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Optics Internship Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

... in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer ...

... in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer ...

... in optics, photonics, laser technology, or precision mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer ...

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Optics Internship information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do optics internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for optics internship in Seattle, WA is $17.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Optics Internship jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Optics Internship jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Optics Internship jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Optics Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Optics Internship job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,795 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Electrical Hardware Engineer - Optics, Satellites (Starlink)

Redmond, WA • On-site


SpaceX
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$120K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

ELECTRICAL HARDWARE ENGINEER - OPTICS, SATELLITES (STARLINK) 

As an Electrical Engineer on the Starlink Optics team, you'll have ownership over the entire life cycle of the hardware that enables this connectivity, and sits at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, optical, thermal analysis, and software teams. Our team focuses on the design of cutting-edge satellite-based imaging systems, free-space optical communication systems, and high-speed fiber optic transceivers for Starlink's LEO and lunar satellites. Common design challenges range from image sensor integration, high-speed SERDES, sensitive analog circuitry, electro-optical component integration, power electronics, and embedded system design. Your work will include everything from system design and schematic capture to PCB layout oversight; as well as hardware troubleshooting to driving requirements for the underlying silicon and complete product production and test. This also includes driving successful business outcomes across interdisciplinary subsystems of the satellite, inclusive of mechanical and software engineering peers among other engineering disciplines.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Rapidly develop high-reliability electronics for satellites and spacecraft.
  • Drive system trades, requirements capture, componentselection, analysis, schematic capture, PCB layout, prototyping, hardware bring-up, debugging, documentation, manufacturing, test, and on-orbit performance of complex electrical designs 
  • Get hands-on and support hardware through production, satellite integration, and flight
  • Work closely with engineers from adjacent disciplines (mechanical, optical, thermal, software, test engineering, supply chain, etc.) to deliver tightly integrated, high-performance hardware
  • Challenge assumptions, question requirements, learn from your mistakes, and approach problems with an open mind

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physicsor other STEM degree 
  • 1+ years of experience designing circuits, electronic products, or hardware (internships/co-ops can apply)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: 

  • Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar engineering degree
  • 2+ years of professional experience rapidly designing and delivering highly reliableproducts 
  • 2+ years of electronic product experience designing hardware from concept through production; strong emphasis on full life-cycle development of new hardware products and not small incremental updates to legacy hardware
  • 2+ years of experience designing and implementing mixed-signal circuit boards from concept through production using processors, FPGAs, GPUs, Ethernet, multi-GHz Serdes, DRAM interfaces (DDR4), I2C, SPI, operational amplifiers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, photodiode, laser diodeand power supply components 
  • 2+ years of professional experience testing, troubleshooting, and debugging electronics
  • Strong understanding of computers and programming languages (Python, C/C++)
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a highly cross-functional role
  • 2+ years working on aerospace systems

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical hardware, test, and production milestones
  • Travel to vendors and other SpaceX sites as needed
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $105,000.00 - $145,000.00
Level 2: $120,000.00 - $175,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US


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