Semiconductor Infrastructure Intern
Are you passionate about high-tech infrastructure and eager to take ownership in a fast-growing deep-tech startup? Lightium, a fast-growing company at the forefront of ultra-high-speed photonic integrated circuits (PICs), invites master students or recent graduates in engineering or operations-related fields to join us for a 6-month, full-time, paid internship within our operations team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the smooth operation and continuous development of our cleanroom and office infrastructure, forming the backbone of our next-generation PIC Operation Team.
Internship Summary
As part of our Operations Team, you will support and progressively take responsibility for the daily functioning and continuous improvement of our cleanroom and office infrastructure. You will help ensure reliable facility operations that enable our R&D, metrology, and process engineering teams to perform at their best, working closely with internal stakeholders and external subcontractors. From coordinating maintenance activities and supporting infrastructure expansion projects to improving procedures and contributing to procurement workflows, you will gain hands-on exposure to how a semiconductor startup structures and scales its operational backbone.
This role comes with real ownership and visibility. For a motivated and hands-on individual, it offers the opportunity to grow into a permanent infrastructure position and gradually take full responsibility for facility and cleanroom operations over time.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting daily operations of cleanroom and office infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable performance.
Assisting in coordinating preventive and corrective maintenance of facility systems and equipment.
Supporting infrastructure expansion projects, including tool installation, relocation, and cleanroom modifications and building/fire/safety related permits in collaboration with subcontractors and suppliers.
Helping maintain documentation, procedures, and process flows related to facility and cleanroom operations.
Assisting with consumables stock management and procurement-related processes.
Contributing to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Operations Team.
What You’ll Bring
Current student or recent graduate from bachelor or master programs or technical diploma from FH in Operations, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Facility Management, or a related technical field.
Strong interest in infrastructure, facility operations, or semiconductor cleanroom environments.
Structured mindset with the ability to plan, document, and follow through on tasks.
Hands-on attitude to fix & repair existing infrastructure and keep everything operational.
Interest in safety, compliance, and process optimization.
Forklift training or willingness to obtain certification is a plus.
A proactive, problem-solving attitude and strong communication skills.
Fluency in English and German. Swiss German is a huge plus.
What We Offer
A hands-on learning experience at the forefront of the PIC industry, directly contributing to advancements that redefine technological boundaries.
A vibrant and supportive work environment where your contributions are valued and can lead to groundbreaking innovations.
A competitively paid position with the possibility to transition into a full-time role with Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) upon outstanding performance.
The ability to participate in continuing education (training, conferences, events, etc.).
Being treated like a regular member of the team, such as inclusion at team events and our annual fall retreat.
An opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, gaining insights and knowledge that will be invaluable in your future career.
We’d love to hear from you if you’re passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and result-driven environment. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please note that we are only allowed to offer this internship to European Union or Swiss Nationals or to Third Country Nationals who are enrolled in Swiss universities with internship requirements.
- Locations
- Zürich
About Lightium AG
Just as silicon chips reshaped electronics, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) are poised to revolutionize how we process, store, and transmit data. As data creation and consumption explode, transmission speeds struggle to keep up.
We are proud to be Europe’s first company to offer a high-volume, production-grade foundry platform based on our proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology. This material outperforms traditional silicon photonics in speed, power efficiency, and overall performance.
We are positioned at the forefront of photonics, enabling ultra-high speeds for our connected world.