2026 PhD Silicon Optics Device Engineer Co-Op Job Listing at AMD in San Jose, CA (Job ID 71623-en-us)

Description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING 

At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences—from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you'll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges—striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond.  Together, we advance your career.  

As an AMD Co-Op, you'll be placed at the epicenter of the AI ecosystem, working alongside experts and industry pioneers. You'll do important work, learn new skills, expand your network, and gain real-world experience on projects that impact millions of end-users worldwide. Whether you're an undergrad or a PhD student, your contributions matter—and your experience here will be a launchpad for what comes next.

Job Details:

• Locations: San Jose, CA
• Onsite/Hybrid: This role requires the student to work full time (40 hours a week), onsite work structure throughout the duration of the co-op/intern term
• Duration:
  • Summer/Fall Co-op: May 18, 2026 or June 22, 2026 – December 11, 2026

What You Will Be Doing  

We are seeking highly motivated Silicon Photonics Device Engineer intern/co-op to join our team. In this role –

• We will assign you responsibilities in which you will work closely with our device technologist to help guide our silicon photonics technology qualification.
•  We will provide training on the technology qualification process, from understanding product specifications, translating them into foundry performance metrics, and working with the foundry to help make our device designs successful. 
•  We will also encourage you to build scripts that automate some of our data analysis of performance metrics to help cross the technology qualification gates.
•  We will help you learn debugging methodologies to investigate the root cause of device weaknesses or failures and identifying design or technology improvements as part of a Design-Technology Co-Optimization between designers and foundry partners.
•  In certain projects we may have your involvement in crafting technical/functional documents and reports as needed.
  
  

Who We Are Looking For

• Currently enrolled in a US based University in a PhD degree program majoring in optical engineering, physics, electrical engineering or related discipline.
• Experience designing silicon photonic active and passive devices, such as, lasers, modulator, detectors, wavelength (de)multiplexers, grating and edge couplers, and other elements required for silicon Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC).
• Expertise in photonics numerical simulation principles and tools (Sentaurus, Lumerical, Harold, HFSS, ADS, or equivalent).
• Experience fabricating your own devices in University fabs or working closely with foundry processes to fabricate your own device designs.
• Experience with data analysis tools as it pertains to debugging device performance, correlation to inline parameters or product specifications and evaluating yield.
• Worked with optical and electrical equipment for photonic component testing.
• Understanding of optical transceiver design and specifications

Note: By submitting your application, you are indicating your interest in AMD intern positions. We are recruiting for multiple positions, and if your experience aligns with any of our intern opportunities, a recruiter will contact you.

Benefits offered are described:  AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.   We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position.  AMD's “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.