Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned ... Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major * Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 * Ability to ...
Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned ... Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major * Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 * Ability to ...
Optical Engineer, Advanced Photonic IC Development
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative solutions to accelerate next-gen photonics product development. * Collaborate ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical Engineer, Advanced Photonic IC Development
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative solutions to accelerate next-gen photonics product development. * Collaborate ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical Engineer, Advanced Photonic IC Development
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative solutions to accelerate next-gen photonics product development. * Collaborate ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical Engineer, Advanced Photonic IC Development
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative solutions to accelerate next-gen photonics product development. * Collaborate ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Coordinate with engineering and production teams on customer requirements * Maintain CRM pipeline ... Internship or exposure to photonics or optical manufacturing * Familiarity with optical materials ...
Quick apply
Coordinate with engineering and production teams on customer requirements * Maintain CRM pipeline ... Internship or exposure to photonics or optical manufacturing * Familiarity with optical materials ...
Coordinate with engineering and production teams on customer requirements * Maintain CRM pipeline ... Internship or exposure to photonics or optical manufacturing * Familiarity with optical materials ...
Quick apply
Coordinate with engineering and production teams on customer requirements * Maintain CRM pipeline ... Internship or exposure to photonics or optical manufacturing * Familiarity with optical materials ...
Coordinate with engineering and production teams on customer requirements * Maintain CRM pipeline ... Internship or exposure to photonics or optical manufacturing * Familiarity with optical materials ...
Quick apply
Coordinate with engineering and production teams on customer requirements * Maintain CRM pipeline ... Internship or exposure to photonics or optical manufacturing * Familiarity with optical materials ...
Optical Engineer, Senior Staff
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative design solutions to accelerate design and tapeout of photonics products ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical Engineer, Senior Staff
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative design solutions to accelerate design and tapeout of photonics products ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical Engineer, Senior Staff
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative design solutions to accelerate design and tapeout of photonics products ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical Engineer, Senior Staff
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$151K - $196K/yr
Implement creative design solutions to accelerate design and tapeout of photonics products ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Associate Optical Packaging Engineer
$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 ...
New
Associate Optical Packaging Engineer
$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 ...
New
Optical Engineering Assistant (Internship)
West Springfield, MA · On-site
$22/hr
The Optical Engineering Assistant position supports the Optical Engineering team by assisting with ... Developing and refining fiber laser simulation models using RP Photonics software for higher-power ...
Optical Engineering Assistant (Internship)
West Springfield, MA · On-site
$22/hr
The Optical Engineering Assistant position supports the Optical Engineering team by assisting with ... Developing and refining fiber laser simulation models using RP Photonics software for higher-power ...
Staff PIC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
Work closely with the rest of the Photonics team to optimize layout flows and add to existing ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Staff PIC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
Work closely with the rest of the Photonics team to optimize layout flows and add to existing ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Staff PIC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
Work closely with the rest of the Photonics team to optimize layout flows and add to existing ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Staff PIC Design Engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
Work closely with the rest of the Photonics team to optimize layout flows and add to existing ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical engines and silicon photonics integration * High‑speed electrical interfaces (112G ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Optical engines and silicon photonics integration * High‑speed electrical interfaces (112G ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
You'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team across photonics, system, packaging, and ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
You'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team across photonics, system, packaging, and ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)
$115K - $145K/yr
... photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming ...
Space Lasers Engineer (Starshield)
$115K - $145K/yr
... photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming ...
You'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team across photonics, system, packaging, and ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
You'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team across photonics, system, packaging, and ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
... photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming ...
... photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming ...
Senior Research Scientist US
$111K - $142K/yr
Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns. * Contribute to ... Integrated photonics * Quantum optics * Quantum algorithms * Quantum hardware architectures
New
Senior Research Scientist US
$111K - $142K/yr
Mentor junior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, engineers, and interns. * Contribute to ... Integrated photonics * Quantum optics * Quantum algorithms * Quantum hardware architectures
New
... photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming ...
... photonics, laser technology, or electrical/mechanical design or testing (university lab, student project, or internship experience qualifies) * 1+ years of experience in a computer programming ...
You'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team across photonics, system, packaging, and ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
You'll work closely with a multidisciplinary team across photonics, system, packaging, and ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...
Photonics Engineer Internship information
See salary details
$11.06 - $12.74
2% of jobs
$12.74 - $14.42
4% of jobs
$16.11 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.42 - $16.11
19% of jobs
$16.11 - $17.79
24% of jobs
The median wage is $17.89 / hr.
$17.79 - $19.47
17% of jobs
$20.48 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.47 - $21.15
16% of jobs
$21.15 - $22.84
6% of jobs
$22.84 - $24.52
5% of jobs
$24.52 - $26.20
3% of jobs
$26.20 - $27.88
3% of jobs
$27.88 - $29.57
1% of jobs
$11
$19
$29
How much do photonics engineer internship jobs pay per hour?
What is the difference between Photonics Engineer Internship vs Optical Engineer?
| Aspect | Photonics Engineer Internship | Optical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically pursuing or recent graduate in optics, photonics, or related field | Bachelor's or master's in optical engineering, physics, or related field |
| Work Environment | Research labs, manufacturing facilities, or corporate R&D departments | Design, testing, and implementation of optical systems in industry or research |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Internship programs in tech, telecommunications, or defense companies | Full-time roles in optics, photonics, telecommunications, or aerospace sectors |
The Photonics Engineer Internship is an entry-level, temporary position aimed at gaining practical experience, while an Optical Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and developing optical systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in experience level and responsibilities.

Intern, R&D Undergraduate Year-Round - MSIPP SEEP-IT Photonics, Onsite
Sandia National LaboratoriesAlbuquerque, NM
$13.50 - $18/hr
Other
Medical, Retirement, PTO
Posted 29 days ago
Sandia National Laboratories rating
9.4
Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
3rd of 103 rated laboratories
Job description
We are seeking a photonics, Year-Round R&D Undergraduate Intern to support DOE MSIPP SEEP-IT program.
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Perform computer simulation to design photonic devices
- Fabricate novel photonoics devices
- Perform experiments with novel photonic devices and collect data (when working on-site)
- Analyze data
- Report results in reports, presentations, or technical journals.
Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in an accredited undergraduate program
- Pursuing a science, engineering, or math major
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Note: If you have not earned a HS diploma or equivalent, please apply to a high school intern position.
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree in physics, optical engineering, electrical engineering or other related STEM technical area
- Research/work experience in a laboratory/internship setting or successful demonstration of research skills (for example, optics, electrical circuit design, programming, design of scientific apparatus, numerical simulations, etc) in a lab or engineering course
- Excellent analytical skills as demonstrated by proficiency in mathematics and physics coursework
- Experience with semiconductor microfabrication processes and material synthesis and characterization
- Research experience in a laboratory setting
- Free-space optics and/or fiber-optics expertise
- Experience with basic electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators) and RF components/devices
- Programming knowledge required for data analysis and automated data acquisition (Matlab/Python/C/C++)
- Strong written and oral communication skills and work ethics, with motivations and abilities to learn quickly
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
The Photonic and Phononic Microsystems Department develops and matures state of the art photonic and phononic technologies for a variety of national security purposes. Our team of interdisciplinary researchers innovates, develops, and applies novel technologies including silicon photonics, nanophotonics, optomechanics, optical metamaterials, plasmonics, optical detectors, guided wave optics, phononic and thermoelectric technologies, spanning fundamental research to path-finding engineering solutions. In the last 10 years, the Photonic and Phononic Microsystems Department has generated numerous world-firsts, high-impact publications/journal covers and received 70+ patents, multiple R&D 100 awards, and significant DARPA/DOD/DOE funding award.
For more information, check out our website at Sandia's National Security Photonics Center (https://www.sandia.gov/mesa/nspc/).
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
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About Sandia National Laboratories
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Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas.
Industry
Manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Albuquerque, NM, US
Year founded
1949