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Refugee Internships Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Optimax Systems Inc.

2026 Fall Internship

Ontario, NY · On-site

$31K - $72K/yr

Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee. Equal Opportunity Employer: Optimax is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment ...

SpaceX

Process Engineer (Starlink/Akoustis)

Canandaigua, NY · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

... internship, extracurricular, or academic experience is applicable) PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE ... S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or ...

All JobsRefugee Internships JobsRefugee Internships Jobs in Rochester, NY

Refugee Internships information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$26

$48

$64

How much do refugee internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for refugee internships in Rochester, NY is $48.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $56.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a refugee internship?

Refugee internships are temporary work placements designed specifically for individuals who have refugee status or are seeking asylum. These internships provide refugees with valuable work experience, help them integrate into the local workforce, and improve their language and professional skills. Many organizations and companies offer such programs to support refugees' transition into their new communities and to promote diversity and inclusion. The internships often include mentorship, networking opportunities, and sometimes lead to permanent employment.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a refugee internship?

To thrive in a refugee internship, you generally need cultural sensitivity, strong communication skills, and a background or interest in social work, international development, or related fields. Familiarity with case management software, language translation tools, or data entry systems can be valuable, and some roles may require training in trauma-informed care. Empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural teamwork are crucial soft skills for building trust and supporting vulnerable populations. These abilities ensure effective assistance, foster community integration, and enable the intern to navigate complex, evolving humanitarian environments.

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

As a refugee intern, you may support a variety of projects, including assisting with case management, helping organize community outreach events, conducting research on local resources, and providing administrative support to program staff. Depending on the organization, you might also help with translation services, educational workshops, or mentoring newly arrived refugees. These responsibilities offer valuable hands-on experience in the nonprofit and humanitarian sector, and allow you to directly contribute to improving the lives of refugees in your community.

What is the difference between Refugee Internships vs Refugee Caseworker?

AspectRefugee InternshipsRefugee Caseworker
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a degree in social work, international relations, or related fieldsRelevant degree and often certification in social work or case management
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, non-profit organizations, NGOs, government agenciesFull-time roles in social service agencies, NGOs, or government offices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for gaining experience, often temporary or volunteer-basedProfessional role with ongoing responsibilities in refugee support
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Refugee Internships are entry-level opportunities designed for students or early-career individuals to gain experience in refugee support. Refugee Caseworkers are professional staff responsible for case management and direct assistance. Internships often serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a caseworker, with similar credentials and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Refugee Internships jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Refugee Internships jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refugee Internships jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Refugee Internships jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Refugee Internships jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Refugee Internships job openings:

Refugee Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refugee Internships job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,017 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

2026 Fall Internship

Optimax Systems Inc.

Ontario, NY • On-site

$31K - $72K/yr

Temporary

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Support one or more teams by participating in actual operations and assignments related to optics manufacturing and related projects.

  • Engage in activities such as methodology improvement, design for manufacture studies, trend identification, and data analysis.

  • Assist with tasks including creating or improving work instructions, tool designs, robotics testing, mechanical builds, and component or system testing.

Job description

2026 Fall Internship

Starting September 08, 2026, up to 40 hrs/week

A Unique Corporate Culture Combined With a Dynamic Work Environment

Optimax has lenses throughout the Universe! We build the optics behind the latest breakthrough technologies in aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics, leveraging our optics manufacturing technology for programs that benefit humankind and projects that defend our freedom.  In other words, WE DO COOL THINGS!  Our unique corporate culture of teamwork, innovation, and agility provides a dynamic work environment. We are looking for individuals committed to lifelong learning and creating value through hard work.


Job Summary and Essential Job Duties:

Interns typically support one or more teams, witnessing before participating in actual operations, with assignments shaped to immerse them in the work and the experience. Interns have opportunities for additional network building activities/events within the Optimax community and with fellow interns.

Intern applicants are considered for all intern positions, which can vary widely in focus.  Demand by major varies by year, influenced by the work being performed at the time along with the number and focus of intern sponsor requests.  Certain majors are always requested, while other majors may only occasionally be requested.

Interns have worked on methodology improvement projects, design for manufacture studies, trend identification, determining cause and corrective actions for non-conformances, measurement system development, iterating work instructions, creating or improving tool designs, robotics test and build, mechanical builds, component or integrated system tests, laser power experiments, data analysis, supplier management, and more.


Education Requirements: 

  • Currently enrolled in optics, engineering, industrial design engineering, materials science, mathematics, physics, and precision machining academic program

Minimum Requirements:

  • Accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness
  • Enthusiasm for learning new things with a positive attitude 
  • Work both collaboratively and independently
  • Analytical troubleshooting – determine root cause and select a best fix
  • Ability to build proper problem statements
  • Initiative to seek out new skills and techniques
  • Written and verbal communication skills - able to adjust communication to audience
  • Ability to work in multiple functions while maintaining the flow of information

Qualifications:

  • At least 18 years of age by start date of internship assignment
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States; Please note F-1 Visas are not currently sponsored by Optimax

Work Requirements:

Physical Demands:

  • While performing job duties, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear
  • Job may involve prolong periods of sitting/standing
  • Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Work Environment:

  • Generally works in a clean environment and works to maintain the environment as such
  • This position works in a manufacturing environment - noise level can vary from quiet to loud
  • May involve the use of oils and solvents
  • May require area-specific safety training
  • May be exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes
  • May be assigned to various production areas as needs require

Optimax offers a competitive salary of $31,200 to $72,000 dependent on academic standing and program of study.  


ITAR Compliance: 

Employment at Optimax Systems, Inc. is subject to export control compliance requirements, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) issued by the United States Department of State, Department of Defense Trade Controls, and the Export Administration Regulations. Learn more about the ITAR here. To meet export control compliance requirements for this position, an applicant must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by applicable regulations or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. “U.S. Person” includes a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Optimax is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics, including disability, veteran status, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, color, gender identity, or any other protected status.

If you require an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact our Human Resources team at 585-265-1020.