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How much do optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 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 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

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For Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Optical Engineer Intern job openings:

Optical Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer Intern job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, and 80% 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, Optical System Design (PhD)

Redmond, WA

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 246 rated software companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Metaexternal

Internship

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Meta Reality Labs brings together a team of researchers, developers, and engineers to create the future of virtual and augmented reality, which together will become as universal and essential as smartphones and personal computers are today. And just as personal computers have done over the past 45 years, AR and VR will ultimately change everything about how we work, play, and connect. We are developing all the technologies needed to enable breakthrough AR glasses and VR headsets, including optics and displays, computer vision, audio, graphics, brain-computer interface, haptic interaction, eye/hand/face/body tracking, perception science, and true telepresence. Some of those will advance much faster than others, but they all need to happen to enable AR and VR that are so compelling that they become an integral part of our lives.Our internships are twelve to twenty-four weeks long and we have various start dates throughout the year.
Research Scientist Intern, Optical System Design (PhD) Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with researchers and cross-functional partners, including communicating research plans, progress, and results
  • Publish research results and contribute to research that can be applied to Meta product development
  • Develop next-generation AR/VR displays with an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and understand the perceptual impact of those concepts
  • Collaborate with larger Meta Reality Labs Research team to explore novel solution space for AR/VR devices
  • Explore the application of at least one of the following: geometrical optics, diffraction optics, polarization optics, illumination, optical system design
  • This position will have an emphasis on advanced simulations and prototyping to prove new concepts and the perceptual impact of those concepts

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently has or is in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Optical Science, Optical Engineering, Opto-Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computational Imaging or relevant technical field
  • Must obtain work authorization in the country of employment at the time of hire and maintain ongoing work authorization during employment
  • 2+ years of experience in at least one of the following areas of optical research: physical optics, geometric optics, aberration theory, optical system prototyping
  • 2+ years of experience with optical design programs such as Zemax OpticStudio, Code V, LightTools, FRED, or similar
  • 2+ years of experience with scientific programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and Mathematica)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences
  • Intent to return to the degree program after the completion of the internship/co-op
  • 2+ years of experience in system-level prototyping work, including hands-on prototyping of benchtop optical components
  • Experience working and communicating cross-functionally in a team environment
  • Proven track record of achieving significant results as demonstrated by grants, fellowships, patents, as well as first-authored publications at leading workshops or conferences such as JOSA, SPIE, OSA, IEEE, CLEO, or similar

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.
$7,313/month to $12,667/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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