ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Neuralink

Robot Optics Intern

Austin, TX · 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

Austin, TX · 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 ...

Noveon

New Product Introduction Intern

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

Director of Production Engineering Location: San Marcos, Texas We have one goal: to manufacture ... calipers, optical comparators). • Exposure to Lean Manufacturing concepts, 5S, root cause ...

Fab2

Packaging Engineering Intern - Winter

Austin, TX · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

This is a hands-on engineering role-meaning you will be actively involved in the research and ... Integrate mechanical, electrical, and optical components in system assembly, including wiring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptical Engineer Intern JobsOptical Engineer Intern Jobs in Austin, TX

Optical Engineer Intern information

See Austin, TX salary details

$13

$25

$38

How much do optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineer intern in Austin, TX is $25.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs in Austin, TX?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX?

For Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Optical Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Optical Engineer Intern job openings:

Optical Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Intern job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,402 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Robot Optics Intern

Neuralink

Austin, TX • On-site

$35/hr

Internship

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Team Description:

The Robot Optics Team is passionate about shaping the future of operating rooms. We are responsible for all optical engineering aspects of Neuralink surgeries, including working on our surgical robotics, supporting operating room equipment, and manufacturing custom consumables. The core device we work on is the robotic system that performs implant insertions. Key subsystems include 2D and 3D machine vision cameras, optical coherence tomography, and surgical site illuminators.

Our team oversees the entire product lifecycle of all optical subsystems across multiple robot versions, from ideation and design through production, testing, and maintenance. We also design hardware for producing and inspecting consumables, such as laser-machined needle cartridges. As we manufacture a significant portion of our hardware in-house, our core activities include bring-up testing, designing hardware acceptance testers, and overseeing manufacturing processes. 

Job Description and Responsibilities:

As a Robot Optics Intern at Neuralink, you will build, characterize, and calibrate optical and optomechanical systems used directly in our surgical robots and associated consumables manufacturing systems. These systems are responsible for everything from sub-micron conventional imaging to laser scanning imaging to non-imaging optical power delivery. In this role, you will be expected to:

  • Design and simulate optical imaging systems
  • Test, verify, and maintain vision systems in robots
  • Repair and troubleshoot existing optical subassemblies
  • Test and verify optics consumables
  • Develop image acquisition and processing software
  • Conduct preliminary tests of new imaging technologies for robotic surgeries
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to evaluate and implement process improvements
  • Prepare relevant documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for robot optics

Required Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with basic optics fundamentals such as aberrations, transmission/reflection, light polarization, Gaussian beams, etc.
  • Experience with visible and IR optical equipment (e.g., fiber splicers, light sources, beam profilers, power meters, resolution targets)
  • 1+ years of optical engineering experience, including simulation and design of optics in Zemax or equivalent software
  • 1+ years of relevant industrial experience with assembly, precision alignment, and integration of complex optomechanical systems
  • 1+ years of experience with benchtop testing, performance characterization, and metrology benchmarking of optical systems
  • Experience documenting and following procedures in the optical design pipeline (e.g., assembly, characterization, verification) with a high level of detail

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong understanding of engineering first principles
  • Education in an engineering-related field
  • Experience with data analysis and image processing
  • Experience with optics alignment and optics bench testing
  • Experience with fiber optics fabrication
  • Mechanical engineering and CAD skills
  • Experience with optical simulation and design software (e.g., Zemax, CodeV, OSLO, LightTools)

Additional Requirements and Competencies:

  • Ability to travel to and work in Fremont, CA
  • Basic computer skills and proficiency in Google Docs, Google Drive, and Gmail
  • Software engineering experience in developing scripts for instrument testing
  • Comfortable working in laboratory and vivarium environments as needed

Pay Transparency:

Based on California law, the following details are for California individuals only.

California Hourly Rate:
$35/Hr USD

Apply