Research Scientist Intern - Plasma Light Source Characterization
- Pay
- $27 – $48 per hour
- Location
- Ann Arbor, MI
- Listed
- 3 days ago
About the role
To make electronics, you need chips, wafers, transistors, reticles, and... To make these, you must see, test and manufacture them at scale-faster and better than ever before. That's where KLA comes in. Whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional, you'll solve complex challenges, work alongside brilliant minds and help shape the future of technology.
What You'll Do
In this role, you will play a key part in advancing business priorities by delivering high-impact work across your area of expertise.
KLA is looking for summer interns at our Ann Arbor, Michigan location. This position provides an opportunity to work with engineering teams on projects aiming to develop and characterize laser plasma light sources for KLA's next generation inspection and metrology tools! In particular, the intern would work in the following areas:
- Develop methods and test plans for characterization of laser plasmas
- Design optical systems for imaging, shadowgraphy, and interferometry
- Work with vacuum chambers and related equipment.
- Design, set up and execute multi-disciplinary experiments.
- Analyze data and prepare summary reports.
- Work with simulations based on physical models and build correlations with experimental data.
- Collaborate with scientists at external partner organizations.
Qualifications
- Experience with plasma metrology (e.g. pump/probe, spectroscopy, imaging)
- Experience with high power lasers
- Strong academic record.
- Familiarity with optical design software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, LightTools) or simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS) is desirable.
- Experience with laboratory equipment and data acquisition systems.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++ is a plus.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong analytical mindset.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications
Currently enrolled in 4-year graduate program in Physics, Optical Engineering or related field with immigration authorization to undertake corporate internship projects.
Total Rewards
Base Pay Range: $27.00 - $48.00 per hour based on pursuit of a Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLA
KLA's total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.
- Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed.
- Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location.
- The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting.
- Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training.
We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Use of AI Statement
- At KLA, our interviews seek to understand your individual skills, problem-solving approach and authentic thinking.
- Use of these tools may interfere with our ability to evaluate your individual qualifications and affect your candidacy.
- KLA is committed to advancing innovation through responsible AI, and we value candidates who share this mindset.
About KLA
We provide advanced inspection tools, metrology systems, process solutions, and computational analytics that make electronics possible, tackling complex challenges. From electron and photon optics to machine learning and data analytics, we seek perfection at the most fundamental level of matter in the universe. If you want to make electronics that push industries forward and make the world a better place, join us.
Equal opportunity and legal notices
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at or at to request accommodation.
For additional information, view the US Know Your Rights poster on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.
To ensure a fair and consistent evaluation, the use of AI, recording tools or other technologies to generate, suggest or provide responses during interviews-whether virtual or in person-is not permitted unless explicitly approved in advance as part of a reasonable accommodation or invited by the interviewer.
From KLA's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 6, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.
How Rolev.ai helps with this application
Rolev.ai is a job search and application tool for US job seekers. For this Research Scientist Intern - Plasma Light Source Characterization role at KLA, it shows how your resume fits, tailors your resume to the posting, and prepares the application for you to review.
See how you fit
Openings from employer career sites are ranked against your whole resume—and searchable inside Claude, ChatGPT, and Cursor via Rolev.ai MCP.
Tailor without inventing
Every change to your resume is checked against your original. New experience goes in only with your yes—zero fabricated claims.
Draft the full kit
Tailored and Full Match resumes, role-specific cover letters, and answers to employer screening questions are prepared in seconds.
1-Click Extension Autofill
The Chrome extension fills the employer's Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, or Ashby form in 1 click. You review it and press Submit.
Similar roles
- Research Scientist - RL TrainingSnorkel AI · New York City, NY
- Research Scientist - College of Engineering - Mechanical EngineeringCmu · Pittsburgh, PA
- Research Scientist - Power SystemsHitachi · Raleigh, NC
- Research ScientistVibrant · Remote (US)
- Research Scientist IIILonza · Tampa, FL
- Research Scientist I - PoultryIsu · Ames, IA
Common questions
What is the salary for the Research Scientist Intern - Plasma Light Source Characterization role at KLA?
The Research Scientist Intern - Plasma Light Source Characterization posting at KLA states compensation of $27 – $48 per hour. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on KLA's official career site.
Where is the Research Scientist Intern - Plasma Light Source Characterization job at KLA located?
This Research Scientist Intern - Plasma Light Source Characterization position at KLA is located in Ann Arbor, MI. Always check KLA's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.
How do I apply for the Research Scientist Intern - Plasma Light Source Characterization position at KLA?
This listing links directly to KLA's Workday application page. You can apply directly on KLA's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Workday application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.