CSA Catapult

As the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation, we work with start-ups, SMEs, large organisations and academia to de-risk commercialisation, eliminate barriers to market and accelerate compound semiconductor technologies. CSA Catapult

Our Scholarships

Placement Location

Newport (Wales) or Bristol*

Type of Placements Offered

• 12-month placements only

Restrictions/Notes

(1) Requires 12-month placement for 2025/26; (2) Students must be in the penultimate year of their degree; (3) Candidates must specify which position they are interested in; (4) No first year students; (5) For the Bristol position, own transport is required (location is remote and travel to Newport will be necessary)

2024/25 Scholarships

Multiple new scholarships available. These placements will be in specific technology areas at CSA Catapult’s offices. Therefore, please ensure you specify which job/s you are applying for in your application:

 

 

Who we are and what we do

 

Compound semiconductors are at the heart of next generation technology. At the moment, 80% of the world’s semiconductors use silicon – it’s a reliable, single element which can be found in sand and manufactured cheaply. However, the remaining 20% use a compound made up of 2 or more elements – some of the more common compound semiconductors include: gallium-arsenide (GaAs), gallium-nitride (GaN), silicon carbide (SiC), indium-phosphide (InP) and even aluminium-gallium-indium-phosphide (AlGaInP).

Compound semiconductors are lighter, smaller and outperform silicon in three main ways – power, speed and light. These properties are particularly beneficial for cutting edge applications, including electric vehicles, 5G communications and the Internet of Things. As a compound, it’s more complex and can be more expensive to manufacture. Nonetheless, this technology has the potential to revolutionise modern electronics in the same way that silicon did 50 years ago.

The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult has been funded by UK government to maximise this technology’s potential, and boost the UK economy by applying compound semiconductors to new products and markets. Our year-old Innovation Centre hosts cutting edge equipment and laboratories, and you would have the opportunity to work with our team of experts in this innovative, exciting environment.

We’re a not-for-profit organisation, and we’re surrounded by a cluster of other companies in South Wales who already use compound semiconductor technology.

What you could be doing during your work placement

We want our Scholars to be an integral part of our organisation, so you’ll be getting stuck into real-life projects to challenge and stimulate with our team. You’ll be problem solving, working with our engineers and customers to find ways in which compound semiconductor technology can reduce our carbon emissions, develop our communication capability or improve our intelligent sensing.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, so you’ll get plenty of support and development during your work placement. As well as training and mentoring, we’ll link you up with our partners so that you can get a glimpse into what they do too. We work in an inclusive way, and our engineers come from all backgrounds and walks of life. Having that diversity of thought helps us to be the best at what we do, and approach problems from lots of different angles.

Meet one of our Scholars

Name: Daisy

Sponsor: CSA Catapult

University: University of Manchester

Degree Course: BEng Mechatronic Engineering

What appeals to you about Electronics?

Electronics is a forever changing field, the development within it is always supporting advancements within technology. Understanding the theory behind electronics can be challenging but also extremely rewarding, combining both practical and software elements together gives plenty of freedom to develop skills in many areas.

Why did you want a scholarship with CSA Catapult?

CSA Catapult interested me with its individuality. Particularly the Advanced Packaging (AP) team was something different to what I had been doing at university and offered a unique experience for me. Joining the AP team allowed for a development in a variety of skills ranging from practical skills within the clean room and Computer Aided Design skills with software such as SolidWorks.  Additionally, CSA Catapult has teams with different specialities such as Photonics and Power Electronics, which meant that I could broaden my knowledge and experience across the spectrum.

My placement and its value

My placement has provided me with incredible opportunities to work with extremely experienced engineers on real life projects. I have gained experience on many pieces of equipment within the packaging lab whilst working on these projects.  Additional to gaining new practical skills, I also had the opportunity to develop design-based skills through completing training on design and simulation software’s such as SolidWorks and COMSOL. Working in a team and training within the field of engineering helped to develop fundamental soft skills that are vital within any career.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love attending the gym regularly, constantly pushing myself to achieve new goals.  I am hoping at some point to take part in a fitness event called Hyrox with my sister, this will put my fitness to the test. I also love to travel and see new places around the world and experience new cultures, I have been able to do this a lot through my placement with the freedom of having annual leave. Additionally, I love to spend time with friends and family.

Meet one of our Engineers

Name: Feroz

Job Title: Packaging Thermal Design Engineer

Why did you choose a career in STEM?

I’ve always been a problem solver, constantly researching what I don’t understand and taking things apart to rebuild them. Bringing ideas to fruition made engineering the perfect “catch-all, learn everything” degree for me, leading to further specialisation with an MSc in thermal engineering. Careers in STEM offer the chance to make a tangible difference in the world, which is what drives my passion.

What attracted you to CSA Catapult?

The synergy of engineering, research, and science. There is immense potential to make positive societal impact through technological and scientific advancements. CSAC offers continuous learning and growth, while keeping my passion alive and contributions meaningful.

What does an average day look like at work?

An average day at work varies a lot. I might spend time behind a computer working on CAD designs or thermo-mechanical simulations, while other days are dedicated to the lab, optimizing processes or working on new prototypes. Occasionally, I’m focused on reading papers to stay updated with the latest advancements.

When not in work, what do you like to get up to?

When I’m not working, I’m generally outdoors. I’m an avid rock climber and moved to Wales specifically for better access to crags. I enjoy all climbing disciplines—trad, lead, bouldering—along with beach swims with my partner, even on chilly days.