2027 PhD Optical & Photonics Engineering Intern/Co-Op

AMD; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

AMD is seeking a PhD Photonics & Optical Systems Intern/Co-Op in San Jose, CA, to work on next-generation optical interconnect technologies for AI infrastructure. The role involves design, simulation, validation, and characterization of photonic ICs and transceivers.

You will support lab testing, data analysis, and collaboration with engineering teams, using Python/MATLAB and standard lab instruments. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in a cutting-edge AI hardware environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in a related technical field (Electrical/Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics).
• Experience or coursework in silicon photonics and PICs is preferred.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for computing, automation or analysis.
• Exposure to photonic design, simulation, characterization, or semiconductor technologies is a plus.
• Experience with optical/electrical test equipment is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, simulation, validation, and characterization of photonic integrated circuits and optical transceivers.
• Support laboratory testing and performance analysis of optical and electrical systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to advance optical interconnect technologies for AI infrastructure.

Skills

PhD Photonics

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Lab testing

Oscilloscopes

Signal integrity

Education

PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering / Optical Engineering / Photonics (or related field)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Job description

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.

At AMD, we believe technology has the power to solve the world's most important challenges. From advancing healthcare and scientific discovery to powering AI and the technologies people rely on every day, innovation at AMD is shaping the future.

Whether you redesigning next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, or bringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger— technology that moves the world forward. Join us and, together, we'll advance your career.

As an AMD intern and co-op, you'll be placed at the epicenter of the AI ecosystem, working alongside experts and industry pioneers. You'll do important work, learn new skills, expand your network, and gain real-world experience on projects that impact millions of end-users worldwide. Whether you're an undergrad or a PhD student, your contributions matter—and your experience here will be a launchpad for what comes next.

JOB DETAILS:

• Location: San Jose, CA or Santa Clara, CA
• Onsite/Hybrid: This role requires the student to work full time (40 hours a week), in either a hybrid or onsite work structure throughout the duration of the co-op/intern term
• Duration:
  • Spring/Summer Co-op: January 25, 2027 - August 13, 2027
  • Summer Internship:
    • Semester Students: May 24, 2027 - August 13, 2027
    • Quarter Students: June 21, 2027 - September 10, 2027
  • Summer/Fall Co-op:
    • Semester Students: May 24, 2027 - December 10, 2027
    • Quarter Students: June 21, 2027 - December 10, 2027

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, Optoelectronics, Physics, Optical Communications, or a related technical field.
• Experience, coursework, or research in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
  • Silicon photonics and photonic integrated circuits (PICs)
  • Optical communications and optical transceivers
  • High-speed digital communications and SerDes technologies
  • Signal integrity and high-speed electrical interconnects
  • Analog and mixed-signal circuit design
  • Optical device characterization and testing
  • Fiber-optic networking technologies
• Experience with engineering simulation, modeling, laboratory testing, or data analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar programming languages for technical computing, automation, or data analysis.
• Exposure to photonic design, simulation, characterization, or semiconductor technologies is preferred.
• Familiarity with optical and electrical test equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, optical spectrum analyzers, tunable lasers, BER testers, or similar laboratory instrumentation is a plus.
• Interest in advancing optical, photonic, and high-speed interconnect technologies for next-generation computing and AI infrastructure.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD Photonics & Optical Systems Engineering Intern/Co-Op to join our team. In this role, you will contribute to the development of next-generation optical, photonic, and high-speed interconnect technologies for advanced computing platforms.

• Opportunities may include supporting the design, simulation, validation, and characterization of photonic integrated circuits, optical transceivers, optical subsystems, and high-speed interconnect technologies.
• You may contribute to laboratory testing and performance analysis of optical and electrical systems using industry