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Optical Engineer Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advantest

Optical Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA

We are seeking an Optical Engineering intern to lead the optical validation of our automated mating system for optical connectors used for Silicon Photonic (SiPh) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) devices.

Advantest

Optical Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are seeking an Optical Engineering intern to lead the optical validation of our automated mating system for optical connectors used for Silicon Photonic (SiPh) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) devices.

Neuralink

Robot Optics Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35/hr

We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, including working on ... As a Robot Optics Intern at Neuralink, you will build, characterize, and calibrate optical and ...

Neuralink

Robot Optics Intern

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35/hr

We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, including working on ... As a Robot Optics Intern at Neuralink, you will build, characterize, and calibrate optical and ...

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How much do optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineer intern in the United States is $25.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $28.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optical Engineer Intern position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer Intern, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, generally demonstrated through coursework or laboratory experience in optical engineering or related fields. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD programs, and laboratory instrumentation is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively make candidates stand out. These skills enable interns to contribute meaningfully to technical projects, accurately perform experiments, and smoothly integrate with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What kinds of projects or tasks do Optical Engineer Interns typically work on during their internship?

Optical Engineer Interns often contribute to a variety of projects, such as assisting in the design and optimization of optical systems, supporting laboratory experiments, analyzing test data, and building prototypes for product development. Interns may work closely with senior engineers to develop optical models or perform simulations, and may also be involved in troubleshooting system issues or improving manufacturing processes. The work is typically hands-on and collaborative, offering frequent opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and to gain real-world experience in the field. This exposure provides interns with valuable technical skills and insight into the daily responsibilities of an optical engineer.

What does an Optical Engineer Intern do?

An Optical Engineer Intern assists in designing, testing, and optimizing optical systems, such as lenses, lasers, and imaging devices. They work under experienced engineers to conduct experiments, analyze data, and develop prototypes. Their responsibilities may also include running simulations, troubleshooting optical components, and documenting findings. This role provides hands-on experience in optics and photonics, crucial for careers in research, manufacturing, and product development.

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Optical Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,867 per year, or $25.4 per hour.
Optical Engineering Intern

Optical Engineering Intern

Advantest

San Jose, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an Optical Engineering intern to lead the optical validation of our automated mating system for optical connectors used for Silicon Photonic (SiPh) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) devices. While the mechanical team builds the motion system, your role is to define, measure, and optimize the optical coupling efficiencyand signal integrityduring the automated test cycle.

You will be the bridge between the physical connector and the light path, ensuring that automated mating achieves the performance required for next-generation data center interconnects.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Optical Characterization:Quantify Insertion Loss (IL), Return Loss (RL), and Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) across the automated mating cycle.
  • Coupling Optimization:Develop and refine "Active Alignment" algorithms-determining how the system should "search" for the peak optical signal once a coarse mate is achieved.
  • Fiber End-Face Analysis:Use automated interferometers and digital scopes to characterize the impact of "mating dust" and surface scratches on optical performance.
  • Beam Profiling:Analyze the mode-field diameter (MFD) and beam divergence at the connector interface to determine sensitivity to Z-gap and angular tilt.
  • Signal Stability Testing:Monitor optical power stability over time to identify "micro-fretting" or mechanical drift caused by the automation hardware.
  • Failure Mapping: Create a "Failure Catalog" documenting the mechanical and optical thresholds where the system performance degrades (e.g., insertion loss spikes or physical material wear).

  • Critical Skills & Requirements

    • Fiber Optics Fundamentals:Deep understanding of single-mode fiber (SMF) theory, including evanescent fields, NA (Numerical Aperture), and dB/dBm calculations.
    • Optical Lab Tooling:Proficiency with Power Meters, Light Sources, VOAs (Variable Optical Attenuators), and OSAs (Optical Spectrum Analyzers).
    • Software/Scripting:Experience using Pythonor LabVIEWto control optical instruments via GPIB/TCP-IP (SCPI commands).
    • Data Visualization:Ability to plot "Coupling Maps" (heat maps) to visualize how spatial misalignment translates to optical loss.
    • Excellent teamwork and communication skills; ability to work effectively within a software engineering team.
    • Analytical thinking and a structured approach to problem solving.
    • Knowledge of semiconductor testing is a plus but not required.
  • Education:Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with an Optics focus.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with optical simulation tools like Zemax, Lumerical, or RSoft.
  • Familiarity with different connector types (MPO, SN-MT, LC/PC) and fiber polishing standards.
  • Basic understanding of Silicon Photonics (SiPh) grating couplers and edge couplers.

What You Will Gain

You will work at the leading edge of optical interconnect technology. You will gain hands-on experience in how high-speed data is physically routed in a CPO environment and learn how to translate theoretical optical design into a robust, high-volume automated testing process.

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