Internship | 3D additive lithography for microelectronics

Internship | 3D Additive Lithography for Microelectronics

About this position

TNO at Holst Centre pioneers printed electronics with an extensive portfolio of breakthrough technologies. One of the most promising innovations of the past years is 3D-printed microelectronics. This technology boosts the performance of next-generation electronic devices like sensors and medical instruments where volumetric constraints apply. It combines free-form structural and electronic manufacturing in a single step. This means there is no longer a need for separate circuit boards or electronics layers, giving complete three-dimensional design freedom and inherent protection from dust and dirt.

What will be your role?

TNO’s approach to fabricating microelectronics utilizes an advanced 3D printing method that combines stereolithography printing with a foil coating system. The capabilities of this technology in the micro range are outstanding. Yet printing more bulky objects is not feasible within the system, as the thickness is currently limited to ~1mm. To overcome this limitation, you will be working on processes to link the novel 3D microelectronics platform to more conventional SLA 3D printing.

In this internship, you will develop knowledge and know-how about both printing methods and the systems behind them. Your tasks will be:

• Literature study: study the principles of SLA printing and the ranging material properties.
• Design: use CAD and/or layout software to design multiple test structures. Define machine and material parameters and demonstrate specs involved with this transfer (e.g. resolution, alignment, object height..).
• Testing: test the capabilities and limitations of both systems and the transferring method(s).
• Prototyping: together with the team, think of demonstrators utilizing both printing of microelectronics and bulky free-form objects (e.g. wearables, hearing aids, drones …).
• Knowledge transfer: participate in team meetings and discuss your progress.

What we expect from you

• You are an ambitious student with a mechanical engineering, material science, or (applied) physics background.
• You are eager to learn about our advanced manufacturing techniques for microelectronics.
• Have good communication skills in English, and describe yourself as independent but also a team player.
• You are looking for an Internship (preferably graduation) with a (preferred) minimal duration of 6 months.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.