1

Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Texas

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Optical Engineer to own optical testing and ... You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development and R&D teams, ensuring alignment ...

Head of Optical Technical Sales, NAM

Dallas, TX · On-site

$177.23 - $329.14/hr

... Engineering professionals to create the overall strategy, business pipeline, and develop ... Stay current on evolving technology evolution and engage with Optical R&D to evaluate applications ...

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development, R&D, and thermal teams to ensure ... Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development, R&D, and thermal teams to ensure ... Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

Lead Optical Engineer (Austin, TX)

Austin, TX · On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

You will collaborate closely with the Optical Product Development, R&D, and thermal teams to ensure ... Master's or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline ...

Eng Sr Prin - Optical

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical, Opto-mechanical and Laser ... early R&D, hardware engineering, and production environments. Additional duties will include ...

Showing results 21-40

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

ENGINEER - COMPUTER SCIENTIST - RESEARCH ENGINEER - Robotics Engineer

SWRI

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

  • Contribute to solving real-world challenges by building advanced capabilities, technologies, and solutions in the field of industrial robotics and automation.
  • Support software/controls development, perception, hardware integration, and testing on industrial robots and custom automation hardware.
  • Be part of a team with some of the brightest minds in industrial robotics.
  • Find new applications, industries, and clients for novel automation capabilities.
  • Activities will include work primarily at SwRI facilities/laboratories.
  • Meetings, as well as deployment efforts, may occur at commercial and government client facilities.
  • Visit https://robotics.swri.org to learn about some of the work we do.

  • Communicate effectively with internal team, external clients, and industry partners.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to develop technical solutions, and coordinate technical tasks with project managers and engineering staff.
  • Develop software and/or hardware solutions for robotic and automated systems.
  • Development tasks include: design, build, debug, and implementation at client facilities.
  • Coordinate individual performance goals and objectives set by the organization.
  • Assist in preparing proposals and cost estimates.
  • Interact with customers to promote new business and develop technical requirements for projects.
  • Special focus of motion planning, 3D perception/processing, industrial robotic manipulators, surface reconstruction, applied machine learning, and/or hardware design.

  • Requires a Bachelors, Masters or a PhD in Robotics, Mechatronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, or other robotics-related degree.
  • 0-5 years: BS candidates must have relevant academic research and/or internship experience. MS and PhD candidates must have completed graduate work related to robotics, machine learning, or mechatronics.
  • Experience with robotics, applied machine learning, perception, and/or hardware design through prior industry employment or an internship, co-op, student competition team, or graduate research is required.
  • Strong software skills; C++ or Python required; Robot Operating System (ROS) experience preferred.
  • Operational and/or research experience with software is required.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • A valid/clear driver's license is required.