Chip design
Defining circuits and architectures that deliver computing, sensing or communications functions.
Example work
- Processor design
- Verification
- Low-power circuits
INDUSTRY LANDSCAPE
Semiconductors
Creating the materials, processes and systems behind modern electronics.
OVERVIEW
How the sector works
Semiconductor teams combine physics, materials, electrical engineering, software, process control and high-precision manufacturing.
Why it mattersChips underpin computing, communications, healthcare, transport, energy systems and scientific instruments.
INSIDE THE INDUSTRY
The major subsectors
Each part of the sector solves a different set of technical and practical problems.
Wafer fabrication
Building devices layer by layer through tightly controlled deposition, patterning, etching and implantation.
Example work
- Lithography
- Thin films
- Process integration
Equipment and metrology
Creating machines and measurement systems capable of nanometre-scale control.
Example work
- Process tools
- Optical systems
- Defect inspection
Packaging and test
Connecting, protecting and evaluating chips so they can work reliably inside products.
Example work
- Advanced packaging
- Thermal management
- Reliability testing
WHERE YOUR BACKGROUND CAN FIT
Different degrees, different entry points
The same industry needs people who can investigate, design, analyse and deliver from different starting disciplines.
Physics
Device behaviour · Optics · Measurement · Modelling
Engineering
Process integration · Equipment · Circuits · Control
Materials Science
Thin films · Interfaces · Reliability · Packaging
Computer Science
Design automation · Process software · Data systems · Verification
Chemistry
Deposition · Etching · Surface chemistry · Contamination control
WHAT THE WORK CAN LOOK LIKE
Representative problems
Projects vary by organisation, but these examples show the questions teams in Semiconductors may tackle.
- Improve lithography yield by isolating a source of process variation.
- Model how a device behaves across temperature and voltage.
- Reduce contamination introduced during a wafer-handling step.
- Develop a diagnostic tool for a precision manufacturing system.
TECHNOLOGIES & TRENDS
What is changing the sector
These developments are reshaping technical work, evidence and decision-making.
Extreme ultraviolet lithography
Very-short-wavelength imaging used to pattern the smallest features on advanced chips.
It enables denser devices but requires exceptional optics, vacuum and process control.Advanced packaging
Techniques that connect multiple chips and specialised components in one system.
System performance increasingly depends on how devices are combined, cooled and connected.Wide-bandgap materials
Semiconductors such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride used in high-power applications.
They can switch power more efficiently in vehicles, grids and industrial equipment.Process automation
Sensors, control software and analytics that keep thousands of fabrication steps within tight limits.
Small deviations can affect yield, reliability and the economics of an entire production line.CAREER FUNCTIONS
Where STEM graduates contribute
Functions describe the work a team performs, not just the title on a job description.
Process engineering
Develop and control fabrication steps so devices meet performance and yield targets.
- Design experiments
- Analyse variation
- Set process windows
Device and circuit design
Translate a product need into device structures, circuits and verified behaviour.
- Model performance
- Design circuits
- Run verification
Equipment engineering
Build and sustain the precision tools used in fabrication and measurement.
- Diagnose equipment
- Improve subsystems
- Plan tests
Yield and quality
Find patterns across test and process data to reduce defects and improve reliability.
- Analyse wafer maps
- Lead root-cause work
- Validate improvements
HOW TO START EXPLORING
Build evidence while you study
You do not need to decide on one destination immediately. Use projects, modules and experience to learn which parts of the sector hold your attention.
- Take modules in solid-state physics, electronics, materials or control.
- Use cleanroom, fabrication or characterisation projects when available.
- Show disciplined experimentation and statistical root-cause analysis.
- Look for placements across design, process, equipment, software or test.
CAREER MAP
Example careers
Discover & Research
Materials Scientist
Design, test and improve the materials behind cleaner energy, electronics and resilient products.
ChemistryPhysicsMaterials Science
Explore: Johnson Matthey · Saint-Gobain
Explore this careerBuild & Engineer
Semiconductor Process Engineer
Control the highly precise processes used to manufacture electronic devices.
PhysicsMaterials ScienceEngineering
Explore: ASML · Intel
Explore this careerAnalyse & Model
Data Scientist
Use data, statistics and computation to answer consequential questions.
MathematicsComputer SciencePhysics
Explore: Google · Microsoft
Explore this careerCommercialise & Grow
Technical Product Manager
Turn user needs and technical possibilities into a focused product direction.
EngineeringComputer SciencePhysics
Explore: Microsoft · Siemens
Explore this careerEMPLOYER LANDSCAPE
Organisations to investigate
OPPORTUNITIES
See related programmes
Internship Deadline not stated
ASML
Physics | Optics | Photonics internship: investigation of optical systems
Master's internship researching advanced optical systems, light sources, metrology and photonics for semiconductor lithography.
Veldhoven, NetherlandsHybridMaster’s / PostgraduatePay — Paid · Internship compensation provided; amount confirmed at offer stage
Verified opportunityReview details
Internship Deadline not stated
ASML
Environmental Sciences | Sustainability internship: Supply chain sustainability
Master's sustainability internship supporting supplier ESG, climate, materials and circularity initiatives in ASML's supply chain.
Veldhoven, NetherlandsHybridMaster’s / PostgraduatePay — Not stated
Verified opportunityReview details
Internship Deadline not stated
ASML
Physics | Data Science internship: predictive imaging diagnostics
Master's internship applying data analysis, statistics and imaging physics to diagnose lithography-system performance.
Veldhoven, NetherlandsHybridMaster’s / PostgraduatePay — Not stated
Verified opportunityReview details
Internship Deadline not stated
ASML
Applied Physics | Mechanical Engineering internship: acoustic source modeling
Master's thesis internship modelling stochastic acoustic disturbances in precision semiconductor-lithography systems.
Eindhoven, NetherlandsOn-siteMaster’s / PostgraduatePay — Not stated
Verified opportunityReview details
Internship Deadline not stated
Arm
Intern Program - Engineering Pathways
Multi-location US engineering internship spanning chip design, hardware, software, validation and semiconductor technology.
6 US locationsVariesUndergraduate · Master’s / PostgraduatePay — Paid · Hourly rate varies by location and education level
Verified opportunityReview details
Graduate role Deadline not stated
Arm
Graduate Program - Engineering Pathways
Arm graduate programme spanning hardware, AI, software and technical product development across multiple North American offices.
7 US locations + Toronto, CanadaVariesMaster’s / Postgraduate · Graduate / Early CareerPay — Paid · $119,400–$161,600 per year (US range)
Verified opportunityReview details
Graduate role Deadline not stated
Arm
Graduate CPU Physical Implementation Engineer
Graduate processor-design role focused on physical implementation of next-generation Arm CPUs in Sophia Antipolis.
Sophia Antipolis, FranceVariesGraduate / Early CareerPay — Paid
Verified opportunityReview details
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