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Internship Optical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neurophos

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

Hands‑on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship, or professional experience are all relevant. * Experience with free‑space optical alignment ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and ... internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g.

Neurophos Inc

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Hands-on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship, or professional experience are all relevant. * Experience with free-space optical alignment involving ...

SpaceX

Optical Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

OPTICAL ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK) The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and ... internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming language (e.g.

Marvell

Senior Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

Marvell

Staff Optical Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

Optical communication is ubiquitous in these networks worldwide, both in long and short reaches ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

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How much do internship optical jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship optical in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an internship optical?

Internship optical positions are temporary roles, often for students or recent graduates, that provide hands-on experience in the field of optics or optical engineering. Interns may work with optical instruments, assist in laboratory experiments, or support research and development projects related to lenses, lasers, fiber optics, or imaging systems. These internships help participants gain practical skills and industry knowledge, which can be valuable for pursuing a career in optics or related fields.

What do optical interns do?

As an Optical Intern, you can expect to assist with tasks such as optical component testing, data analysis, and supporting the design and assembly of optical systems. You'll likely work closely with experienced optical engineers and researchers, contributing to both hands-on laboratory experiments and simulation work. This role typically involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as electronics or mechanical engineering, and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress. These experiences provide valuable exposure to real-world optical engineering challenges and can help you build practical skills for future roles.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an optical intern?

To thrive as an Optical Intern, you need a foundational understanding of optics, basic laboratory techniques, and relevant coursework in physics or engineering. Familiarity with optical instruments, data analysis software, and possibly CAD design tools is often required. Attention to detail, eagerness to learn, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills that help you excel in this role. These abilities are essential for contributing to research or industry projects, ensuring precise work, and building a strong foundation for a career in optics.

What is the difference between Internship Optical vs Optical Technician?

AspectInternship OpticalOptical Technician
Required CredentialsTypically no formal certification; focus on training and educationHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, optical stores, or labs during trainingOptical labs, retail stores, or healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs in optical industry or educational institutionsOptical retail chains, labs, or healthcare providers
Common Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level opportunities in opticsUnderstanding technician roles in optical industry

Internship Optical provides hands-on training and educational experience in the optical field, often without requiring formal certification. In contrast, Optical Technicians are trained professionals who perform technical tasks in labs or retail settings, often with specific certifications or qualifications. Internships serve as a stepping stone into the industry, while technician roles involve more responsibility and technical expertise.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs?

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What states have the most Internship Optical jobs?

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Internship Optical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Optical job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 56% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Principal Optical Engineer - 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.
You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary seeker engineering team responsible for optical design, analysis, integration, and test of development and flight hardware. The role is centered on optical engineering for imaging and sensing systems (visible through LWIR), with an emphasis on how opto-mechanical design and environments drive optical performance.
Responsibilities
  • Contribute to the design and analysis of optical systems for imaging and sensing applications (e.g., refractive/reflective optics, relay optics, athermalized systems, objective lenses).
  • Perform optical performance analyses (e.g., wavefront error, MTF, line-of-sight (LOS) stability, boresight, sensitivity, and tolerancing) across expected environmental and operational conditions.
  • Develop and maintain optical error budgets, including contributions from alignment, manufacturing tolerances, thermal and structural effects, and line-of-sight stability.
  • Perform Structurally Induced Line of Sight (SILOS) analysis in collaboration with structural and thermal analysts to ensure optical performance is maintained through the full mission profile.
  • Define optical requirements and allocate tolerances at the system, subsystem, and component levels; flow requirements to optomechanical design and manufacturing.
  • Collaborate closely with opto-mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure that optical designs are realizable, producible, and testable.
  • Guide and review the development of optomechanical designs (mounts, cells, structures) that support optical alignment, stability, and environmental robustness.
  • Develop and review parametric 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and associated documentation that fully capture opto-mechanical requirements and constraints.
  • Support and sometimes lead laboratory and environmental test activities, including optical alignment, calibration, performance verification, and correlation of analysis to test (vibration, thermal, shock, etc.).
  • Participate in design reviews (internal and customer), presenting optical design concepts, analyses, error budgets, and test results to stakeholders.
  • Assist with troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and design updates for prototype and production hardware when optical performance issues are identified.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 3 years of experience; or a PhD and 1 year of experience.
  • Active U.S. Government - Secret security clearance at time of application.
  • Demonstrated experience with optical systems used in imaging, sensing, or seeker applications (may include internships, projects, or early-career roles).
  • Experience with optical performance analysis and an understanding of how structural and thermal environments affect imaging quality and line of sight (e.g., STOP/SILOS concepts).
  • Proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g., ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or equivalent) for design, analysis, and tolerancing.
  • Experience with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CREO, NX, SolidWorks) to interface effectively with opto-mechanical designs; ANSYS Mechanical experience preferred.
  • Experience with optical imaging systems in one or more spectral bands (e.g., visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR).
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills for complex optical/optomechanical challenges in a project environment.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to generate clear documentation and present optical design/analysis results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on optical systems.
  • Previous experience with DoD missile defense or seeker programs, including familiarity with performance verification frameworks, environmental qualification, and flight test correlation.
  • Hands-on experience with STOP and SILOS modeling workflows and integration of structural/thermal results with optical design tools.
  • Experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or other high-reliability, environmentally challenging electro-optical applications.
  • Previous experience or knowledge of DoD missile defense programs and associated standards.
  • Deep experience with EO systems, including optical design, analysis and tolerancing, stray-light control, error budgets, radiometric budgets, opto-mechanical design, and focal plane technologies.
  • Proficiency with optical design tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, and mechanical/optomechanical CAD tools such as NX and SolidWorks.
  • Experience planning and executing optical and environmental test campaigns and correlating measured optical performance to predictive analyses.

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,200.00 - $162,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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