2027 Optics/Photonic Engineering Intern - Apopka FL

Northrop Grumman; Florida; On-site; USD 25,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Apopka, FL invites qualified optics students for a Software Test Engineer Intern role in Mission Systems. You will work on laser and photonics test setups, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to real-world projects with mentorship from seasoned engineers.

This internship offers structured training, networking, and a clear path to professional growth in a supportive, inclusive environment. U.S.

Qualifications

• Be a student enrolled full-time in Fall 2027 in optics/photonic science engineering.
• Majoring in optics/photonic engineering with strong fundamentals.
• Able to work full-time (40 h/week) for 10+ weeks in summer 2027.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in optics/photonic test setups and laser lab activities.
• Support measurement and data collection for tests and experiments.
• Collaborate with team on test plans and documentation.
• Develop familiarity with Zemax or CodeV for optical design tasks.
• Communicate clearly with teammates and mentor relationships.

Skills

Optics/Photonics focus

Strong communication

Time management

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Undergrad or grad student in Optics/Photonic Science Eng

Full-time Fall 2027 enrollment

Tools

Zemax

CodeV

Microsoft Office

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you’ll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you’ll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you’ve done. Join us and launch your career. We’ll support you with training, professional development and networking opportunities, and our shared vision of global security.

Northrop Grumman is seeking Software Test Engineer Intern for an internship opportunity. This position will be located at our Mission Systems sector in Apopka, FL.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Manufacturing Test Engineering Team.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Candidates field of study in Optics/Photonics or related field
• Familiarity with laser laboratories devices e.g., laser diodes, energy/pulse width detection, optical devices, and mounts, etc.
• Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax, CodeV, etc.
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Active listeningWorking well with others
• Time Management & Organization
• Showing empathy and respect
• Continuous Learning & Growth Mindset
• Looking for opportunities to improve skills

Basic Qualifications

• Be a student who is enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university and will be enrolled full time in Fall 2027
• Be majoring in Optics or Photonic Science Engineering
• Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher
• Navigate environments like Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS, including basic file management, window controls, and system settings.
• Knowledge of waveguide design, fiber splicing, cleanroom protocols, and photonic integrated circuit (PIC) fabrication.

Intern Pay Range:

• Bachelor's: $18.50 to $33.50 per hour
• Master's: $26.25 to $41.50 per hour

At Northrop Grumman, our internship pay rates are standardized and take into account three main factors: the anticipated graduation date of the individual, the cost of labor of the geographic location, and whether the internship is considered technical or administrative.

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The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.