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Optics Internship Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Materion

2026 Internship & Co-Op Program

Tucson, AZ

$15 - $25/hr

... paid internship and gain confidence for a productive transition into a full-time career upon ... Junior or higher enrolled in Materials Science, Metallurgical, Mining, Chemical, Civil, Optical ...

Solestial, Inc.

Laser Process Engineer

Tempe, AZ

Hands-on experience with lasers, optics, photonics, or laser-based materials processing through academic research, internships, or industry experience * Comfortable working with hardware-building ...

New

Intel

ATD Laser Development Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$85K - $162K/yr

... internship experiences and or schoolwork/classes/research. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering or related STEM field * OR Master ...

KLA Corporation

Spares Demand Planner

Chandler, AZ

$45K - $77K/yr

... optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 technical ... Coursework, internship, project, or early career experience in supply chain, operations ...

Orbotech

Spares Demand Planner

Chandler, AZ

$45K - $77K/yr

... optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 technical ... Coursework, internship, project, or early career experience in supply chain, operations ...

KLA Corporation

Spares Demand Planner

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$45K - $77K/yr

... optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 technical ... Coursework, internship, project, or early career experience in supply chain, operations ...

Kla

Spares Demand Planner

Chandler, AZ

$45K - $77K/yr

... optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 technical ... Coursework, internship, project, or early career experience in supply chain, operations ...

Kla

Spares Demand Planner

Chandler, AZ

$45K - $77K/yr

... optics, image processing and motion control with worldwide service engineers, 24/7 technical ... Coursework, internship, project, or early career experience in supply chain, operations ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$33K/yr

... and internship opportunities, AHCCCS offers meaningful career opportunities in a competitive ... The transfer of data happens manually or using AHCCCS Optical Character Recognition (OCR) claim ...

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Optics Internship information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optics Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optics Intern, you need a foundation in physics or engineering, with coursework or experience in optics and photonics. Familiarity with optical design software (like Zemax or LightTools), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns excel in collaborative research and technical reporting. These competencies ensure interns can contribute meaningfully to projects, adapt to technical challenges, and communicate findings clearly within the team.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers for roles involving the design, development, and testing of optical systems used in space missions and scientific instruments. These positions often require expertise in optics, laser systems, and related engineering skills, along with security clearances and relevant certifications. Optical engineers at NASA contribute to projects such as telescopes, imaging systems, and laser communications.

What is an optometry intern?

An optometry intern is a student or recent graduate undergoing practical training in an optometry setting, often supervised by licensed optometrists. The internship provides hands-on experience with eye examinations, vision testing, and patient care, and may be part of a required educational program or certification process.

What is an optics internship?

An optics internship is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field of optics, which involves the study and application of light and its properties. Interns typically work in research labs, manufacturing settings, or engineering teams, assisting with projects related to lasers, lenses, fiber optics, and optical instruments. These internships help participants develop practical skills, expand their professional network, and explore potential career paths in optics or photonics.

What are the big 4 internships?

The 'Big 4' internships typically refer to internship programs offered by the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These internships provide experience in auditing, consulting, tax, and advisory services and are highly competitive for students pursuing careers in accounting and finance.

What types of projects and hands-on experiences can I expect during an Optics Internship?

During an Optics Internship, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as designing and testing optical systems, assembling laboratory experiments, and analyzing optical data. Interns often collaborate closely with engineers and scientists, gaining exposure to industry-standard equipment and software. You may also assist in troubleshooting experimental setups or participate in research on topics like laser optics, fiber optics, or imaging systems. These experiences provide valuable practical skills and insights into the field, preparing you for future roles in optics or photonics.

What can you do with a degree in optics?

A degree in optics can lead to careers such as optical engineer, research scientist, or technician, involving the design and development of optical systems, lasers, and imaging devices. It often requires knowledge of physics, materials, and tools like CAD software, with opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optics jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Optics jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Optics Internship jobs in Arizona? For Optics Internship jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Optics Internship jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Optics Internship jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Optics Internship jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Optics Internship job openings:
Optics Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics Internship job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Principal Optical Engineer - 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Chandler, AZ • On-site

$127K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 357 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.
You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary seeker engineering team responsible for optical design, analysis, integration, and test of development and flight hardware. The role is centered on optical engineering for imaging and sensing systems (visible through LWIR), with an emphasis on how opto-mechanical design and environments drive optical performance.
Responsibilities
  • Contribute to the design and analysis of optical systems for imaging and sensing applications (e.g., refractive/reflective optics, relay optics, athermalized systems, objective lenses).
  • Perform optical performance analyses (e.g., wavefront error, MTF, line-of-sight (LOS) stability, boresight, sensitivity, and tolerancing) across expected environmental and operational conditions.
  • Develop and maintain optical error budgets, including contributions from alignment, manufacturing tolerances, thermal and structural effects, and line-of-sight stability.
  • Perform Structurally Induced Line of Sight (SILOS) analysis in collaboration with structural and thermal analysts to ensure optical performance is maintained through the full mission profile.
  • Define optical requirements and allocate tolerances at the system, subsystem, and component levels; flow requirements to optomechanical design and manufacturing.
  • Collaborate closely with opto-mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure that optical designs are realizable, producible, and testable.
  • Guide and review the development of optomechanical designs (mounts, cells, structures) that support optical alignment, stability, and environmental robustness.
  • Develop and review parametric 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and associated documentation that fully capture opto-mechanical requirements and constraints.
  • Support and sometimes lead laboratory and environmental test activities, including optical alignment, calibration, performance verification, and correlation of analysis to test (vibration, thermal, shock, etc.).
  • Participate in design reviews (internal and customer), presenting optical design concepts, analyses, error budgets, and test results to stakeholders.
  • Assist with troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and design updates for prototype and production hardware when optical performance issues are identified.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 3 years of experience; or a PhD and 1 year of experience.
  • Active U.S. Government - Secret security clearance at time of application.
  • Demonstrated experience with optical systems used in imaging, sensing, or seeker applications (may include internships, projects, or early-career roles).
  • Experience with optical performance analysis and an understanding of how structural and thermal environments affect imaging quality and line of sight (e.g., STOP/SILOS concepts).
  • Proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g., ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or equivalent) for design, analysis, and tolerancing.
  • Experience with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CREO, NX, SolidWorks) to interface effectively with opto-mechanical designs; ANSYS Mechanical experience preferred.
  • Experience with optical imaging systems in one or more spectral bands (e.g., visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR).
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills for complex optical/optomechanical challenges in a project environment.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to generate clear documentation and present optical design/analysis results to technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on optical systems.
  • Previous experience with DoD missile defense or seeker programs, including familiarity with performance verification frameworks, environmental qualification, and flight test correlation.
  • Hands-on experience with STOP and SILOS modeling workflows and integration of structural/thermal results with optical design tools.
  • Experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or other high-reliability, environmentally challenging electro-optical applications.
  • Previous experience or knowledge of DoD missile defense programs and associated standards.
  • Deep experience with EO systems, including optical design, analysis and tolerancing, stray-light control, error budgets, radiometric budgets, opto-mechanical design, and focal plane technologies.
  • Proficiency with optical design tools such as ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, and mechanical/optomechanical CAD tools such as NX and SolidWorks.
  • Experience planning and executing optical and environmental test campaigns and correlating measured optical performance to predictive analyses.

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,200.00 - $162,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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