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Internship Optical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$90 - $130/hr

Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline * 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience in optics, photonics, laser technology (university lab, student project, or internship ...

Optical Engineer, Senior Staff

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$151K - $196K/yr

Your Team, Your Impact The Optics team builds highly integrated component platforms with high speed ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

Showing results 41-60

Internship Optical information

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$8

$15

$21

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 cities are hiring for Internship Optical jobs?

Cities with the most Internship Optical job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical jobs?

The most popular types of Optical jobs are:

What states have the most Internship Optical jobs?

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

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.

Manufacturing Engineer, Optical Fiber (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$110K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, OPTICAL FIBER (STARLINK)

At SpaceX we are deploying Starlink, the world's most advanced satellite constellation, to provide broadband internet access to the world. We design, build, and operate all parts of the system - from the hardware in customers' homes to the satellites on orbit. Our engineers are endlessly curious, love to learn and try out new things, and work collaboratively across disciplines in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a global scale.

As a Manufacturing Engineer for Optical Fiber, you will develop manufacturing and test processes for optical fiber assemblies. You will work closely with design teams, integration and test teams, and suppliers to bring products from NPI to high-volume manufacturing. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing manufacturing and test procedures with the intent of improving optical fiber reliability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage new product introduction and develop production processes for optical fiber assemblies
  • Design and implement development and production test procedures for optical fiber assemblies to improve reliability
  • Work with manufacturers and suppliers to implement process improvements to improve optical fiber reliability
  • Drive corrective actions and process improvements on owned processes and products
  • Lead investigation on non-conforming hardware to determine root cause and implement reliability improvements
  • Collaborate with design teams and provide design feedback to improve manufacturability and reliability
  • Identify trends and opportunities for optimizing product output, quality enhancements, and cost of manufacturability

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, or other engineering discipline
  • 1+ years of professional mechanical/electromechanical design, analysis, testing, and/or manufacturing (internships/co-ops and club projects can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Advanced technical degree
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience with manufacturing optical fiber assemblies
  • Hands-on experience with optical fiber testing (insertion loss, return loss, etc.)
  • Knowledge of various fiber technologies (single mode, multi-mode, polarization maintaining, etc.)
  • Knowledge of optical fiber harness manufacturing and processing techniques (splicing, cleaving, crimping, etc.)
  • High volume production experience (consumer goods, automotive, etc.)
  • Knowledge of various optical fiber classes and standards (OM3, OM4, graded index, etc.)
  • Experience with environmental testing of optical assemblies
  • Strong desire and ability to learn quickly, adapt and innovate
  • Knowledge of statistical analyses and statistical process control
  • Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
  • Ability to work both autonomously and as a team in a highly demanding, fast-paced environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Some travel to our launch sites may be required as needed, up to 10%
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:
Manufacturing Engineer/Level I: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00/per year
Manufacturing Engineer/Level II: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US