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Internship Laser Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IPG Photonics

Manufacturing Engineer

Oxford, MA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Previously completed internship preferred #ZR IND123

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 ...

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 ...

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Internship Laser Engineer information

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$40.5K

$112.1K

$188K

How much do internship laser engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,096 per year, or $53.9 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer, Laser Mesh Routing (Starlink)

Embedded Software Engineer, Laser Mesh Routing (Starlink)

SpaceX

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$155K - $185K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEER, LASER MESH ROUTING (STARLINK)
At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. All Starlink satellites have laser terminals to connect with other Starlink satellites, creating a large laser mesh network in orbit. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for the world's best engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.
As a Beam Planning Software and Network Software Engineer on the Starlink program, you will be solving challenges that improve our ability to fully utilize the hardware we have deployed. Our goal is to provide customers with the best possible satellite internet experience, often providing under-served communities with affordable, life-changing broadband internet access.
Our software engineers are responsible for the complete lifecycle of the software they create, including development, testing, and support. We expect our engineers to close the feedback loop between software design and real-world performance. In this role, your software will have a meaningful and measurable impact on the world.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop highly reliable, real-time software that determines which beams (user, laser, gateway, etc) should be formed in order to provide the best possible user experience for our low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite-based global network.
  • Participate in and lead architecture, design, and code reviews.
  • Develop prototypes and manage experiments to prove out key design concepts.
  • Develop tools for software development and deployment, data analysis and visualization, and test execution across multiple environments, including virtualized hardware environments, real hardware-in-the-loop simulations, and on-orbit testing.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development in lieu of a degree (internship experience is applicable).
  • Development experience in assembly, C, or C++.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Knowledgeable in real-time rendering, game engine development, physics simulation, or other real-time, resource-constrained, high-performance computing.
  • Knowledgeable in network topology, numerical optimization techniques, graph theoretic approaches, or convex optimization.
  • Developed, debugged, and deployed software that has been used in real world applications/projects.
  • Creative approach to problem solving, exceptional analytical skills, and engineering fundamentals.
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs and requirements.
  • Experience with distributed systems and internet services.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay range:
Level I: $135,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year
Level II: $155,000.00 - $185,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k)-retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
    Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to

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