1

Intern Optical Network Engineer Jobs in Boston, MA

2026 Summer Intern

Natick, MA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 Location: Natick, MA About Busek: Busek Co. Inc. is a pioneer in ... Opportunities to network with professionals in the aerospace industry. How to Apply: Interested ...

2026 Summer Intern

Natick, MA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Engineering Intern - Summer 2026 Location: Natick, MA About Busek: Busek Co. Inc. is a pioneer in ... Opportunities to network with professionals in the aerospace industry. How to Apply: Interested ...

Tech Adv - Installation

Wakefield, MA · On-site

$22 - $29/hr

... that are engineered to last. Job Summary Responsible for installation and repair of ... certify optical network performance. * Analyze OTDR traces to pinpoint fiber faults, splices ...

New

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Optical network layout for below: * Rocknet * Process control system * Room schedule (together with the Mechanical Engineer, responsible for gathering input from project engineers) * Specifying the ...

... quantum networking. Our mission is to build scalable, field-deployable quantum networks through ... PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)

... quantum networking. Our mission is to build scalable, field-deployable quantum networks through ... PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)

Showing results 21-40

Intern Optical Network Engineer information

See Boston, MA salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do intern optical network engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern optical network engineer in Boston, MA is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $31.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an intern optical network engineer do?

An Intern Optical Network Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining optical communication networks that transmit data using light signals over fiber optics. Their responsibilities often include supporting senior engineers with network testing, troubleshooting, and documentation, as well as learning about industry standards and emerging technologies. Interns may also help with network upgrades, equipment configuration, and performance monitoring to ensure reliable, high-speed data transmission. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world networking challenges in telecommunications and IT environments.

What types of projects and tasks can an intern optical network engineer expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern Optical Network Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects, such as assisting with the setup, configuration, and testing of optical networking equipment. You may help analyze network performance, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and document network topologies under the guidance of senior engineers. Interns often participate in cross-functional team meetings and may contribute to ongoing research or pilot projects focused on network optimization. This exposure provides a valuable opportunity to apply your technical knowledge in real-world scenarios while learning industry best practices from experienced professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern optical network engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern Optical Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of optical communication principles, basic networking concepts, and typically be pursuing or hold a degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, or a related field. Familiarity with optical networking equipment (like DWDM, OTN), network simulation tools, and exposure to industry standards such as ITU-T or IEEE are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help you excel in team environments and adapt to complex projects. These skills ensure you can support network design, troubleshooting, and implementation tasks while growing into more advanced engineering roles.

What is the difference between Intern Optical Network Engineer vs Intern Network Engineer?

AspectIntern Optical Network EngineerIntern Network Engineer
Required CertificationsBasic knowledge of optical networking, certifications like CCNA or CCNP preferredNetworking fundamentals, CCNA often preferred
Work EnvironmentOptical fiber labs, telecommunications companies, network service providersIT departments, data centers, enterprise networks
Industry UsageTelecommunications, internet service providers, optical fiber companiesIT, corporate, and enterprise sectors

Intern Optical Network Engineers focus on optical fiber and light-based communication systems, while Intern Network Engineers work with broader network infrastructure. Both roles require foundational networking knowledge, but the optical role emphasizes fiber optics technology. Understanding these differences helps candidates choose the right internship based on their interests and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Optical Network Engineer jobs in Boston, MA are:

Quantum and Optical Communications-Assistant Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Optical and Quantum Communication Group develops impactful quantum and classical technologies and system prototypes for use in a wide range of challenging applications in terrestrial, space and underwater environments.  Primary areas of research include the development of novel entangled-photon source technologies and quantum memory systems; novel quantum link architectures; sensitive single-photon receivers; novel modulation and coding approaches; multi-format laser-comm modems; robust and compact free-space optical beam directors; and precision beam pointing, link acquisition and tracking systems. The group is leveraging these technologies for use in prototype systems that are deployed in the field to inform next-generation quantum and classical optical system capabilities.  Examples of near-term field tests include terabit-per-second direct-to-Earth small-satellite constellations, near-Earth wideband relay laser communication terminal hardware for space and ground terminal use, and next-generation beam-director prototypes that are inherently scalable to deep-space optical comm systems, and quantum state transfer across a regional quantum network testbed.

Position Description

The group is seeking a full time Assistant Staff member to contribute to research and development activities for quantum networking and free-space optical communications technologies and systems. Examples of current technology development activities include on-demand entangled photon-sources, single-photon detector arrays, parametric nonlinear optical devices, quantum memory and synchronization subsystems, adaptive optics systems, and optical modem technologies.

The primary goal for the candidate upon joining the group will be to support integration and testing of these technologies in a laboratory environment and in laboratory and fielded testbeds. This work will include significant interactions with other staff working in the group. We anticipate that the candidate will also support additional ongoing efforts in the group including quantum technology development and free-space laser communication terminal development and testing. 

Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or Physics with experience or coursework in nonlinear optics and/or quantum mechanics

Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200 - $120,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200 - $150,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 42888Â