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Internship Optical Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... research and engineering teams. Qualifications : Required : • Direct experience working with ... internships, or contributions to open-source projects. • First-authored publications on language ...

$150 - $230/hr

... advanced R&D with the engineering discipline required to transition technologies from early ... Mission The Head of Optical Systems will be responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of ...

About Elio Elio is building next-generation adaptive sensing systems that combine advanced optics ... About the role We're looking for an experienced AI Research Engineer to join our AI & Data Science ...

... R&D staff, Technical Services, Applications Engineering, and Operations personnel. Main ... Experience in using lab equipment such as polishing machine, optical microscope and SEM/EDS ...

Proven research and engineering experience with LLMs/VLMs, particularly in meta-learning or parameter-efficient adaptation, as evidenced by grants, fellowships, patents, internships, or contributions ...

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... This candidate should also be adept at building research platforms to study physiology and analyze ...

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... This candidate should also be adept at building research platforms to study physiology and analyze ...

The team is looking for a highly-motivated biomedical optics engineer interested in finding elegant ... Description You will be working with a team of research scientists and hardware engineers ...

$90 - $120/hr

We are seeking a hands-on Research Engineer/chemist in Pigment research to help developthe ... electro-optical performance. * Use characterization and device performance data to recommend ...

We are seeking a hands-on Research Engineer/chemist in Pigment research to help develop the ... electro-optical performance. * Use characterization and device performance data to recommend ...

We are seeking a hands-on Research Engineer/chemist in Pigment research to help develop the ... electro-optical performance. * Use characterization and device performance data to recommend ...

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Internship Optical Research Engineer information

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$2.1K

$6.4K

$7.8K

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

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

More about Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs

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:

What states have the most Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Internship Optical Research Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Internship Optical Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,274 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Research Engineer 1

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$3.9K - $5.5K/mo

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Engineer 1
Requisition ID
req27861
Working Title
Research Engineer 1
Position Grade
13
Position Summary
The Center for High Technology Materials (CHTM) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) invites applications for a team player to join CHTM's NanoFab Management as a Research Scientist 3. CHTM is an internationally recognized center of excellence managing ~$6M in federal awards per year, in addition to ~$2M in unrestricted funds for center and clean-room support. Join the team that supports exciting research that will shape our future defense, energy, technological, and information capabilities on a national scale while giving you a reasonably predictable schedule, a defined benefit retirement plan, and a generous paid time off package. On-the-job, informal, and formal training for industry- and grant management-related tasks will be provided for developmental purposes.
Under direct supervision, performs routine engineering research tasks requiring application of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform specific and limited portions of a broader assignment. Serves as CHTM's Laser Safety Officer, coordinating with UNM Environmental Health and Safety to ensure regular laser safety audits as required, and maintaining and repairing existing CHTM lasers in labs as needed. Maintain records of all lasers and utilities for NanoFab and Service center. Manage and maintain inventory of all chemicals utilized at CHTM. Handle NanoFab and service center user services via FOM. Assist Senior Engineer/Technician in repair of all NanoFab and service center equipment. Serve as advisor and mentor for NanoFab interns as well as facilitate pioneering experiments for CHTM researchers, while adhering to safety protocols. Oversee chemical waste management of CHTM. Help maintain safety protocols at the NanoFab and Service center. Assist in training all new NanoFab and Service center users. This includes comprehensive training and certification that are essential for all personnel working with lasers to ensure a thorough understanding of safety procedures. Maintain and train users on CHTM's 3-D printer.
For a fulldescription of CHTM and its activities, please visit http://www.chtm.unm.edu.
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a directly related field; at least 6 months of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years experience with class 3b and 4 lasers
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Physics or Chemistry or Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical/ Optical Sciences Engineering to advise and mentor UNM graduate students, undergraduates, and postdoctoral associates.
  • Comfortable in working in a team and in a research environment.
  • Have a working knowledge of Lab Safety Protocols.
  • Experience with handling chemicals and working onhigh voltage, high vacuum equipment

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Center for High Tech Materials CHTM (433A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
1/7/2026
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $3,955.47 - $5,555.33
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
12/15/2023
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
Please upload resume, cover letter, and official college transcript.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.

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