamwork is our Approach
Y- Yes is Our Attitude

Why Join Us

At Advantest, innovation starts with people. We're looking for curious, capable, and collaborative individuals ready to shape the future of semiconductor technology. You'll join a global team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact.

We foster an integrity-centered culture, where honesty, inclusion, and respect are the foundation of everything we do.

Job Description

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).

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

All Locations

San Jose, California, United States

Field of Activity

Research & Development

Summer Internship: start & end dates flexible