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Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Previous experience as Nokia intern or co-op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as ... Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills. Experience with high-frequency design and ...

Previous experience as Nokia intern or co-op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as ... Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills. Experience with high-frequency design and ...

Previous experience as Nokia intern or co-op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as ... Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills. Experience with high-frequency design and ...

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/yr

Previous experience as Nokia intern or co-op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as ... Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills.Experience with high-frequency design and ...

General Enginner

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$105K/yr

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of Education and ... Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State ...

New

... fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or ... Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State ...

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Optical Engineer Intern information

See New York salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineer intern in New York is $27.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in New York? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Optical Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in New York with the most Optical Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Intern job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,838 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Nokia

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 97 rated telecommunications companies


Job description


Are you a passionate Silicon Photonics Design Engineer eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and development? Join our team and play a key role in designing and developing cutting-edge silicon photonics integrated circuits. You'll lead the entire development process, from design and fabrication to testing and analysis, for complex photonic devices and systems-on-chip. Collaborate with experienced designers on innovative projects and large-scale silicon photonics circuits. Apply now and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of photonic technology!
Responsibilities
  • Drive the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced Si photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded solutions for coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport applications.
  • Own product definition, PIC architecture innovation, and specification of integrated photonic circuits for coherent Tx/Rx signal processing chains, critical optical components, and comprehensive test methodologies tailored to meet demanding requirements across long-haul, metro, and pluggable coherent optical systems.
  • Spearhead link budget development and optimization across coherent optical transport links, driving analysis of system performance, channel impairments, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, active and passive component margins, and foundry process capabilities to ensure first-pass silicon photonic designs meet aggressive performance targets in both long-haul and metro deployments.
  • Champion design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) best practices, establishing photonic device characterization strategies and test protocols to enable rapid volume ramp and high-yield manufacturing in next-generation coherent pluggable platforms and integrated transceiver solutions.
  • Lead design reviews as a recognized subject matter expert in silicon photonic component design, setting technical direction and raising the bar for system-level performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability across diverse coherent optical applications.
  • Drive cross-functional execution with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry technology partners, test development, and product leadership to architect and deploy scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, and test infrastructure that accelerates deployment of innovative coherent optic solutions.

Qualifications
You have:
  • MS or Ph.D. graduate in integrated optics silicon photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics.
  • 5 years of industry experience working in silicon photonics, integrated optics or relevant fields.
  • Possess extensive technical expertise in silicon photonics device design (including device performance characterization and validation).
  • Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing.
  • Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices such VNAs, spectrum analyzers, etc.
  • Solid programming skills in Python or C/C++.
  • General good understanding of general concepts in physics, especially in optics or electromagnetics.

It would be nice if you had:
  • Previous experience as Nokia intern or co-op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as Lumerical.
  • Experience with designing or characterizing silicon photonic or other integrated optical/optoelectronic devices or circuits. Strong understanding of general concepts in fiber optics and integrated optics. Experience in photonic integrated circuit design, modeling and layout.
  • Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills. Experience with high-frequency design and modeling.

About Us
Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Learn more about life at Nokia.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
About the Team
Some of our benefits in US:
  • Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Life insurance, and AD&D - Company paid 2x base pay
  • Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
  • Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Plan
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program

The above benefits exclude students.
Disclaimer for US/Canada
Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.
All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.

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