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Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

GENERAL ENGINEER

Bangor, WA · On-site

$89K/yr

... 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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Optical Engineer Intern information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$28

$44

How much do optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for optical engineer intern in Seattle, WA is $28.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $32.84 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Optical Engineer Intern jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Optical Engineer Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Intern job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,164 per year, or $28.9 per hour.
Research Scientist Intern, Applied Vision and Image Quality (PhD)

Research Scientist Intern, Applied Vision and Image Quality (PhD)

Meta

Redmond, WA

$7.6K - $12K/mo

Full-time, Internship

Posted 26 days ago


Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 245 rated software companies


Job description

The Applied Perception Science (APS) team at Meta Reality Labs is seeking a research scientist intern to join our vision science program, focusing on evaluating image quality in augmented reality (AR) displays. This role will help pioneer foundational research into how quality is perceived in see-through displays with novel architectures, addressing critical gaps in existing perceptual science and enabling display technologies in next-generation AR devices.You will work alongside a highly interdisciplinary team of display, electrical sensor and software engineers and scientists with backgrounds in optics, graphics and machine and human perception. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the intersection of display, optical, and system engineering and computer and human visionOur internships are sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.
Research Scientist Intern, Applied Vision and Image Quality (PhD) Responsibilities:
  • Work on topics in perception and imaging science (image and text quality, quality metrics, perceptual metrology, etc.) to support research in AR head-mounted display technologies
  • Conceive and develop simulations of AR devices to help guide emerging AR display technologies
  • Design and conduct psychophysical experiments to quantify artifact visibility and image quality in AR displays
  • Conduct psychophysical user studies on both benchtop testbeds and head-mounted prototypes to help guide emerging AR display technologies
  • Collaborate and communicate with scientists and engineers across a variety of disciplines to design vision science studies in an applied context

Minimum Qualifications:
  • In the process of obtaining a PhD degree in Vision Science, Computer Graphics, or related field
  • Experience designing, conducting, and analyzing the results of psychophysical experiments related to visual perception, computer graphics, and/or display systems
  • Experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., Python and Matlab) including their use to script psychophysical experiments
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with imaging science, optical engineering or computational imaging, with a strong publication record in top venues
  • Demonstrated expertise in psychophysics or vision science and experience designing and running human subject experiments
  • Experience with Unity/C#, Python/Psychopy, or MATLAB, particularly for the development of psychophysical experiments
  • Experience working with benchtop stereoscopic displays, head-mounted displays, or other hardware to study the visual system
  • Experience working and communicating cross functionally in a team environment
  • Intent to return to degree-program after the completion of the internship

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$7,650/month to $12,134/month + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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