2027 Internship - Optics and Photonics Group

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks students pursuing a BS or MS in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering to apply optics and photonics to defense-focused research projects.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance technologies in high-energy laser systems, beam control, atmospheric sensing, optical communications, and sensors, while upholding integrity and collaborative values in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS or MS in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Interest in applying optics and photonics to defense-focused applications.
• Proficient written and oral communication; able to collaborate across teams.
• Experience with Python, Matlab, or C/C++.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance and able to obtain Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on innovative defense-related optics projects.
• Contribute to development of high-energy laser systems, beam control, and atmospheric sensing.
• Support optical communications, sensors, spectroscopy, and optical materials research.

Skills

Python

Matlab

C/C++

Written/oral communication

GPA 3.0

Education

BS or MS in Optics/Physics/EE

Tools

Solidworks

Creo

Zemax

FRED

Job description

Do you want to learn more about a career in applying optics to defense applications?

Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through innovative research and development projects?

If you are pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline and want to apply your expertise to optics and photonics research applications, we would love to have you join our team!

As a member of our team, you will collaborate with a team of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on the development of innovative solutions to our nation’s critical challenges. We seek to drive technology advances in a variety of applications including high energy laser systems, beam control, atmospheric sensing and characterization, optical communications and sensors, applied spectroscopy, and optical materials science. Our team values include respect, communication, and technical and professional integrity. We strive to foster an environment in which we can have spirited technical discussions that drive towards truly innovative solutions.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Are pursuing a BS or MS in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Are interested in exploring a career in applying optics and photonics technologies to innovative applications for defense.
• Have proficient written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Have experience with software programming in Python, Matlab, or C/C++.
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Are able to obtain Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you…

• Have directly relevant experience in a hands-on laboratory environment.
• Have experience with advanced mechanical and optical software packages such as Solidworks, Creo, Zemax, or FRED.
• Have experience with machining, woodworking or 3D printing.
• Have classroom or professional experience performing data analysis and writing scientific reports.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$22.60 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$47.95 Hourly