2026 Applications Engineering Graduate Intern

Graduate Student Program Overview:

• 9 month internship program within a functional area of MKS Instruments that provides students a comprehensive and engaging experience from before your program starts to after the program ends.
• Intern-specific onboarding and orientation experience
• Meaningful work and project assignments
• Networking opportunities with peers and executives
• Global project experience while working with an intern cohort
• Exposure to different divisions of the business
• Understanding of MKS Instruments’ commitment to culture and belonging

A Day in Your Life at MKS:
As an Applications Engineering Intern at MKS, you will partner with Emerging Applications and Product Engineering colleagues to help define the next generations of MKS' industrial laser machining systems. In this role, you will report to the Senior Manager of Emerging Applications.

You Will Make an Impact By:

• Utilization of design-of-experiments (DOE) methodology to prepare and perform applications work

• Performance of broad metrology and analysis techniques, including but not limited to optical and confocal microscopy, focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopes (FIB-SEM), and automated optical inspection tools

• Data analysis using various statistical and image analysis software

• Development of applications guides and best-known-method documentation for communication between applications teams and MKS sites

• Maintenance and troubleshooting of tools used throughout the course of your job

• Travel Requirements: Minimal to no travel is required (<5%).

Skills You Bring:

• Enrolled in a Master’s or PhD Degree program at the University of Oregon

• Knowledge about laser-material interactions from the optics and/or materials science perspective; experience with optics & scanning subsystems and/or UV and CO2 lasers is a plus

• Comfortability with hands-on use of optics and opto-mechanics components is a plus

• A self-motivated, enthusiastic approach to cross-functional problem solving and communication

• Background with Python, Matlab, or similar is a plus

• Relocation and temporary housing may be available for the position

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time
• Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at and above shoulder level
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Must be able to exchange accurate information
• The ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
• This job operates in a professional office environment

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly Pay Range: $37.00 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Benefits: MKS offers a benefits package for interns/co-ops working at least 20 hours per week, including 11 paid holidays, sick time, and 15 paid vacation days accrued on a biweekly basis.

The application period for the intern/co-op position is estimated to be through September 12, 2025 however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details. 

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [email protected].

If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role