1

Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Optical Engineer Intern information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineer intern in Pittsburgh, PA is $24.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $27.98 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 Pittsburgh, PA?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Optical Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Optical Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Intern job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,324 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Opto-Mechanical Engineering Intern

Penn State University

Freeport, PA • On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

237th of 630 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Electro-Optics & Electronics (EOE) Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University, located in Freeport PA, is seeking an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level, Optical Engineering Intern to support High Energy Laser (HEL), Opto-Mechanical and Electro-Optical (EO) system development programs supporting military and intelligence community customers.
You will:
  • Support research and laboratory experiments involving optical components, data collection, analysis, and modeling
  • Design, assemble, align and exercise opto-mechanical components and systems
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD) support for optical experimental test fixture design
  • Communicate and document results in reports and presentations

Upperclass (junior or senior) undergraduate and graduate-level students studying Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science, Optics, Physics, Materials Science or similar programs are encouraged to apply.
Preferred skills and experience includes:
  • Strong science and mathematics foundation
  • Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components including lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, CCD cameras, as well as opto-mechanical accessories including lens and mirror mounts is desired
  • Background coursework and understanding of optics to include the fundamentals of Fourier optics, optical materials, coatings and diffraction gratings
  • Familiarity with data acquisition hardware and software including LabVIEW and MATLAB
  • Ability to analyze alternatives and apply sound engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
  • Ability to clearly communicate, document, and present results

The successful candidate will work up to 40 hours/week during the internship/co-op.
This is a paid internship and your working location will be fully on-site located out of the EOE Division in Freeport, PA; relocation and housing are not provided.
Candidates for consideration must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume.
Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
Freeport, PA

What Penn State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom