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Remote Optical Engineer Intern Jobs in Birmingham, AL

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Remote Optical Engineer Intern information

See Birmingham, AL salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do remote optical engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote optical engineer intern in Birmingham, AL is $23.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a remote optical engineer intern do?

A Remote Optical Engineer Intern assists with the design, analysis, and testing of optical systems such as lenses, lasers, and fiber optics, all while working from a remote location. Their tasks often include using specialized software for simulations, analyzing data, and collaborating with experienced engineers through virtual meetings. This role provides hands-on experience in the field of optics and photonics, while also developing skills in problem-solving and technical communication. Interns typically contribute to ongoing projects and may help in preparing reports or presentations on their findings.

How does a remote optical engineer intern typically collaborate with more experienced engineers and project teams?

As a Remote Optical Engineer Intern, you will regularly collaborate with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams through virtual meetings, shared documentation, and version-controlled design platforms. You'll often participate in design reviews, troubleshooting sessions, and brainstorming discussions, receiving guidance and feedback from experienced professionals. Clear communication, proactive updates, and effective use of collaboration tools are essential for success in this remote environment. This structure not only supports your learning but also helps you build professional relationships and gain practical experience in real-world optical engineering projects.

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

To thrive as a Remote Optical Engineer Intern, you need a solid background in optics, physics, or electrical engineering, typically backed by progress toward a relevant degree. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or LightTools), simulation tools, and basic coding skills are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with remote teams and interpreting technical data. These competencies enable interns to contribute meaningfully to projects, ensure accurate design work, and support seamless teamwork in a virtual environment.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Birmingham, AL?

For Remote Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Birmingham, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Birmingham, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Optical Engineer Intern jobs in Birmingham, AL are:

What cities near Birmingham, AL are hiring for Remote Optical Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Birmingham, AL with the most Remote Optical Engineer Intern job openings:

Remote Optical Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Optical Engineer Intern job openings in Birmingham, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 70% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 24% In-person, and 76% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,546 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Sr Instrumentation Engineer

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors

Birmingham, AL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Hargrove is seeking Instrumentation Engineering talent to support our team!

Locations & Work Flexibility

  • Primary location: Mobile, AL
  • Additional office options: TX, LA, SC, GA, PA
  • Hybrid or interoffice execution support may be available
  • Relocation assistance may be offered based on role and location
QualificationsEducation
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
Experience
  • 10+ years of industrial instrumentation and controls engineering experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading instrumentation and controls teams and project execution efforts.
  • Experience supporting DCS migration, modernization, or control system replacement projects.
  • Proven success managing engineering scope, schedules, budgets, and deliverable quality.
  • Experience in industries such as pulp & paper, chemicals, manufacturing, refining, power generation, or other heavy industrial environments.
Technical Expertise

Strong working knowledge of:

  • Instrumentation specification and application
  • Process measurement technologies
  • Control valve sizing and application
  • Control system hardware architecture
  • PLC, DCS, and remote I/O systems
  • Marshalling and field wiring design
  • Industrial communications networks
  • Fiber optic systems
  • Instrument installation practices
  • AutoCAD and/or MicroStation
Leadership Competencies
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong mentoring and talent development capabilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Excellent client-facing communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Results-oriented with a commitment to technical excellence and project success.
Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a seasoned Instrumentation & Controls professional who has progressed into a technical leadership role and is passionate about developing teams and delivering high-quality engineering solutions. They possess strong expertise in instrumentation systems, control system hardware, and DCS migration projects, and can confidently lead the development and review of instrument indexes, I/O lists, datasheets, loop drawings, control system hardware packages, and construction deliverables. They thrive in a client-facing environment and have a proven track record of successfully leading complex industrial projects from concept through startup.

Instrumentation & Controls Discipline Lead

Overview

Hargrove Engineers & Constructors is seeking a highly experienced Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Discipline Lead to provide technical leadership for industrial capital projects and control system modernization initiatives, including large-scale DCS migration programs. This role is responsible for leading I&C engineering teams, driving project execution, ensuring technical excellence, and delivering high-quality engineering solutions throughout all phases of a project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is a proven I&C leader with a strong background in instrumentation design, control system hardware, and project execution. This individual will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee engineering deliverables, mentor technical staff, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients and project stakeholders. While familiarity with control systems is essential, this position focuses on instrumentation engineering and control system hardware implementation rather than software programming or DCS configuration.

Key ResponsibilitiesDiscipline Leadership
  • Lead instrumentation and controls engineering activities for industrial capital and sustaining projects.
  • Develop and execute discipline plans, staffing strategies, schedules, budgets, and resource forecasts.
  • Coordinate assignments and workload across engineers, designers, and support personnel.
  • Monitor progress, identify project risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Serve as the primary technical representative for I&C engineering with clients, project teams, vendors, and construction personnel.
  • Participate in client meetings, design reviews, and project planning activities.
  • Ensure engineering deliverables comply with project requirements, client standards, applicable codes, and industry best practices.
  • Foster collaboration, technical growth, and mentorship within the I&C team.
Technical Leadership & Quality Assurance
  • Provide technical oversight for instrumentation and control system engineering deliverables.
  • Review and approve engineering documentation for technical accuracy, completeness, constructability, and quality.
  • Support the resolution of complex instrumentation, field installation, and control system hardware challenges.
  • Drive consistency in engineering practices, standards, and design approaches across projects and offices.
  • Ensure compliance with ISA standards and industry regulations.
Instrumentation Engineering Leadership

Direct the development and review of:

  • Instrument Indexes
  • Instrument Datasheets
  • Control Valve Datasheets and Sizing
  • Analyzer Specifications
  • I/O Lists
  • Loop Diagrams
  • Instrument Location Plans
  • Installation Details
  • Junction Box Drawings
  • Cable Schedules
  • Procurement Packages
  • Material Take-Offs (MTOs)
  • Construction Work Packages

Provide technical guidance for:

  • Instrument selection and specification
  • Process measurement technologies
  • Control valve application and sizing
  • Analyzer system design and specification
  • Instrument installation practices
  • Field device standardization programs
DCS Migration & Control System Modernization
  • Lead instrumentation and controls engineering efforts supporting DCS migration and modernization projects.
  • Oversee development of migration-related engineering packages, including:
    • I/O Databases
    • Signal Lists
    • Marshalling Drawings
    • Cabinet Layouts
    • Network Architecture Drawings
    • System Architecture Drawings
    • Fiber Optic Routing Plans
    • Loop Migration Packages
    • Cutover and Transition Documentation
  • Coordinate hardware migration activities with operations, maintenance, automation teams, and project stakeholders.
  • Lead field verification, gap assessments, and migration planning efforts.
  • Review and approve hardware designs associated with DCS, PLC, remote I/O, and industrial communications infrastructure.
  • Support implementation strategies that minimize operational disruption and startup risk.
Project Execution & Coordination
  • Collaborate closely with process, electrical, mechanical, piping, and project management teams.
  • Support project scoping, proposal development, estimating, and planning activities.
  • Develop resource plans and coordinate execution across multiple office locations.
  • Monitor project performance related to scope, schedule, budget, and quality.
  • Provide technical leadership throughout design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.
Construction, Commissioning & Startup Support
  • Provide technical leadership during procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.
  • Review vendor drawings, equipment submittals, and instrumentation packages.
  • Support constructability reviews, field investigations, and installation planning.
  • Assist in resolving field issues related to instrumentation and control systems.
  • Coordinate technical support activities through startup and system turnover.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods as required by the role

#LI-BH1

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

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