2027 PhD Optical & Photonics Engineering Intern/Co-Op

Advanced Micro Devices; San Jose, Santa Clara (CA, CA); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

AMD is seeking a PhD-level photonics intern/co-op to contribute to next-generation optical, photonic, and high-speed interconnect technologies for advanced computing platforms. You will work on photonic ICs, optical transceivers, and related subsystems, conducting design, simulation, validation, and testing in a collaborative laboratory environment.

You will gain hands-on experience with lab instrumentation, data analysis, and modeling, while partnering with photonics, electrical, systems,

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, Optoelectronics, Physics, Optical Communications, or a related field.
• Exposure to photonic design, simulation, characterization, or semiconductor technologies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support design, simulation, validation, and characterization of photonic integrated circuits, optical transceivers, and high-speed interconnect technologies.
• Assist in laboratory testing and performance analysis of optical and electrical systems using industry-standard measurement techniques.
• Contribute to data collection, automation, modeling, and analysis to improve design performance and product qualification.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges and document findings for reports.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Photonic design

Optical testing

Fiber optics

Signal integrity

Lab instrumentation

Education

PhD in Electrical/Optical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Network analyzers

Optical spectrum analyzers

Tunable lasers

Job description

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER. ADVANCE THE WORLD.

At AMD, we believetechnology 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 AMDis shapingthefuture.

Whetheryou’redesigning next-gen processors, enabling AI breakthroughs, orbringing leading edge products to market, every role at AMD contributes to something bigger— technologythat 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-standard measurement techniques and instrumentation.
• We will involve you in data collection, automation, modeling, and analysis activities that help improve design performance, product qualification, and engineering efficiency.
• Depending on project assignments, you may work on photonic device characterization, optical communications, signal integrity analysis, mixed-signal technologies, or next-generation networking solutions.
• You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams including photonics, electrical, systems, packaging, and validation engineers to solve complex technical challenges.
• You will document findings, present results, and contribute to technical reports that support technology development and product innovation.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.

AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants’ needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.

AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD’s “Responsible AI Policy” is available here.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.