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Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3M

Optical Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Optical Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

3M

Optical Research Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Optical Research Engineer Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally ...

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

Avride

Research Engineer Internship

Austin, TX

About the Internship At Avride, Research Engineer Interns operate at the intersection of cutting-edge academic research and real-world engineering. You will use our massive datasets of real driving ...

Avride

Research Engineer Internship

Austin, TX · On-site

About the Internship At Avride, Research Engineer Interns operate at the intersection of cutting-edge academic research and real-world engineering. You will use our massive datasets of real driving ...

Vanderbilt University

Research Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

This is a Full-time research staff position. Initial appointment length is flexible and may be ... Build, test, debug, and maintain wearable optical/electronic neuroimaging hardware. * Support ...

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 ...

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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 Jun 7, 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,274 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Optical Research Engineer

Optical Research Engineer

3M

Austin, TX • On-site

$124K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted yesterday

3M rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 232 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Optical Research Engineer
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a(n) Optical Research Engineer you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Being part of a team of optical scientists supporting fiber optic interconnect product development at 3M.
  • Be part of an exciting new project for 3M's Interconnect Portfolio
  • Supervising, training, and guiding a small team of technicians to complete requested tests.
  • Establishing intellectual property for 3M, analyzing competitor technology and developing I.P. strategies.
  • Establishing test plans and methods, preparing samples, conducting
    tests, analyzing data, and completing test reports.
  • Collaborating with local and division manufacturing teams on division/value stream level projects focused on improving manufacturing operations
  • Managing laboratory facilities and equipment including repairs, upgrades, and procurement of new test equipment.
  • Interfacing with a global team and contributing to new product development and support of existing platforms
  • Ensuring technical claims in 3M published literature are accurate and supported by test data

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Three (3) years of optical design experience in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Master's degree in optical science or engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics from an accredited institution
  • Five (5) years of optical design experience in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Five (5) years of experience working in the area of fiber optics for communications system
  • Familiarity with data center systems architecture and networking
  • Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
  • Ten (10) years of previous technical experience with demonstrated strength in engineering/technical skills in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Experience and knowledge with a variety of laboratory test equipment.
  • Mechanical aptitude with designing and building fixtures.
  • Experience interpreting industry standards, product qualification testing, fiber optic, and electrical components.
  • Experience providing work direction to others.
  • Communication skills (oral, written and presentation).

Work location:
  • Work location: This role follows an on-site working model, requiring the employee to work at least four days a week at the 3M Center in Maplewood, MN.
  • Travel: May include up to 10% domestic/international
  • Relocation: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $124,127 - $151,710, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
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