1

Internship Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Austin, TX

Optical Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes ... Temporary Employees & Interns excluded

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable ... Hands‑on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship ...

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable ... Hands-on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship, or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Internship Optical Engineer Intern information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10

$19

$29

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship optical engineer intern in Austin, TX is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $20.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectInternship Optical Engineer InternOptical Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of optical engineering, physics, or related programBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in R&D labs or manufacturing facilitiesFull-time professional setting, including design, testing, and development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by companies offering entry-level or training roles in opticsEstablished role in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics

The Internship Optical Engineer Intern is a temporary, entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience. In contrast, an Optical Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing, testing, and implementing optical systems. The internship provides foundational exposure, while the optical engineer role involves advanced responsibilities and career development.

What are popular job titles related to Internship Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX?

For Internship Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Internship Optical Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Internship Optical Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Optical Engineer Intern job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, 36% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,821 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Optical Engineer

Neuralink

Austin, TX • On-site

$86K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

About Neuralink:
We are creating devices that enable a bi-directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.
Team Description:
The Robot Optics Team is seeking Optical Engineers passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, which includes working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.
Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes.
Job Description and Responsibilities:
As an Optical Engineer at Neuralink, you will develop custom optics and imaging systems used directly in our surgical robot and associated consumables-manufacturing systems. These systems impact everything from sub-micron conventional imaging and laser scanning imaging to non-imaging optical power delivery. You will have the opportunity to work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers on the Robotics Team and collaborate with neuroscientists and biologists in the rest of the company. You will be responsible for designs from conception through to implementation as well as prototyping and building these optical systems quickly with the rest of the team. Other job responsibilities will include:
  • Designing and simulating optical imaging systems
  • Testing, verification, and maintenance of robot vision systems
  • Designing and developing custom laser interferometry systems and manufacturing systems
  • Testing and verification of optics consumables
  • Building and testing of beam-scanning instruments
  • Developing image acquisition and processing software
  • Researching and developing new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries
  • Preparing relevant documentation and SOPs for robot optics

Required Qualifications:
  • Evidence of exceptional ability in optical engineering or a related field
  • Bachelor of Science or higher-level degree in Physics, Optical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 3+ years of optical engineering experience
  • 2+ years of experience simulating and designing optics in Zemax or equivalent software
  • Practical experience in designing, testing, and reliability hardening optical systems
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in designing and testing of in-vivo imaging systems
  • Experience in handling high power laser instruments
  • Basic understanding in laser interferometry or optical coherence tomography
  • Hands-on experience in fabricating, terminating, and splicing optical fibers
  • Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing

Expected Compensation:
The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees' success with the company's long-term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full-time employees.
Base Salary Range:
$86,000-$143,000 USD
What We Offer:
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.
  • An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
  • Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
  • Paid holidays
  • Commuter benefits
  • Meals provided
  • Equity (RSUs) *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • 401(k) plan *Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
  • Parental leave *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
  • Flexible time off *Temporary Employees & Interns excluded