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Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Arizona

Arizona Optical Metrology LLC

Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... research, and industrial technologies that will shape humanity's future through optics. We are a ... Proficiency with programming languages Matlab, C, Java, and Python * Occasional customer site ...

Intel

Operations Research Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$128K - $211K/yr

Operations Research Engineers design, develop, and apply advanced engineering and mathematical ... and specialized internships in manufacturing or operations research environments. Job Type:

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$110K - $143K/yr

Build R&D breadboards, assemble prototypes, and test and characterize their performance to validate the optical and system design.Work with other optical engineers to integrate optical subsystems ...

Applied Energetics, Inc

Senior Optical Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$110K - $143K/yr

Build R&D breadboards, assemble prototypes, and test and characterize their performance to validate the optical and system design. * Work with other optical engineers to integrate optical subsystems ...

Solestial, Inc.

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ

As our Laser Process Engineer , you'll support the development, optimization, and scaling of laser ... optics, photonics, or laser-based materials processing through academic research, internships, or ...

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Internship Optical Research Engineer information

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Arizona?

For Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings:

Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Internship, 45% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Engineer, Fabrication

Tucson, AZ • On-site

University of Arizona
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Learn more about University of Arizonaexternal

$75K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Research Engineer, Fabrication
Posting Number
req26747
Department
James C Wyant Coll Optical Sci
Department Website Link
Wyant College of Optical Sciences
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Research Fabrication Engineer will lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of precision fabrication processes for mechanical and optical components used in research instrumentation and optical systems. This position will apply engineering principles to translate research requirements into manufacturable designs, develop CNC and diamond-turning fabrication strategies, design fixtures and tooling, establish process parameters, and evaluate part quality using dimensional and optical performance criteria. The Research Engineer will exercise independent technical judgment in troubleshooting fabrication challenges, improving process repeatability, documenting engineering workflows, and supporting the development of advanced optical fabrication capabilities for research programs.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining and diamond-turning processes for precision optical and opto-mechanical components. Responsibilities include determining fabrication strategies from research requirements, selecting tools and materials, defining machining parameters, developing process plans, evaluating tradeoffs among dimensional accuracy, surface quality, fabrication time, and repeatability, and implementing process improvements based on engineering analysis and experimental results.
  • Develop and review machining workflows, toolpaths, G-code, workholding approaches, tool offsets, and fabrication setups for CNC and diamond-turning equipment. Responsibilities include diagnosing fabrication errors, resolving toolpath or setup issues, modifying machining parameters, improving fixture and tooling approaches, and making engineering decisions needed to achieve required dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and repeatability.
  • Evaluate fabricated components using dimensional inspection, optical metrology, surface-quality assessment, and comparison to engineering drawings and research specifications. Responsibilities include analyzing fabrication results, documenting deviations and corrective actions, establishing repeatable inspection procedures, maintaining engineering records, and using measurement data to guide design and process improvements.
  • Collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff to define fabrication requirements, support prototype development, recommend design or process changes, and provide technical guidance on precision fabrication methods. The position may provide work direction, training, and technical oversight to students or staff using fabrication equipment, but the primary role is professional engineering and individual-contributor research support.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
  • At least 3 years of relevant experience in CNC machining, diamond turning, precision fabrication, opto-mechanical design, or related work.
  • This position requires hands-on work with CNC and diamond-turning equipment.

Preferred Qualifications
  • CAD modeling, preferably SolidWorks, and in developing or modifying machining workflows, G-code, tooling strategies, and process parameters.

    • FLSA
    Exempt
    Full Time/Part Time
    Full Time
    Number of Hours Worked per Week
    40
    Job FTE
    1.0
    Work Calendar
    Fiscal
    Job Category
    Research
    Benefits Eligible
    Yes - Full Benefits
    Rate of Pay
    $75,540 - $98,201
    Compensation Type
    salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
    Grade
    10
    Compensation Guidance
    The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
    The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
    Career Stream and Level
    PC2
    Job Family
    Research Engineering
    Job Function
    Research
    Type of criminal background check required:
    Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
    Number of Vacancies
    1
    Target Hire Date
    Expected End Date
    Contact Information for Candidates
    Rongguang Liang
    Professor
    rliang@optics.arizona.edu
    Open Date
    8/7/2026
    Open Until Filled
    Yes
    Documents Needed to Apply
    Resume and Cover Letter
    Special Instructions to Applicant
    Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
    In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
    Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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