ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Internship Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

... laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

... laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g. C ...

Optimax Systems Inc.

2026 Fall Internship

Ontario, NY · On-site

$31K - $72K/yr

... tests, laser power experiments, data analysis, supplier management, and more. Education ... Currently enrolled in optics, engineering, industrial design engineering, materials science ...

MOBY Robotics

Paid Robotics Internship

Miami, FL · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

We are looking for a Robotics Engineering Intern to help develop the AUV's core hardware systems ... machining, laser cutting, and basic workshop tools. * Integrate onboard sensors (IMU, depth ...

Rackner

Computer Science Internship

College Park, MD · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

... we are laser focused on end-to- end application development, DevSecOps, AI/ML and systems ... Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, Java, C++, or similar. * Familiarity with ...

Rackner

Computer Science Internship

College Park, MD

$19 - $25/hr

... we are laser focused on end-to- end application development, DevSecOps, AI/ML and systems ... Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, Java, C++, or similar. * Familiarity with ...

UNAVAILABLE

Applications Engineer

Delray Beach, FL

$95K - $169K/yr

We develop, manufacture, and distribute advanced nanomaching and laser-based photomask repair ... internship or graduate work in an engineering or applications position. Experience and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInternship Laser Engineer Jobs

Internship Laser Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do internship laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship laser engineer in the United States is $112,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,500.00 and $161,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can an Internship Laser Engineer expect to work on, and how do they typically collaborate with senior engineers?

As an Internship Laser Engineer, you can expect to be involved in hands-on projects such as assisting with laser alignment, conducting optical experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting the maintenance of laboratory equipment. Interns often work closely with senior engineers and scientists, receiving guidance on experimental methods and troubleshooting technical challenges. Collaboration occurs through regular team meetings, shared documentation, and mentorship, which helps interns quickly develop practical skills and understand industry standards. This supportive environment not only builds technical proficiency but also offers valuable networking and learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Internship Laser Engineer vs Laser Engineer?

AspectInternship Laser EngineerLaser Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of engineering or physics programBachelor's or higher in engineering, physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, entry-level tasksFull-time professional role, project-driven, technical responsibilities
Employer & IndustryResearch labs, universities, companies offering internshipsManufacturers, tech firms, research institutions in laser technology

The main difference is that an Internship Laser Engineer is a temporary, learning-focused position for students or recent graduates, while a Laser Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining laser systems. Internships provide hands-on experience, whereas Laser Engineers perform advanced technical work in the industry.

What does an Internship Laser Engineer do?

An Internship Laser Engineer assists experienced engineers in the research, development, testing, and maintenance of laser systems and related optical devices. Responsibilities often include running experiments, collecting and analyzing data, calibrating equipment, and documenting results. Interns may also help with assembling laser setups, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring lab safety standards are met. This role provides hands-on experience in both the theoretical and practical aspects of laser engineering, making it ideal for students pursuing careers in photonics or optical engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Laser Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Laser Engineer, you typically need a background in physics, optics, or engineering, along with foundational knowledge in laser principles and laboratory techniques. Familiarity with optical simulation software, laboratory measurement equipment, and safety protocols is often required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate with teams and learn quickly in a technical environment. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, safe laboratory practices, and professional growth within the field.
More about Internship Laser Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Laser Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Internship Laser Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Laser Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Laser Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Laser Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Laser Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Laser Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Laser Engineer jobs are:
Internship Laser Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Laser Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

2026 Fall Optical Terminals & Space Networking Internship

Ephemeris Net

Oakland, CA • On-site

$70K/yr

Temporary

Medical

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Ephemeris Net
We are extending the internet to space.
Ephemeris Net is a pre-seed space networking company on a mission to provide space connectivity for all through collaborative engineering of commercial space networking solutions. We are creating the infrastructure that will enable the space internet beyond bent pipe-starting with foundational networking infrastructure that will define how data moves through space.
We are supported by our parent incubator SOE, preparing to launch our first payload that will demonstrate a space-based router in Q1 2027. While our work will be incremental, we believe that now is the chance to build foundational infrastructure for how the internet will work in space within the next 5 years.
The role
We are looking for engineering interns to work directly on our two core products: optical terminals for space-based laser communications and the networking service that connects satellites into a space network.
By the end of this internship, you will have worked on something that either goes to space (if working on hardware or embedded firmware/software) or pushes forward the technical capability of our internal network and node simulation.
Your specific project will depend on your background and where Ephemeris Net's needs are sharpest when you start. We will match you to a project that is both meaningful to the company and a strong learning opportunity for you.
Example Projects
Upcoming intern projects include:
  • Design and implement optical transceiver FPGA firmware
  • Build a space network simulator
  • Design and fabricate test fixtures or mechanical subsystems for optical terminal prototypes or their test fixtures
  • Build high speed optoelectronic communication test equipment
  • Write embedded flight software

What You Will Learn
  • How optical terminals work: from photonics and beam steering to link acquisition and tracking
  • How space networking differs from terrestrial networking: delay, disruption, orbital dynamics, and protocol design
  • How to take a technical project from various start stages to end stages: from scoping through implementation to integration with a production system
  • How to interact with professionals as part of a small, focused engineering team that ships hardware and software for space

What We Are Looking For
Minimum Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to build things: personal projects, research, coursework, or prior internships where you wrote code, designed hardware, or ran experiments that produced tangible results
  • Strong fundamentals in at least one of: embedded systems and FPGA development, software engineering (C, C++, Python, or Rust), optical or mechanical design, electrical engineering, information theory, or networking and simulation
  • Ability to work on-site in El Segundo, CA or Oakland, CA for a minimum of 3 months, 3 days a week
  • Must be a US person (15 CFR § 772.1)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior experience with FPGA development (Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog)
  • Familiarity with optical systems, laser communications, or free-space optics
  • Experience with network simulation tools or protocol design
  • Exposure to space systems engineering, orbital mechanics, or flight software
  • Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX) or PCB design (Altium, KiCad)

How This Role Works
  • You will be assigned a mentor who works on the product area closest to your project. You will have regular check-ins and direct access to them for technical guidance.
  • Before you start, we will meet to understand your strengths and growth goals and come up with a project for you.
  • You are expected to scope your project, execute, and present your results to the team at the end of the internship.

What we offer
Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary: $70,400 annual salary, prorated for length of internship
  • Comprehensive health care coverage

Work Environment
  • On-site, 3 days a week minimum: you will work alongside the engineering team in the office and lab. Space hardware development requires hands-on presence.
  • Small team environment with direct access to founders and senior engineers
  • Your work will be on production systems, not a side project

The Opportunity
  • Build something that goes to space: If you work on hardware or embedded systems, your contribution will fly on orbit. If you work on networking, your simulation will inform the architecture of a constellation-scale network.
  • Work at the frontier of space networking: Ephemeris Net is building infrastructure that does not exist yet, which is rare for greenfield networking work.

Our Vision and Values
Ephemeris Net's vision is to enable an open, space internet that anyone can utilize and access.
We believe that access to better digital connectivity is essential for human progress and that space is the frontier of digital connectivity. We believe that collaboration within market competition is the most effective way to expand the internet into space. Using Ephemeris Net to build space network solutions is how we can proliferate digital connectivity, collaboration, and "the raising of all boats" while achieving a commercial impact.
We care deeply about:
  • Access to connectivity for all
  • Collaboration that raises all boats; we focus on win/win deals
  • Commercial impact: building solutions people value and buy
  • Personal growth and creating a place where people build their careers
  • Putting good out into the world through the work we do and our interactions with each other

We are building a company people feel great about working at. We are seeking people who are open and actively seeking growth - both technical and personal. We value honesty, creativity, and a culture of ownership.
About our locations
El Segundo, CA: Located in the heart of the aerospace industry, surrounded by SpaceX, Aerospace Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of space startups. A unique ecosystem where strangers on the street are excited about space.
Oakland, CA: Right off BART. Close collaboration opportunities with UC Berkeley and the broader Bay Area networking and space research communities.
Ephemeris Net is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Apply