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Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Penn State University

R&D Engineer Intern

Reston, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

This internship will concentrate on researching and developing adversarial tactics, techniques, and ... Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges * Develop and optimize ...

VTG

Space Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$100K - $195K/yr

... R&D acquisition processes and documentation. * Experience with spacebased optical terminals ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related discipline and nine (9) years or more ...

New

Thorlabs

NPI Engineer I

Sterling, VA · On-site

$71K/yr

Teams include research, engineering (mechanics, optics, electronics, firmware, software), manufacturing, marketing and sales. Introduce new products into the market after project has been transferred ...

Thorlabs

NPI Engineer I

Sterling, VA · On-site

$71K/yr

Teams include research, engineering (mechanics, optics, electronics, firmware, software), manufacturing, marketing and sales. * Introduce new products into the market after project has been ...

Opto-Alignment Technology

Be Seen First

Applications Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

We are highly recognized as a quality developer and supplier of state-of-the-art optical systems ... Work with internal R&D and Operations team on solutions for new customer applications and help ...

Virginia Tech

Research Assistant

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

... and optical techniques to investigate the brain circuits that support cognitive function. They ... Programming skills, accurate record-keeping, and experience with data collection are required, as ...

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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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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

Cities in Virginia 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 Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

R&D Engineer Intern

Penn State University

Reston, VA • On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 619 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Cyberspace Operations Research Department Internship

We are searching for a motivated undergraduate student to join the Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This internship will concentrate on researching and developing adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to conduct system vulnerability assessments and enable security hardening support to various sponsors.

Typical focus areas include:

  • Research state-of-the-art techniques for vulnerability detection, system exploitation, and technical mitigations
  • Develop scripts and applications to automate processes
  • Design experiments and set up test environments
  • Conduct experiments and execute demonstrations
  • Testing of representative systems under simulated real-world conditions
  • Data collection, analysis, and reporting of experimental results
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges
  • Develop and optimize prototypes for critical applications
  • Research and document emerging technologies
  • Participate in technical presentations and discussions

Interest skills and experience areas include:

  • Familiarity with basic system vulnerability and exploitation concepts
  • Basic knowledge of engineering concepts and the scientific method
  • Basic proficiency in Linux-based environments
  • Proficiency in programming and scripting languages (C, Python, bash, PowerShell)
  • Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
  • Willingness to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and technologies

You will work up to 20 hours/week during the fall and spring semesters and have the opportunity to work up to 40 hours/week over the summer. This is a paid internship opportunity, and location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA, or Reston, VA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Relocation and housing are not provided.

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

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