2027 PhD Optical & Photonics Engineering Intern/Co-Op

AMD; Santa Clara (CA); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

AMD benefits at a glance

Job summary

AMD is seeking a PhD-level Photonics & Optical Systems Engineering Intern/Co-Op in the San Jose/Santa Clara area. You will work on next-generation optical interconnects and high-speed photonics for advanced computing platforms.

You will design, simulate, validate, and characterize photonic integrated circuits and optical subsystems, with hands-on lab work and data analysis. Collaboration across photonics, electrical, and validation teams is expected.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, Optoelectronics, Physics, Optical Communications, or related field.
• Experience, coursework, or research in silicon photonics, PICs, optical transceivers, or high-speed interconnects is preferred.
• Familiarity with engineering simulation, lab testing, or data analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB or similar for technical computing, automation or data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, simulation, validation, and characterization of photonic integrated circuits and optical subsystems.
• Support laboratory testing and performance analysis of optical/electrical systems.
• Engage in data collection, automation, modeling, and analysis to improve design performance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex photonics challenges.
• Document findings and contribute to technical reports supporting development.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Data analysis

Laboratory testing

Photonic design

Simulation

Signal integrity

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Network analyzers

Optical spectrum analyzers

Tunable lasers

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.

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’re designing 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-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.