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Internship Optical Engineer Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our ... lab coursework, internships, or personal builds--and the curiosity and persistence to keep ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our ... lab coursework, internships, or personal builds--and the curiosity and persistence to keep ...

Diffraqtion

Optical Engineer I

Somerville, MA · On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Optical Engineer I About Diffraqtion At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our ... lab coursework, internships, or personal builds--and the curiosity and persistence to keep ...

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ

$115K - $172K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous ... internship, or industry experience) * Familiarity with at least one optical simulation or design ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$131K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g.

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $169K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g.

Onto

Staff Optical Engineer

Budd Lake, NJ · On-site

$115K - $172K/yr

The Staff Optical Engineer will contribute to system development, testing, and continuous ... internship, or industry experience) * Familiarity with at least one optical simulation or design ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$120K - $170K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g.

SpaceX

Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and ... internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g.

SpaceX

Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and ... internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g.

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

Reading, MA · On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

Opportunity Overview As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will support the development of advanced ... or internships * Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment, measurement, and ...

Teradyne

Optical Systems Engineer

North Reading, MA · On-site

$111K - $178K/yr

Opportunity Overview As an Optical Systems Engineer, you will support the development of advanced ... or internships * Handson laboratory experience with optical alignment, measurement, and ...

Koch Industries

Optical Test Engineer

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$131K - $170K/yr

Your Role We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Test Engineer to join our Fiber Optic ... Internship, co-op, undergraduate research, or industry experience in optics or photonics. • ...

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How much do internship optical engineer entry level jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship optical engineer entry level in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an internship optical engineer entry level do?

An entry-level internship optical engineer assists in designing, testing, and analyzing optical systems like lenses, lasers, and fiber optics. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping with laboratory experiments, simulations, and data analysis. Typical tasks include building prototypes, running tests, documenting results, and supporting the development of new optical technologies. This internship is a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn about the practical applications of optics in industries such as telecommunications, imaging, and manufacturing.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an internship optical engineer entry level expect?

As an entry-level Optical Engineer intern, you can expect to work on a variety of hands-on projects such as assisting with optical system design, running simulations, assembling prototypes, and conducting laboratory experiments. Interns often collaborate closely with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to troubleshoot optical components and optimize performance. You’ll also likely participate in data analysis and documentation, gaining exposure to industry-standard tools and practices. These experiences help build a strong foundation for a career in optical engineering and provide valuable networking opportunities within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship optical engineer entry level?

To thrive as an Internship Optical Engineer at the entry level, you typically need a background in optical engineering or physics, with knowledge of optics fundamentals and laboratory techniques. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), MATLAB, and data analysis tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong teamwork and communication skills help interns stand out. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively supporting optical design projects, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with experienced engineers.

What cities are hiring for Internship Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs?

Cities with the most Internship Optical Engineer Entry Level job openings:

What states have the most Internship Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs?

States with the most job openings for Internship Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs include:

Internship Optical Engineer Entry Level jobs near you

Optical Engineer I

Diffraqtion

Somerville, MA • On-site

$140K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Optical Engineer I
About Diffraqtion 
At Diffraqtion, we are revolutionizing AI imaging using our proprietary breakthrough quantum technology. We are a DARPA, NASA, and VC-backed startup founded by MIT & Harvard scientists and veterans in AI, Optics, and Quantum Sensing. Inspired by the eye, we are building a Quantum Camera which replaces a conventional camera and processor. Calculating at the speed of light, we achieve orders of magnitude higher resolution, processing speed and energy efficiency for cameras. 
The Role 
We are seeking a Junior Optical Engineer to help build, align, and test the advanced optical systems at the heart of our Quantum Camera. This is a hands-on, bench-first role: you will spend most of your time in the lab—mounting and aligning optics, assembling prototypes, running experiments, taking measurements, and troubleshooting hardware that does not yet behave the way the model says it should. You will work side by side with senior optical engineers and with the algorithm/software team, learning to translate their results into real optical hardware. This is an early-career role with real ownership and real mentorship: you will start by executing well-defined experiments and grow into owning subsystems of a first-of-a-kind device that will be shot into Low Earth Orbit. 
The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in physics and optics fundamentals, genuine time logged at an optical bench—from research, lab coursework, internships, or personal builds—and the curiosity and persistence to keep debugging a setup that is not cooperating. We care more about your lab instincts, care with hardware, and appetite for learning than about the length of your résumé. Formal training on our design and simulation tools will be provided.
Note: This position requires U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligibility for authorization under U.S. export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).
Key Responsibilities 
  • Build, mount, and align free-space and fiber optical setups on the bench, working from procedures and with guidance from senior engineers. 
  • Assemble and integrate optical subsystems—handling, cleaning, and mounting precision optics and opto-mechanics. 
  • Run experiments and collect data using lab instrumentation such as beam profilers, power meters, cameras, spectrometers, and interferometers. 
  • Troubleshoot setups iteratively: isolate variables, find the root cause, and re-align and optimize until performance is met. 
  • Help develop and document repeatable alignment procedures, and iterate on simple optomechanical mounts and fixtures (3D-printed or machined). 
  • Support component selection and sourcing—request quotes, track lead times, and receive and inspect incoming optics. 
  • Reduce and analyze measurement data in MATLAB or Python, and compare results against optical models. 
  • Keep a rigorous lab notebook, write up test results clearly, and present findings to the team. 
  • Help build and run test setups for prototype qualification as hardware matures toward flight. 
Qualifications 
Required:
  • B.S. or M.S. in Optical Engineering, Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 
  • 1–2 years of hands-on optical lab experience—academic research, lab coursework, co-ops, and internships all count. 
  • Demonstrated bench experience aligning free-space optics (lasers, lenses, mirrors, beamsplitters) and/or working with fiber optics. 
  • Experience with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, detectors and power sources 
  • Working knowledge of optics fundamentals: imaging, diffraction, interference, polarization, and Gaussian beam propagation 
  • Comfort using MATLAB or Python for data analysis and basic modeling. 
  • Careful, organized, and safety-conscious lab habits, including laser safety awareness. 
  • Eagerness to be in the lab on-site in Somerville, MA—this is a hardware role, and the hardware lives here. 
  • Curiosity and persistence in troubleshooting—you want to know why the fringes disappeared. 
  • Excellent attention to detail and disciplined documentation habits. 
  • Eagerness to learn from senior engineers, ask questions early, and act on feedback. 
  • Ability to work independently on well-scoped tasks while collaborating across a small, cross-functional team. 
  • Clear technical communication—both written and verbal. 
Preferred: 
  • Coursework, research, or project experience with optical design and simulation software (e.g., Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, COMSOL, Lumerical). 
  • Exposure to CAD such as SolidWorks for optomechanical mounts and fixtures. 
  • Hands-on experience with telescopes, imaging optics (including folded optics), or camera systems. 
  • Familiarity with diffractive optics, spatial light modulators, adaptive optics, or interferometry. 
  • Experience coupling into and testing photonic integrated circuits. 
  • Familiarity with optical metrology methods, instrumentation, and measurement uncertainty. 
  • Practical shop skills: machining, 3D printing, soldering, or basic electronics. 
Benefits 
  • Competitive salary and equity options. 
  • Medical, dental and vision on 1st day. 
  • Company 401K match.
  • Direct, day-to-day mentorship from senior optical engineers and the founding team. 
  • A collaborative and innovative work environment with a clear path for technical growth. 
  • The chance to work on transformative technologies to be deployed in Space. 
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Diffraqtion is committed to cultivating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We highly value diversity in our current and future employees and do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.