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Optics Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SDE III, Amazon Optics

Arlington, VA · On-site

$66.25 - $88.75/hr

Join the Amazon Optics team and be at the forefront of building innovative services that secure the ... BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience - 5+ ...

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

The Role This is an UNPAID internship through the Hire Vets Now (HVN) SkillBridge Program for ... presses, optical equipment, mills, portable machines, boring equipment, precision grinders ...

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

The Role This is an UNPAID internship through the Hire Vets Now (HVN) SkillBridge Program for ... presses, optical equipment, mills, portable machines, boring equipment, precision grinders ...

The Role This is an UNPAID internship through the Hire Vets Now (HVN) SkillBridge Program for ... presses, optical equipment, mills, portable machines, boring equipment, precision grinders ...

Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$61K - $113K/yr

Space Electronic Systems (SES), Integrated C4ISR Systems (ICS) and Optical Precision Systems (OPS ... internship, co-op, or professional experience. * Understanding of systems engineering principles ...

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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 cities in Virginia are hiring for Optics Internship jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Optics Internship job openings:
Infographic showing various Optics Internship job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
SDE III, Amazon Optics

SDE III, Amazon Optics

Amazon

Arlington, VA • On-site

$66.25 - $88.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,015 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Join the Amazon Optics team and be at the forefront of building innovative services that secure the foundation of our business from security threats. Our team develops and manages critical services used by all Corporate and AWS data center employees to protect physical sites and preserve the trust that AWS users have placed in us. You'll work with passionate software engineers to build systems that are essential for keeping Corporate and AWS sites secure worldwide.
In this role, you'll design, develop, and optimize solutions where "can't be done" isn't considered an answer. You'll tackle complex architecture challenges with extensible, scalable solutions while always seeking ways to simplify. As a significant contributor throughout the software development lifecycle, you'll build services that are deployed to every AWS region using AWS services in a fully Infrastructure as Code (IaC) environment, where you'll own everything end-to-end.
Key job responsibilities
- Design and implement secure services that protect AWS physical locations, making meaningful contributions to the full software development lifecycle from scoping and design through testing, deployment, and maintenance.
- Take ownership of operational excellence, identifying root causes of issues and implementing permanent fixes while continually improving team operations.
- Work with stakeholders to understand business and customer value, ensuring you deliver solutions that balance customer requirements with team objectives.
- Actively participate in code reviews, providing meaningful feedback to teammates while contributing to documentation that explains how systems are constructed, tested, and operated.
- Automate operational inefficiencies for both the team and customers, building solutions that scale across all AWS regions while maintaining high quality standards.
A day in the life
Your day begins with a quick team standup to align priorities before diving into coding complex security features for the Optics platform. You'll collaborate with teammates to solve challenging architecture problems, review pull requests, and participate in design discussions for upcoming features. Throughout the day, you'll work in an IaC deployment environment where you'll design, develop, test, and deploy solutions. You'll have opportunities to automate operational inefficiencies and stretch yourself technically while helping secure AWS sites globally.
About the team
The Amazon Optics team values strong intuition backed by metrics and data. We provide solutions where "can't be done" isn't considered an answer, taking on seemingly impossible challenges and finding creative solutions. Our services are used around the world to secure assets for every single AWS customer, making our work essential to maintaining trust in the AWS platform. We foster a collaborative environment where you'll share knowledge, help others achieve, and be empowered to grow while taking ownership of critical security services that protect AWS infrastructure.
Diverse Experiences
Amazon Security values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn't followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don't let it stop you from applying.
Why Amazon Security?
At Amazon, security is central to maintaining customer trust and delivering delightful customer experiences. Our organization is responsible for creating and maintaining a high bar for security across all of Amazon's products and services. We offer talented security professionals the chance to accelerate their careers with opportunities to build experience in a wide variety of areas including cloud, devices, retail, entertainment, healthcare, operations, and physical stores.
Inclusive Team Culture
In Amazon Security, it's in our nature to learn and be curious. Ongoing DEI events and learning experiences inspire us to continue learning and to embrace our uniqueness. Addressing the toughest security challenges requires that we seek out and celebrate a diversity of ideas, perspectives, and voices.
Training & Career Growth
We're continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth's Best Employer. That's why you'll find endless knowledge-sharing, training, and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why flexible work hours and arrangements are part of our culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there's nothing we can't achieve.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of non-internship professional software development experience
- 5+ years of programming with at least one software programming language experience
- 5+ years of leading design or architecture (design patterns, reliability and scaling) of new and existing systems experience
- Experience as a mentor, tech lead or leading an engineering team
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of full software development life cycle, including coding standards, code reviews, source control management, build processes, testing, and operations experience
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, NY, New York - 184,900.00 - 250,200.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Arlington - 168,100.00 - 227,400.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Herndon - 168,100.00 - 227,400.00 USD annually

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About Amazon

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Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US