1

Photonics Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Laser Designer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $311K/yr

Business Group Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) team leads the industry in silicon ... internship experiences. Minimum Qualifications: * Master's degree in a relevant field such as ...

Business Group Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) team leads the industry in silicon ... internship experiences. Minimum Qualifications: * Master's degree in a relevant field such as ...

Senior Laser Designer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$164K - $311K/yr

Business Group Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) team leads the industry in silicon ... internship experiences. Minimum Qualifications: * Master's degree in a relevant field such as ...

$65 - $85/hr

Internship, co‑op, academic research, or laboratory experience involving photonics, optics, microelectronics, semiconductor devices, or precision assembly. * Exposure to photonic integrated ...

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to ... Quantum architecture internships offer a chance to work in cutting edge research to move quantum ...

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic ... Quantum architecture internships offer a chance to work in cutting edge research to move quantum ...

Optical Test Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$65 - $95/hr

S. in Optics, Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. * Hands‑on experience in an optics laboratory - undergraduate research, senior design, internship, or ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Photonics Internship information

See salary details

$11

$19

$29

How much do photonics internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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:

What job categories do people searching Photonics Internship jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonics Internship jobs are:

Infographic showing various Photonics Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,174 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Senior Laser Designer

Intel

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$164K - $311K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Intel rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Details:Job Description: 

The world is transforming - and so is Intel. Intel is a company of bold and curious inventors and problem solvers who create some of the most astounding technology advancements and experiences in the world. With a legacy of relentless innovation and a commitment to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth, our diverse and brilliant teams are continually searching for tomorrow's technology and revel in the challenge that changing the world for the better brings. We work every single day to design and manufacture silicon products that empower people's digital lives.

The Role and Impact
As a Senior Laser Designer, you will play a pivotal role in developing advanced photonics components and integrating them into Silicon Photonic circuits to drive next-generation optical communication solutions. Your daily responsibilities will include designing, simulating, and optimizing DFB lasers while advancing methodologies for performance validation and reliability testing. Your contributions will have a direct impact on Intel's ability to deliver cutting-edge technology in data centers and AI applications.
Business Group
Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) team leads the industry in silicon photonics integration, focusing on scalable high-volume manufacturing and delivering transformative bandwidth and speed for data centers. As part of this innovative group, you will help design and develop photonics components that support Intel's broader commitment to driving technological advancements and enabling future growth in optical communications.
Key Responsibilities

  • Design, simulate, and optimize DFB lasers for high-speed optical communication applications.
  • Perform tolerance analysis to enhance device performance, power efficiency, and reliability.
  • Lead test chip execution, including design layout, tapeout, validation, and data analysis.
  • Develop and refine photonic modeling methodologies and propose new testing approaches.
  • Conduct research in emerging photonic technologies to define next-generation architectures and initiate intellectual property development programs.
  • Analyze test data from component characterizations to identify performance gaps and implement improvement strategies.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of photonics components into system-level designs.
Qualifications:

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates. Experience listed below would be obtained through a combination of your degree, research and or relevant previous job and or internship experiences.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field such as Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience OR Ph.D. with 4+ years of industry expertise.
  • Extensive experience in designing and simulating DFB lasers including InP epi design.
  • Industrial experience developing DFB lases in high volume manufacturing, including taking designs through product qualification.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Project leadership experience.
  • Expertise in analyzing photonic component or integrated circuit (PIC) test data using statistical tools such as JMP or data libraries in MATLAB/Python.
  • Matlab programing experience
  • Familiarity with industry-standard layout tools like Cadence and KLayout for component design and test chip execution.
  • System-level modeling expertise for optimizing optical link performance and scalability.
  • Published research in peer-reviewed journals focused on photonics technologies.


We are seeking driven innovators passionate about shaping the future of photonics technology. If you are excited to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in silicon photonics, we encourage you to apply and explore the opportunity to join our team.

Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, California, Santa ClaraAdditional Locations:Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $164,470.00-311,890.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

What Intel employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Intel logo

About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968