2027 Spring Optical Engineering Intern (R20149)

MKS Inc.; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

MKS Inc. in Rochester is seeking an Optical Engineering Intern focused on diffraction gratings to bridge theory and hands-on lab work. You will review efficiency simulations in MATLAB, model stray light in Zemax, and assist in aligning laser beams on high‑precision optical tables under guidance from senior engineers.

This 6‑month co‑op starts January 2027. You’ll help set up test beds, analyze data with MATLAB/Python, document procedures, and present findings to the team.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/MS/PhD in Optical Engineering or related field.
• Completed coursework in physical optics, wave mechanics, or laser physics.
• Hands-on lab/internship experience in optics preferred.
• Familiarity with laser safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setup, alignment, and execution of optical test beds.
• Model grating behavior using Zemax or MATLAB/Python and analyze data.
• Inspect optical components with microscopes and interferometers for QC.
• Document procedures, compile data, and present findings.
• Travel up to 0-10%.

Skills

Lab experience

Laser safety

Optical engineering knowledge

MATLAB

Python

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related

Tools

Zemax

MATLAB

Python

Job description

A Day In Your Life At MKS:

As an Optical Engineering Intern focused on diffraction gratings, your day bridges the gap between cutting-edge theory and hands-on laboratory reality. You might start your morning at your desk, reviewing efficiency simulations in MATLAB or modeling stray light behavior in Zemax to optimize a new grating profile. By mid-day, you’ll head into the lab or cleanroom, suiting up to work alongside senior engineers on high-precision optical tables. There, your afternoon is spent using fine motor skills to carefully align laser beams, configure Fizeau interferometers, or utilize spectrophotometers to measure the exact wavefront quality and performance of real-world components. It’s a dynamic, highly collaborative environment where you spend equal time solving complex mathematical physics puzzles on a screen and meticulously handling state-of-the-art optics in the lab. In this role, you will report to the Senior Engineering Manager (on-site)

"A Day In Your Life At MKS: As an Optical Engineering Intern focused on diffraction gratings, your day bridges the gap between cutting-edge theory and hands-on laboratory reality. You might start your morning at your desk, reviewing efficiency simulations in MATLAB or modeling stray light behavior in Zemax to optimize a new grating profile. By mid-day, you’ll head into the lab or cleanroom, suiting up to work alongside senior engineers on high-precision optical tables. There, your afternoon is spent using fine motor skills to carefully align laser beams, configure Fizeau interferometers, or utilize spectrophotometers to measure the exact wavefront quality and performance of real-world components. It’s a dynamic, highly collaborative environment where you spend equal time solving complex mathematical physics puzzles on a screen and meticulously handling state-of-the‑art optics in the lab. In this role, you will report to the Senior Engineering Manager (on‑site)"

Intern / Co-op Program Overview:

• 6-month co‑op assignment within a functional area of MKS Inc. that provides students a comprehensive and engaging experience from before your program starts to after the program ends.
• Meaningful work and project assignments
• Networking opportunities with peers and executives
• Exposure to different divisions of the business
• Understanding of MKS Inc.'s commitment to culture and belonging

Intern/Co‑op Term: This is a 6-month internship/co‑op beginning in January 2027.

You Will Make An Impact By:

• Assisting in the setup, alignment, and execution of optical test beds for characterizing diffraction grating efficiency and wavefront quality.
• Utilizing optical design software (e.g., Zemax) or scripting languages (e.g., MATLAB/Python) to model grating behavior and analyze experimental data.
• Performing routine inspection of optical components using microscopes and interferometers to ensure quality control standards are met.
• Documenting test procedures, compiling data, and presenting findings to the engineering team.
• Travel Requirements: Up to 0-10 % of Travel is required.

Skills You Bring:

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering (with an optics focus), or a related technical discipline.
• Completed coursework in physical optics, wave mechanics, or laser physics.
• Hands‑on experience in a university optics laboratory or prior internship environment is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with laser safety practices.

Physical Demands And Working Conditions:

• Laboratory and Cleanroom Environments

If Your Role Involves Alignment, Prototyping, Or Manufacturing (such As Working With Advanced Lasers, Lithography, Or Precision Ruling Engines), The Physical Demands Increase:

• Precision Fine Motor Skills: A major component of lab work is the highly precise manipulation of delicate components. This includes mounting microscopic optics, adjusting multi‑axis kinematic mounts, and handling fragile substrates without introducing contamination.
• Extended Standing and Bending: Aligning complex optical trains on a breadboard or optical table often requires standing, leaning over tables, and holding specific postures for extended periods to ensure perfect beam alignment.
• Cleanroom Gowning and Protocols: Working in a cleanroom requires wearing full protective gear (bunny suits, hoods, masks, gloves, and booties). This can sometimes feel restrictive, warm, or fatiguing over a long shift.
• Lifting and Tool Handling: While individual optical components are often light, the associated hardware—such as vacuum chambers, laser power supplies, optomechanical assemblies, and diagnostic equipment—can be heavy, requiring occasional lifting of 20 to 50 lbs.
• Visual and Sensory Demands

Because The Job Revolves Around Controlling Light, The Sensory Demands On Your Eyes Are Higher Than In Many Other Engineering Disciplines:

• Microscopic and Near‑Vision Focus: Inspecting optical surfaces for defects, scratches, or particulate contamination requires excellent near‑vision acuity, often aided by microscopes or high‑powered loupes.
• Laser Safety and Color Perception: Working around high‑powered lasers requires the strict, continuous use of laser safety goggles. These goggles filter out specific wavelengths, which alters color perception and reduces ambient light, making visual tasks more straining.
• Low‑Light Environments: Optical alignment and testing are frequently performed in darkened or completely blacked‑out labs to eliminate stray ambient light, which can cause eye strain over time.
• Office and Design Environments

For Roles Heavily Weighted Toward Sequential Ray Tracing, Stray Light Analysis, Or Thin‑film Coating Design, The Physical Demands Match Those Of a Typical Software Or Structural Engineer:

• Sedentary Desk Work: Spending long stretches of time sitting or standing at a desk utilizing CAD software, Zemax/Code V, or MATLAB.
• Computer Screen Strain: High cognitive focus paired with looking at high‑resolution monitors for geometric modeling and data analysis.

Compensation And Benefits:

Hourly Pay Range: $25.00 to $35.00 per hour. This range is a good faith estimate of the expected salary range for this position, based on a wide range of factors including qualifications, experience and training, operational and business needs and other considerations permitted by law. At MKS, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role.

Benefits: MKS offers a benefits package for interns/co‑ops working at least 20 hours per week, including 11 paid holidays, sick time, and 15 paid vacation days accrued on a biweekly basis.

The application period for the intern/co‑op position is estimated to be through the end of November 2026; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law. Please review our EOE statements for additional details.