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Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Naval Sea Systems Command

GENERAL ENGINEER

Laurel, MD · On-site

... optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the ... OR Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a ...

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How much do optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineer intern in Washington is $28.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $32.69 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Washington? For Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Optical Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Optical Engineer Intern job openings:
Optical Engineer Intern jobs near you
2026 PhD Graduate - Optical/Electrical/Computer Engineering - Imaging Systems - QPI

2026 PhD Graduate - Optical/Electrical/Computer Engineering - Imaging Systems - QPI

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you passionate about optical sensing, computer vision, and/or all things imaging?
Are you searching for an opportunity to apply your engineering skills in a creative and collaborative laboratory environment?
Would you love to engage in meaningful, hands-on work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?
If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)!
We are seeking a creative PhD new graduate to join the Imaging Systems Group. As a member of our team, you will contribute to critical system development and experimental efforts. You will be joining an excellent team committed to crafting an environment of innovation.
As a member of our team...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to develop, evaluate, and deploy imaging system hardware, algorithms, and/or software.
  • You will assist in the brainstorming and development of new initiatives/concepts in optical imaging through internal research and development (IR&D) efforts.
  • You will capture technical contributions in internal me/reports and conference/journal papers, and present findings and recommendations at internal and external forums.
  • You will support field integration and testing activities of developed systems.

Qualifications
Minimum requirements for your role include...
  • Have a PhD in electrical/computer engineering, optical engineering, imaging science, computer vision, or equivalent.
  • Have demonstrated the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team and possess strong interpersonal, speaking, and technical writing skills.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret Clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret / SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have a intern experience in electrical/computer engineering, optical engineering, imaging science, computer vision, or similar.
  • Have an active Secret level security clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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