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Summer Optical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... optical parametric oscillators. Additional support may include performing in-house and on-field HEL ... The Air Force has announced that it expects to make an award in the summer of 2026.

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Summer Optical Engineer information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do summer optical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer optical engineer in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Summer Optical Engineer vs Summer Optical Technician?

AspectSummer Optical EngineerSummer Optical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, and development projectsManufacturing floors, testing labs, and assembly lines
Employer & Industry UsageOptical design firms, research institutions, tech companiesManufacturers, optical component companies, research labs

Summer Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and analytical skills. In contrast, Summer Optical Technicians assist in manufacturing, testing, and assembling optical components, often with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in the optical industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work environments.

More about Summer Optical Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Summer Optical Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Summer Optical Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Optical Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Optical Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Summer Optical Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Summer Optical Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Optical Engineer jobs?

For Summer Optical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Summer Optical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

2027 Summer Optical & Vision Science Engineering Interns

Lake Forest, CA

$17.75 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Alcon:

Alcon helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning more than 75 years, we offer one of the broadest portfolios of products designed to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year, supporting those living with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates help enhance quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with eye care professionals, and programs that advance access to quality eye care. If you'd like to help change the way the world sees, this is your chance to Be Brilliant!

Position Description:

Alcon is seeking multiple talented and motivated Optical & Vision Science Engineering Interns to join our 2027 Summer Internship Program across several U.S. locations, including Johns Creek, GA; Goleta, CA; Lake Forest, CA; Fort Worth, TX; and Houston, TX. Interns will have the opportunity to gain meaningful industry experience, contribute to real-world projects, and collaborate with professionals across Alcon. Through this internship, students will build technical skills, expand their professional network, and receive coaching, mentoring, and development opportunities while helping advance Alcon's mission to help people see brilliantly.

Potential Internship Project Areas:

Based on business needs, location, and team alignment, internship projects may include opportunities such as:

  • Evaluate hazard detection while driving through different intraocular-lens models and under glare conditions.

  • Study relationships between contrast sensitivity and visual acuity and optical-quality measures such as modulation transfer function.

  • Design and conduct laboratory studies using wavefront sensors, vision simulators and psychophysical testing systems.

  • Support advanced metrology through instrument design, testing, qualification, image processing and data analysis.

  • Apply optical imaging, wavefront sensing, optical coherence tomography and interferometric techniques to ophthalmic-product research.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be enrolled in an accredited university or college for at least one semester prior to internship or co-op, and at least one additional semester following internship or co-op.

  • Must be pursuing at least a bachelor's degree in optics, optical engineering, optometry, vision science, imaging, physics, or related major.

  • Academic performance: Minimum cumulative GPA 2.8/4.0

  • Demonstrated leadership skills (i.e. extracurricular activities or projects)

  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis without requiring sponsorship (students on an F1 visa with CPT can be accommodated)

  • Ability to commit to a 10-12-week, full-time (40 hours per week) summer internship

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.

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You are applying to be part of the Alcon Talent Pool. We are not currently recruiting for this role but we are building a pipeline for future opportunities. If you would like to be considered for a similar position in future, then please submit your CV or resume.

ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.