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Optics Photonics Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$100 - $135/hr

... 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 ...

New

Marvell

Optical Engineer, Senior Staff

Santa Clara, CA

$151K - $196K/yr

... Optics team builds highly integrated component platforms with high speed Silicon photonics ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA

$150K - $194K/yr

... photonics, optics, or advanced manufacturing environments (internships and research experience may be considered). * Basic understanding of optical alignment, fiber optics, and optical measurement ...

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$150K - $194K/yr

... photonics, optics, or advanced manufacturing environments (internships and research experience may be considered). * Basic understanding of optical alignment, fiber optics, and optical measurement ...

PsiQuantum

Optical Packaging Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$147K - $190K/yr

... photonics, optics, or advanced manufacturing environments (internships and research experience may be considered). * Basic understanding of optical alignment, fiber optics, and optical measurement ...

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Optics Photonics Internship information

What is an optics photonics internship?

An Optics Photonics Internship is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in the fields of optics and photonics. Interns work alongside professionals to assist with research, development, and testing of technologies related to the manipulation and application of light. These internships are commonly found in industries such as telecommunications, medical devices, manufacturing, and scientific research. Participants gain valuable hands-on skills, exposure to cutting-edge projects, and networking opportunities that can enhance their future careers in optics and photonics.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect during an optics photonics internship?

As an Optics Photonics Intern, you'll typically work on hands-on projects such as designing and testing optical components, conducting laboratory experiments, and analyzing data. You'll often collaborate closely with senior engineers and researchers to support ongoing research or product development. Daily tasks may include assembling optical setups, calibrating equipment, documenting results, and contributing to technical reports. These experiences provide valuable exposure to real-world applications and can help you build foundational skills for a career in optics and photonics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optics photonics intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optics Photonics Intern, you typically need a solid background in physics, optics, or engineering, often demonstrated by progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with optical simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in collaborative research environments. These skills are crucial for contributing to innovative projects, ensuring accurate experimental results, and supporting team objectives in the fast-evolving field of photonics.
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Infographic showing various Optics Photonics Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 56% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Space Lasers Engineer, Satellites (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
SPACE LASERS ENGINEER, SATELLITES (STARLINK)
The Starlink Space Lasers team develops, produces, and deploys the most cutting-edge satellite free-space optical communication systems in the world. We are looking for engineers to contribute to the development of laser communications terminals and imaging products for the groundbreaking constellation of Starlink satellites. All SpaceX optical systems (laser communication terminal and other optical products) require a blend of theoretical expertise, practical implementation skills, and a passion for solving complex problems in real-time, resource-constrained systems.
As a SpaceX optical engineer, you will be responsible for free-space optical system design, validation, and operation. You will shape the future of laser communication systems and directly contribute to mission-critical applications such as next-generation star tracking system for precise navigation in space environments. You will build reliable, efficient systems by leading
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Apply optics and photonics knowledge to optical system development, including design, analysis, and validation
  • Represent the optical system in program-level, cross-disciplinary trades and issue resolution
  • Define requirements for high-performant optical systems in challenging environmental conditions
  • Lead optical architecture definition through internal trade studies, concept of operations definition, and risk reduction testing
  • Participate in verification testing, including environmental qualification, performance characterization, reliability testing, and fault injection testing
  • Define and lead field testing of optical experiments and laser communication systems
  • Review test data and lead anomaly investigation and resolution
  • Maintain link budgets, design specifications, and system capabilities data
  • Interface with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure final designs can be manufactured in accordance with overall project goals
  • Collaborate with software and automation teams to develop tools and protocols for automated optical testing
  • Represent laser communications systems for reliability and risk discussions with internal reliability teams, management, customers, and vendors

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, or other engineering/STEM discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on laboratory or work experience 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 programming language (e.g. C++, MATLAB, and/or Python)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or PhD in physics or an engineering discipline
  • Proficiency with optical analysis tools such as Zemax
  • Hands-on experience in optical design or system design, integration, and test of laser communication systems
  • Knowledge of and experience in lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optics testing/troubleshooting techniques, and signal integrity principles
  • Knowledge of and experience in free-space optical principles, optical component testing/troubleshooting techniques, precision metrology techniques, manufacturing and integration processes
  • Experience leading development of commercial communications products
  • Experience with hardware development for high-reliability applications
  • Experience with pointing, acquisition, and tracking
  • Knowledge of and experience in atmospheric optical effects
  • Ability to assess risk and make design and development decisions without all available data
  • Ability to work in a fast paced, autonomously driven, and demanding atmosphere
  • Competence with optical test equipment (power meters, interferometer, laser sources)
  • Experience with infrared system alignment and characterization
  • Competence with Python scripting and a Linux operating system environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Working extended hours and weekends 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.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

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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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