1

Photonics Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photonics Chip Lead

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Strong experience with complete Silicon Photonics PIC development (architecture, routing, link ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

Photonics Chip Lead

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

Strong experience with complete Silicon Photonics PIC development (architecture, routing, link ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

Photonics Chip Lead

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Strong experience with complete Silicon Photonics PIC development (architecture, routing, link ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

Photonics Chip Lead

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

Strong experience with complete Silicon Photonics PIC development (architecture, routing, link ... every stage - from internship to retirement and through life's most important moments. Our ...

Senior Laser and SOA Designer

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$141K - $269K/yr

You will be responsible for designing and optimizing photonics components to enhance system ... job and or internship experiences. Minimum Qualifications * Master's degree in Electrical ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Photonics Internship information

See salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do photonics internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for photonics internship in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photonics internship?

A photonics internship is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the field of photonics, which deals with the science and technology of light. Interns typically work on projects involving lasers, optical systems, fiber optics, or photonic devices, often in research labs or high-tech companies. The internship provides practical skills, exposure to industry practices, and networking opportunities, which can be valuable for future careers in photonics or related fields. Duties may include assisting with experiments, data analysis, equipment setup, and documentation.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a photonics internship?

As a Photonics Intern, you can expect to engage in a mix of hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, and collaborative research projects. Typical responsibilities may include assisting with the design and testing of optical components, analyzing experimental data, and helping to develop prototypes or simulations. Interns often work closely with experienced engineers and scientists, gaining exposure to both individual and team-based problem solving. This environment offers valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world applications and to build skills relevant for future roles in photonics or related fields.

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

To thrive as a Photonics Intern, you generally need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, ideally supported by coursework or a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as COMSOL or Lumerical), laboratory equipment, and data analysis tools like MATLAB or Python is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help interns excel in collaborative research environments. These skills are crucial for successfully contributing to innovative projects and advancing research in the rapidly evolving field of photonics.
More about Photonics Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Internship jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Internship job openings:
What states have the most Photonics Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photonics Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Integrated Photonics Summer PhD Intern

HyperLight

Cambridge, MA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

HyperLight is at the forefront of the commercialization of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated photonics - a material and process technology that is enabling high-performance, scalable optical components across AI/datacom infrastructure, hyperscale computing, quantum computing, sensing, and beyond. Founded in 2018 and backed by leading venture capital, we've built a team and a platform focused on real-world mass deployment of TFLN photonics technology.

At the core of our work is the TFLN Chiplet platform - a modular, integrated architecture designed for scalability, manufacturability, and seamless integration into complex systems. It offers a rare combination of extraordinary performance and industrial readiness, enabling system developers across applications to deploy the technology fast and ready. We partner with our customers and suppliers from conceptualization, design, and prototyping phases, all the way through mass production to ensure smooth and rapid deployment of TFLN photonic technology.

We believe our platform is the key, in the golden age of integrated photonics, to empower humanity to the next level. We assembled a world class team covering engineering, business and operations. We believe in the power of integrity, innovation, collaboration and pragmatic solutions. Our diverse team thrives on challenges and is united by a shared commitment to excellence. We take pride in tackling complex challenges with curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of care for one another.

As HyperLight continues to expand, we are looking for an Integrated Photonics Summer PhD Intern. This position offers a unique opportunity to participate in the technical parts of our integrated photonics product. This position will involve the measurement and testing of the product (at chip level, module level and system level), improvement of the test capabilities (building new test functionalities and test setups), and the development of the next-gen products. ย ย This is an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the forefront of photonics while gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The success of the HyperLight team originates in individuals who strive for excellence and continuous learning, and practice humility and care for their teammates. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply!

We provide:

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge photonics environment.

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Mentorship and collaboration with leading photonics experts.

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects shaping the future of photonics technologies.

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Market competitive compensation.

Role responsibilities include:

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Perform optical and electrical testing of integrated photonic devices and systems.

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Improvement of the test capabilities (building new test functionalities and test setups)

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Assist in optimizing test protocols and to enhance efficiency and accuracy

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Drive the R&D to improve product performance such as optical, RF, electro-optical performance

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Analyze and interpret experimental data to validate device performance and identify areas for improvement

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design and fabrication, to address performance challenges

Requirements

This position requires:

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Current Ph.D. or Master student in a Photonics related field such as Physics, Optics, Engineering

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Strong understanding of integrated photonics, silicon photonics, or related technologies

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Experience with electro-optical modulator is a plus

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Familiarity with fiber alignment systems and free-space optics setups is a plus

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Proficiency in data analysis using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Experience with photonic device simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL) is a plus

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Strong written & oral commination skills

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Ability to work under time constraints

ย ย ย ย ย ย  Ability to solve problems in new and/or ambiguous scenarios

Duration and Location:

  • This is a 12-week or more, full-time internship during the summer/Fall. (Year-round internship also available)
  • The position is based at Cambridge, MA and is in-person only.
  • Pay range of $25 - $35 per hour

Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is in-person.


HyperLight is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. HyperLight is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during our hiring process. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact us at HR@hyperlightcorp.com.