Research Intern

Impinj is a leading RAIN RFID provider and Internet of Things pioneer. We’re inventing ways to connect every thing to the Internet — including retail apparel, retail general merchandise, healthcare items, automobile parts, airline baggage, food and much more. With more than 100 billion items connected to date, and multiple Fortune 500 enterprises around the world using our platform, we solve for a better understanding of our world. If it’s a thing, we’re working to connect it. Join Impinj and help us realize our vision of a boundless IoT— connecting trillions of everyday items to the Internet. 

Team & Role Overview: 

As a Research Intern in the Advanced Technology group, you will work with engineers, technologists, product managers, and external partners to help enrich your career focus in semiconductor technology to improve the sustainability of everyday items. This role offers the opportunity to conduct semiconductor research to enable next-generation RAIN RFID tag chips, while also making progress on the environmental impacts of this technology. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in semiconductor materials and device fabrication, as well as sustainability. 

What you will do: 

• Conduct experimental research on sophisticated methods for accurately aligning and positioning semiconductor components on a variety of substrates. 

• Characterize and analyze materials and interface properties using microscopy, spectroscopy, and metrology tools. 

• Develop, document, and optimize lab-scale processes that support reliable die placement, bonding, and interconnect formation. 

• Support the development of internal processes for engaging external partners in R&D and sustainability-related projects 

• Support an industry workgroup on e-waste, including researching regulatory content and developing marketing materials 

• Support internal recycling efforts, including identifying recycling pathways for multi-material RAIN RFID inlays 

• Work with multi-functional teams, including materials scientists, process engineers, equipment technicians, and product managers 

• Prepare technical reports and presentations to communicate findings and support ongoing research initiatives. 

What you will bring: 

• Advanced degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with relevant laboratory research experience. 

• Demonstrated research experience, ideally through a Ph.D. (preferred) or M.S. with at least 2 years’ work experience. 

• Familiarity with semiconductor device structures and fabrication processes, wearable/smart-textile devices, IoT sensors and embedded devices, or similar. 

• Hands-on experience with tools or techniques relevant to chip-to-substrate precision handling and integration (e.g., flip-chip, pick-and-place, die attach, alignment systems) and inspection techniques, ideally including experience working in a cleanroom environment. 

• Knowledge of advanced packaging technologies or heterogeneous integration approaches. 

• Proven experience working independently in a fast-paced environment and the ability to self-manage innovative programs 

• Interest in sustainability topics, recycling pathways, and relevant regulatory frameworks. 

• Experience with data management, critical analysis skills, and strong attention to detail. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Interpersonal, organizational and relationship-building skills. 

This internship is expected to be a 6 month program starting in June, start and end dates can be flexible.

Why work at Impinj:

Know you’re making a difference. Competitive benefits. Support for remote work or a desk with a view. Weekly Q&A sessions with our executive team. Impinj provides an environment that fosters openness and innovation and is developing technology that delivers a positive impact on the world. Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued, and accomplishments are duly celebrated. We have an open paid time-off policy paired with a respect for work/life balance. Our headquarters is located in Seattle with spectacular views of the Olympics, Lake Union, and Mt Baker, which can be enjoyed from our rooftop deck. Our Brazilian site is in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, at “Tecnopuc,” a technology park that offers a very nice workplace for the development of groundbreaking technologies. Impinj is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.