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Summer Optical Alignment Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ARA

Staff Laser Engineer 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026 ... Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities ...

ARA

Senior Laser Engineer 2

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026 ... Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities.

ARA

Staff Engineering Aide 1

San Antonio, TX · On-site

The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026 ... optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities. * Assist with ...

Picarro, Inc

Senior Development Technician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

You're curious, adaptable, and eager to grow your expertise in optics, mechanics, electronics, and ... Comfortable working with tight mechanical tolerances and alignment processes. • Attachment ...

Corning

Fibermaking Capabilities Engineer

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Experiences/Education - Desired Summer Intern experience/progressive experience within the field of ...

Corning

Fibermaking Capabilities Engineer

Wilmington, NC · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Our Optical Communications segment has recently evolved from being a manufacturer of optical fiber ... Experiences/Education - Desired Summer Intern experience/progressive experience within the field of ...

Corning

Fibermaking Capabilities Engineer

Wilmington, NC

$84K - $116K/yr

And so much more.​   ​Come break through with us.  Our Optical Communications segment has ... Experiences/Education - Desired Summer Intern experience/progressive experience within the field of ...

Indiana University

Postdoctoral Researcher

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$60K/yr

... optical-flow analysis, and gaze-scene alignment, in collaboration with computer vision researchers ... Spring or Summer 2026 (flexible) * Salary: $60,000 + benefits * Work Schedule: Full-time, on-campus

BAE Systems

Technical Intern 4

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

... summer internship-for local candidates, this is a gateway to a long-term career. You will work at ... to align with Systems Requirements. Collaborate: Work alongside seasoned engineers to solve ...

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Summer Optical Alignment information

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How much do summer optical alignment jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer optical alignment in the United States is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What cities are hiring for Summer Optical Alignment jobs? Cities with the most Summer Optical Alignment job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Alignment jobs? The most popular types of Optical Alignment jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Optical Alignment jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Optical Alignment jobs include:
Summer Optical Alignment jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Optical Alignment job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,172 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Staff Laser Engineer 1

ARA

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) Rocky Mountain Division (RMD) is seeking a Staff Laser Engineer 1 to join a multi-disciplinary team of engineers and scientists researching laser effects on human performance and laser eye protection solutions in a laboratory setting. The candidate will operate and maintain the laser systems required to accomplish the research objectives, including testing across various research objectives. The candidate will operate and maintain numerous laser systems to include but not limited to high energy laser systems (HEL), existing wavelength-tunable high pulse power titanium-Sapphire laser, femtosecond laser systems, multiple high-energy continuous wave (CW) lasers, and tunable nanosecond optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL-target reflection and bidirectional reflection distribution function (BRDF) measurements to validate and improve laser hazard prediction models and establish/maintain database of measured BRDFs. Most of the work will take place onsite in US Government provided laboratory space.
The Staff Laser Engineer will support the design, development, and execution of advanced laser and optical experiments in a controlled laboratory environment. This position focuses on applied research and advanced technology development in support of understanding and mitigating the effects lasers on biological tissues and vision. The candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing experimental concepts, executing high-fidelity laboratory demonstrations, and transitioning results to follow-on experiments, programs, and operational stakeholders.
These projects will require close coordination with subject matter experts and customers to develop novel research methods and optimize existing measurement capabilities. Candidates must be eager to learn and work effectively with diverse teams, including peers, clients, and stakeholders. Candidates applying for this position must be a US citizen and be able to obtain a security clearance.
This position is contingent upon ARA securing a contract, customer acceptance of the candidate's resume, funding of the senior laser engineer position, security clearance, and successful background check. The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Design, build, and operate complex laser-based experimental setups in optical laboratories to support applied research and advanced technology development.
  • Conduct laser/optical research experiments.
  • Develop experimental architectures using CW and pulsed laser sources (e.g., solid-state, fiber, diode, ultrafast) tailored to mission-relevant applications.
  • Lead precision optical alignment, beam conditioning, stabilization, and diagnostic activities across a variety of experimental setups.
  • Define experimental objectives, success criteria, and test plans aligned with research programs and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) maturation.
  • Perform data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess system performance and technology feasibility.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve optical, mechanical, electronic, and software issues affecting experimental performance.
  • Ensure full compliance with DoD laser safety, environmental, and laboratory security requirements.
  • Document experimental designs, results, and conclusions in technical reports, briefings, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with government, FFRDC, academic, and industry partners.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers, scientists, and contractors.
  • Acquire and develop in-depth understanding of laser/optical testing and evaluation methods across a variety of research projects.
  • Develop and validate approaches and prototypes to solve program-specific technical problems.
  • Apply analytical techniques and utilize benchtop testing equipment to develop, troubleshoot, optimize, and document novel test methods and prototypes.
  • Collaborate with vendors and subcontractors, ensuring clear and timely communication.
  • In partnership with project managers and technical leaders, develop, plan, and execute research that aligns with client objectives/goals and ensure timely, quality deliverables.
  • Conduct research and development in optical sensors, signal processing, spectroscopy, and/or general optics.
  • Contribute to technical writing, including reports, standard operating procedures, and proposals.
  • Serve as a technical resource for other engineers and scientists within the company.

Key Skills and Competencies
  • Deep expertise in laser physics and laser system operation, including CW and pulsed laser sources.
  • Strong background in optical system design, free-space and fiber-based optical architectures, and optomechanical integration.
  • Proficiency in optical diagnostics, optical alignment and metrology (beam profilers, interferometry, spectroscopy, power/energy measurements).
  • Demonstrated ability to work well within a team and independently.
  • Proficiency using software tools for data collection/analysis such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, or Python.
  • Experience in development of optical systems, signal processing, instrumentation, lasers and/or general optics. Demonstrated ability to read and translate laboratory results.
  • Strong technical communication skills for internal leadership, program managers, and external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Minimum of 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in laser and optical laboratory research.
  • Demonstrated experience executing complex experimental research efforts.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
  • On-site work in San Antonio, TX facilities.

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS in a relevant technical discipline.
  • Experience with DoD laboratories.
  • Background in mission-relevant areas such as directed energy, advanced sensing, spectroscopy, space optics, or laser-matter interactions.
  • Existing DoD clearance.
  • Experience with optical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, COMSOL, or equivalent).
  • Evidence of strong written and verbal communication through reports, peer-reviewed publications, and/or conference presentations.
  • Experience designing and conducting tests with laser, optical and electromagnetic systems, material / device characterization, and custom or commercial lab instruments for scientific research.
  • Data analysis using signal processing / data reduction.
  • Experience performing and interest in executing contract/grant-based research and development relevant to National Defense applications.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and conducting laboratory tests to answer hypothesis driven research goals.

COMPANY INFORMATION:
Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned scientific research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and critical problems. Founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, ARA currently has over 2,200 employee-owners in offices throughout the United States and Canada providing a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. In addition, we provide sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
At ARA, employee-owners are at the heart of every success. We embrace employee ownership which spawns greater creativity, initiative, and higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. All eligible employees have the opportunity to earn annual contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and all of our employee-owners can directly impact our shared success.
Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Staff Laser Engineer position.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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