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Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Research Engineer III

Bryan, TX · On-site

ElectroMagnetics and Optics (ALLEMO), and National Aerothermochemistry and Hypersonics Laboratory ... research or engineering techniques and procedures of interest to the Department of Defense or ...

Quantinuum

Optical R&D Manager - 818

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

Personnel Manager for a team of engineers and scientists whose charter is to conceptualize and ... Guide and coordinate optical R&D efforts from concept to production release for multi-year projects

3M

Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and ... Being a part of a research team for 3M's optical connector portfolio * Guiding small teams of ...

3M

Research Engineer

Maplewood, MN

$98K - $120K/yr

Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and ... Being a part of a research team for 3M's optical connector portfolio * Guiding small teams of ...

SSAB

Research Engineer

Montpelier, IA · On-site

Perform inclusion analyses using optical microscope and SEM/EDS to help develop optimal practices ... Required: * MSc. in Metallurgical Engineering or related discipline * At least two years of ...

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Internship Optical Research Engineer information

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How much do internship optical research engineer jobs pay per month?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average monthly pay for internship optical research engineer in the United States is $6,439.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,416.67 and $7,666.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Internship Optical Research Engineer vs Optical Research Scientist?

AspectInternship Optical Research EngineerOptical Research Scientist
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a relevant degree (BSc, MSc)Advanced degree (MSc, PhD) often required
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, research labs, industry settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, industry R&D
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in experiments, data collection, supporting research projectsDesigning experiments, analyzing data, publishing research

The main difference is that an Internship Optical Research Engineer is an entry-level, temporary position aimed at gaining experience, while an Optical Research Scientist is a more advanced, often permanent role focused on conducting independent research and contributing to scientific knowledge.

What types of projects can an Internship Optical Research Engineer expect to work on, and how is mentorship typically structured?

As an Internship Optical Research Engineer, you will likely support ongoing research and development projects involving optical systems, such as laser design, imaging, or sensor technology. Interns often assist with optical simulations, data analysis, prototyping, and laboratory experiments. Mentorship is typically provided by senior engineers or scientists who guide your technical growth through regular check-ins, collaborative problem-solving, and feedback on your work. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and exposure to real-world optical engineering challenges within a collaborative team environment.

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

To thrive as an Internship Optical Research Engineer, you typically need a solid background in physics or engineering, with coursework or experience in optics and photonics. Familiarity with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is often expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set candidates apart in this field. These skills are crucial for accurately designing, testing, and reporting on optical systems and for collaborating within research teams.

What does an Internship Optical Research Engineer do?

An Internship Optical Research Engineer assists in the development and testing of optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work under the guidance of senior engineers and researchers to conduct experiments, analyze data, and help improve optical technologies. Interns in this role often use specialized software, perform laboratory work, and contribute to research documentation. This position provides valuable hands-on experience in the field of optics and prepares students for careers in optical engineering or related industries.
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What cities are hiring for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Research Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Optical Research Engineer jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs are:
Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 72% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,274 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD)

Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD)

Meta

Redmond, WA

Internship

Posted 22 days ago

Meta rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 202 rated software companies

Job description

Meta Reality Labs brings together a team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality, which together will become as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. And just as personal computers have done over the past 45 years, AR and VR will ultimately change everything about how we work, play, and connect. We are developing all the technologies needed to enable breakthrough AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction, eye/hand/face/body tracking, perception science, and true telepresence. Some of those will advance much faster than others, but they all need to happen to enable AR and VR that are so compelling that they become an integral part of our lives.Our internships are twelve (12) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.
Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD) Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners including communicating research plans, progress, and results
  • Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development
  • Develop next generation AR/VR displays with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts
  • Collaborate with larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR/VR devices
  • Explore the application of at least one of the following: geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, illumination, optical system design
  • This position will have an emphasis of advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Opto-Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Imaging or relevant technical field
  • Must obtain work authorization in country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
  • Experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: geometry optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping
  • Experience with lens design in optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V or similar
  • Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica)
  • Intent to return to degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in freeform optics
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as JOSA, SPIE, OSA, IEEE, CLEO, or similar
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies
  • Experience in system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of bench-top optical components
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
  • Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$7,313/month to $12,134/month + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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