Packaging Engineer Intern

Job description

<p> </p>
<h1 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Packaging Engineer Intern</h1>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea"><strong>Location:</strong> San Jose, California, United States<br><strong>Employment type:</strong> Internship<br><strong>Organization:</strong> Packaging / Engineering Operations</p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">About Astera Labs</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Astera Labs is a semiconductor company developing intelligent connectivity solutions for AI and cloud infrastructure. Our products depend on high-performance interconnects and advanced semiconductor packaging to move data reliably across compute, memory, and storage systems.</p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Role overview</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">As a Semiconductor Packaging Intern, you will be part of the packaging team developing Astera Labs’ portfolio of connectivity products for leading cloud service providers and server and networking OEMs. You will help enhance key areas of the package development cycle, including package design, modeling, automation flows, and documentation.</p>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">You will work cross-functionally to understand project requirements and develop solutions throughout the packaging development cycle. This is a hands-on engineering role for someone interested in the interaction between electrical performance, power delivery, thermal behavior, mechanical constraints, and manufacturability. You will contribute to package-design and modeling work, document your results, and help the team make well-supported engineering decisions.</p>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Responsibilities</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Support package design, modeling, automation, and documentation for Astera Labs’ connectivity products.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Collaborate cross-functionally to understand project requirements and develop solutions throughout the packaging development cycle.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Support package definition by organizing inputs such as die files, pin-out details, signal- and power-integrity requirements, thermal requirements, board and footprint constraints, supplier design rules, cost considerations, and reliability needs.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Help maintain package Plan of Record (POR) information, including package structure, substrate stackup and materials, package SI/PI requirements, thermal requirements, development schedule, and open risks.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Generate or review package netlists from die files and package footprints, and support package layout work with internal or external design partners.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Import and prepare package layout data for analysis; verify nets, stackups, materials, vias, bumps, and BGA or solder-ball geometries against available design and manufacturing information.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Support package-level signal-integrity and power-integrity analysis using tools such as ANSYS Electronics Desktop, HFSS 3D Layout, SIwave, and Keysight ADS as appropriate to the project.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Set up ports and target nets, extract S-parameters, analyze insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, impedance, and related channel behavior, and compare results with design requirements.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Support power-integrity studies such as DCIR, PDN impedance, and transient or frequency-domain analysis; help interpret voltage drop, current density, resonance, and impedance results.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Assist with thermal and mechanical analyses by organizing material and structural inputs, reviewing results, and helping identify risks related to temperature, stress, warpage, or reliability.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Review package layouts against substrate and OSAT design rules and support design-for-manufacturing activities such as density checks, degassing considerations, and design-rule checks.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Contribute to package tape-out and NPI readiness reviews by checking documentation and tracking open actions.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Help prepare and maintain package documentation, including bills of materials, netlists, package outline or lid information, substrate stackup drawings, and electrical, thermal, or mechanical models when applicable.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Support communication with substrate suppliers and OSAT partners by organizing questions, requirements, feedback, and manufacturing-readiness information.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Document assumptions, simulation setups, results, issues, and recommendations in a clear and reusable format; present project learnings at the end of the internship.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Basic qualifications</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Working towards an M.S. or PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Cumulative GPA of 3.3/4.0 or higher.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Entrepreneurial, open-minded behavior and a hands-on work ethic, with the ability to prioritize a dynamic list of multiple tasks.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Ability to work with minimal supervision and deliver solutions in a fast-paced environment.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Strong time-management skills and strong written and verbal communication skills.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Required experience</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Coursework in RF/microwave, communication systems and signal analysis, semiconductor manufacturing, or circuit design.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Understanding of or coursework in signal and power integrity is a plus.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Understanding of or coursework in semiconductor packaging is a plus.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Scripting or software-development experience in Python, Visual Basic, or equivalent programming languages.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with careful attention to detail when working with geometry, models, data, and documentation.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Ability to communicate clearly, collaborate across disciplines, and follow through on defined tasks.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Preferred experience</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience with physical-design or layout tools such as AutoCAD, Cadence Allegro, Cadence APD/SiP, or comparable tools.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience using 3D electromagnetic-simulation tools such as ANSYS Electronics Desktop, HFSS, HFSS 3D Layout, or SIwave.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Knowledge of semiconductor multilayer flip-chip packages, including FCBGA or FCCSP.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience with package substrate stackups, copper pillars, solder bumps, BGA balls, package-to-board transitions, or high-density interconnects.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Familiarity with S-parameter extraction and validation, including ports, Touchstone models, passivity, causality, de-embedding, or mixed-mode analysis.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Exposure to power-integrity concepts such as IR drop, DCIR, PDN impedance, decoupling, or current-density analysis.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience with thermal modeling, mechanical analysis, coefficient-of-thermal-expansion effects, warpage, reliability, or package materials.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Familiarity with design-for-manufacturing, supplier design rules, package assembly, reflow, underfill, or OSAT workflows.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Experience using Python, MATLAB, Visual Basic, spreadsheets, or similar tools to automate analysis, process engineering data, or communicate results.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">Prior semiconductor, package-design, hardware, supplier, or manufacturing experience through coursework, research, projects, or an internship.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">What success looks like</h2>
<ul class="wnfdntf">
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">You learn the packaging development flow and the team’s analysis tools, then take ownership of a defined technical task with appropriate guidance.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">You produce accurate, traceable analysis or documentation; communicate assumptions and risks early; and follow open actions through to closure.</p>
</li>
<li class="wnfdnte _1ibi0s33w">
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">By the end of the internship, you have contributed useful results to a package-design, SI/PI, thermal/mechanical, DFM, tape-out, or manufacturing-readiness workstream and can clearly explain your approach, findings, and impact.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wnfdnti _1ibi0s33y _1ibi0s34u">Internship experience and compensation</h2>
<p class="wnfdntu _1ibi0s3f5 _1ibi0s3ce _1ibi0s3ea">This is a paid, hourly U.S. internship. The applicable hourly rate is determined as part of the offer process and specified in the offer letter, depending on education level ranges form $35/hour to $55/hour. U.S. interns currently receive a $500-per-week housing/relocation stipend for the duration of the internship. Interns participate in Early Career programming, including technical and professional-development sessions, community events, and an end-of-program project presentation.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Equal opportunity</h2>
<p>Astera Labs is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage anyone with relevant experience to apply.</p>
<p></p>