Research and Development Intern (Maths & Physics)

About our group:

Our Research and Development group is essential to our mission of building the world's best storage technologies. You will be working on the test of optical/photonic components, to be used in HAMR recording heads, within the Research and Development Department.  You will be working with engineers on projects that involve characterisation of devices and developing test best practice, with goal to improve device performance.  You will have opportunities to take advantage of ‘on the job’ training and real-world experience of optical/photonic device test and performance analysis.  You will be a highly motivated team player with a science background and will be able to demonstrate a strong aptitude in their relative discipline. Preference will be given to candidates with strong background in optics, photonics or semiconductor devices.

You will work as part of an established team reporting to the Research & Development Manager defining and driving leading edge technologies for future data storage technologies and products. If you’re excited by new technologies, are naturally creative and passionate about seeing ideas come to life then this just might be the perfect start to your research and development career. 

To ensure that all new Interns can benefit as effectively as possible during their time here, we offer an 11 month development opportunity called Campus to Corporate Training Program.

This Program is in place to prepare and support you by equipping you with the skills, knowledge and tools that assist you to succeed. 

This can be anything from Workshops on: Learning: Gain valuable industry and corporate knowledge. Grow: Expand your professional skills, discover your strengths and explore your future career opportunities. Connect: Foster valuable relationships with peers and industry professionals for your career growth.

About the role - you will:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research & Development Intern wishing to take on an 11-month placement in a high-tech industrial environment over the next academic year, commencing in on 31st August 2026 and finishing on 20th August 2027. The successful candidate will join our team based in Springtown.

You will:

•    You will be part of a team developing and characterising new materials to be included into new product designs for Heat Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) head technology. 
•    Be involved in the design and development of sub-micron scale optical and photonic components using FDTD modelling software for new product designs for HAMR head technology.
•    Support the set-up and development of new process blocks to integrate new designs into future HAMR builds.
•    Work with statistical packages such as JMP to analyse data, identify trends and to determine process sensitivities for new materials / process blocks.
•    Carry out literature research to identify new innovative processes /designs to integrate into HAMR heads.

About you:

•    You will currently be studying a Material Science/Physics / Maths related degree programme.
•    The successful candidate will have strong teamwork qualities as well as communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively in a cross functional team environment.

Your experience includes:

•    Currently undertaking a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Material Science/Physics / Maths

Completed applications should be submitted no later than midnight on Monday, 5th January 2026.

This is a Full-Time position working 39 hours per week, on-site working. The placement dates are: Starting on Monday, 31st August 2026 and finishing Friday, 20th August 2027

*Please note that you must be eligible to live and work in the UK. without the requirement to be sponsored by Seagate. This role does not meet the criteria set by the Home Office for sponsorship on a Skilled Worker Visa as such sponsorship of this visa cannot be offered.*

Please demonstrate on your Cover Letter or CV how you meet the criteria set out in the job description identified above. 

At Seagate we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. To see all vacancies that Seagate has available, please sign up - Register your interest in career updates with our Talent Network and to be considered for future opportunities.

Seagate Technology is committed to equal opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of sex, marital status, religious affiliation, age, disability or ethnic origin. The Company specifically welcomes applications from the protestant community who are currently underrepresented in this job category. All applications will be considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Location:

Springtown, Derry / Londonderry, Northern Ireland

Our Springtown site is Derry/Londonderry’s largest manufacturer, we’re proud that Seagate is a flexible and inclusive place to work. We have more than 1,400 employees spanning research and development, manufacturing, and many other functions.

Here at work, you can grab breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at our subsidized on-site cafe. 

Looking for an active break from your workday? We’ve got you covered. Take a group or individual exercise class during lunch or after work at our on-site gym.

Network with your colleagues through the Young Professionals Network, Women’s Leadership Group, the Carers Café (for caregivers of individuals with disabilities), Volunteer in the community with our support! Join our creative network, which includes a choir, foreign language classes and even a cookery class! 

Join our Employee Resource Groups (ERG), a voluntary, employee-led community built on a shared diversity identity and/or an appreciation of that identity, open to ALL current employees at Seagate! 

See list below of our Springtown Company Benefits for Interns:

•    Health – Statutory sick pay and medical leave, Occupational healthcare service, Employee assistance programmes, and On-site gym/ exercise classes / personal trainer.
•    Work Life Balance – Annual Leave & Bank Holidays,.
•    Finance – Pension – employer contributory scheme, Employee stock purchase plan, Competitive base pay, Pay for civil / jury duty, bereavement leave.
•    Career – Training and development opportunities, Learning & development programmes including Campus to Corporate.

Location: Springtown, United Kingdom
Travel: None