Optical Engineering Co-op

Lumentum Operations LLC; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Free gym

Cafeteria with subsidized meals and a0

Prayer room

Games room

Job summary

Lumentum Ottawa is offering a 16-month student co‑op in Optical Engineering starting May 2027. The role provides hands-on lab experience with fiber optic tools, exposure to optical design and simulation software, and collaboration with senior engineers on high-impact projects.

Ideal candidates are in 3rd year of an Engineering program with knowledge of Gaussian beam theory, polarization, and optics fundamentals, and a strong willingness to learn. Onsite position with a competitive pay range.

Qualifications

• Education: 3rd year of an Engineering program (e.g., Electrical, Physics, Photonics, or related field).
• Working knowledge of Gaussian beam theory, polarization, and optics fundamentals.
• Basic lab experience and willingness to learn new techniques.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enhance optical design and simulation tools for ongoing research and projects.
• Characterize and test fiber optics, measure performance, and analyze results for quality.
• Assemble and align optical modules with precision in lab settings.
• Design and build optical test setups and DOE simulations.
• Run optical simulations to explore next-generation technologies.

Skills

Gaussian beam theory

Polarization

Optics fundamentals

Lab experience

Education

3rd year Engineering program

Tools

Zemax

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Lumentum Canada was awarded the 2022 National Capital Region’s Top Employers for the 6th consecutive year and the 2022 Career Directory Canada’s Best Employers for Recent Graduates for the 5th consecutive year.

Position Title: Optical Engineer

Employment Type: Student – Co-op, existing vacancy

Location: Ottawa ON, Onsite

About Lumentum

At Lumentum, we’re building the tech behind the world’s fastest networks and most advanced systems. Our optical and photonic solutions power everything from AI and cloud computing to data centers, telecom, and advanced manufacturing. We’re a global team of innovators working where light meets technology, solving big challenges that keep the world connected and moving forward. If shaping the future of connectivity excites you, you’ll fit right in.

The Opportunity

Duration: 16 months starting May 2027

Pay Range: $24-35/hr

Why You’ll Love This Role

• Hands-on lab experience with state-of-the-art fiber optic tools and test equipment.
• Exposure to optical design, simulation software, and precision alignment techniques used in industry.
• Opportunities to collaborate with senior engineers and scientists on high-impact projects.
• A chance to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges while developing new technical skills.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and enhance optical design and simulation tools to support ongoing research and engineering projects.
• Characterize and test fiber optics, measuring performance metrics and analyzing results to ensure product quality and reliability.
• Assemble and align optical modules with precision, gaining valuable lab and prototyping experience.
• Design and build optical test setups, applying both creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Run optical simulations of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) to explore next-generation technologies.

What We’re Looking For

1. Education: 3rd year of an Engineering program (e.g., Electrical, Physics, Photonics, or related field) Candidates must be currently enrolled in a recognized Canadian post-secondary institution
2. Skills and Experience: Working knowledge of Gaussian beam theory, polarization, and optics fundamentals. Basic laboratory experience, with a strong willingness to learn new techniques and methodologies. Strong interest in optics, photonics, and advanced technologies. Eager to learn, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and in a team environment. Prior exposure to optical systems, simulation tools (e.g., Zemax), or photonics-related projects is a plus, but not required.

Perks You’ll Love

• Free parking
• Free gym
• Cafeteria with subsidized meals and free coffee/tea
• Prayer room
• Games room

Candidates must be eligible to complete a background check as part of the hiring process.

Join a Team That’s Shaping the Future

At Lumentum, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a launchpad for creativity and innovation. We’re committed to celebrating your unique talents and helping you grow. Our guiding principles—Innovate, Engage, Deliver, Excel, and Win—aren’t just words; they’re the heart of what we do. Let’s Build a Brighter Future Together! We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. Your uniqueness makes us stronger, sparks creativity, and drives our success. Join us—your future starts here! Please contact us at [e-mail] to request accommodation.

Lumentum is illuminating the networks of tomorrow with advanced photonic technologies that enable AI, data centers, telecom, industrial, and sensing applications. As AI accelerates the global demand for bandwidth and energy efficiency, we deliver the building blocks that keep data moving reliably, efficiently, and at massive scale. Our optical products support AI and compute infrastructure, cloud and DCI environments, metro and long-haul networks, while our lasers drive breakthroughs in precision manufacturing and sensing. For nearly five decades, Lumentum has been at the intersection of light and innovation. What began as a vision with JDS Uniphase to harness the power of photonics has evolved into a global force driving the communication infrastructure of tomorrow. At Lumentum, we’re building more than a business—we’re building a team of passionate innovators whose drive to collaborate, create, and connect the world fuels everything we do. We are part of the AI technology revolution and we are illuminating the path forward. Headquartered in San Jose, California, we operate worldwide through a network of R&D, manufacturing, and sales locations.