2027 University of Oregon Optical Engineering Intern

MKS Instruments, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid holidays

Sick time

15 paid vacation days

Job summary

Join MKS Instruments, Inc. as an intern in Milpitas to work with the Lasers team on optical testing, data automation, and failure analysis. You will be involved in characterizing laser systems, building automation scripts (Python/MATLAB/LabVIEW), and documenting test procedures.

This paid internship offers hands-on experience in a cutting-edge laboratory environment. Ideal candidates are enrolled as a Master’s student in optics or related fields, with a strong hardware and laser physics

Qualifications

• Active enrollment as a Master's student in optics or related field.
• Solid grasp of hardware, laser physics or optoelectronic devices with basic coding exposure (Python).
• Proficiency with Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW for data processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Optical Testing & Laser Characterization: set up, calibrate, and align optical instrumentation to evaluate laser power, beam profile, wavelength stability, and pulse characteristics.
• Electro-Optical Data Automation & Analytics: develop and maintain data acquisition and automation scripts to interface with lab hardware and process datasets.
• Failure Analysis & System Optimization: collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot root causes and author SOPs and test reports.

Job description

A Day in Your Life at MKS

As an Intern at Lasers, you will partner with Advanced Technology Development to support development of laser. In this role, you will report to the Mateusz Plewicki.

You Will Make an Impact By:

1. Optical Testing & Laser Characterization Set up, calibrate, and align advanced optical characterization instrumentation to evaluate laser power, beam profile, wavelength stability, and pulse characteristics. Conduct hands‑on testing of delicate optical components, mirrors, crystals, and fiber‑coupled systems within a cleanroom or controlled laboratory environment. Assist with the development and deployment of automated optics mounting and sub‑assembly processes.
2. Electro‑Optical Data Automation & Analytics Develop and maintain data acquisition and automation scripts (typically utilizing Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW) to interface with laboratory hardware, sensors, and power meters. Process multi‑parameter datasets to track long‑term laser reliability, thermal performance, and electrical‑to‑optical conversion efficiency. Translate complex diagnostic test data into actionable reporting metrics, clear charts, and structured data summaries for cross‑functional engineering design reviews.
3. Failure Analysis & System Optimization Collaborate with electrical and systems engineers to troubleshoot and diagnose root‑cause anomalies in laser prototypes or production units where performance deviates from spec limits. Author and update rigorous engineering test documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), test plans, and final evaluation reports.

Travel Requirements

No Travel is required.

Skills You Bring

Academic Enrollment: Must be actively enrolled as a Master's student in the University of Oregon Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program, specifically tracking through the Optics or Semiconductor paths.

Technical Skillset: Strong fundamental grasp of hardware, laser physics, or optoelectronic devices, coupled with basic coding exposure (Python preferred) for processing datasets.

Compliance

Position may require access to controlled goods or technology subject to export control regulations; applicants must be US Persons or possess appropriate government licensing clearances.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information. The ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Operates in a professional office environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery. Noise level in the work environment is usually average.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Pay Range: $40 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MKS is an equal opportunity employer, including disability, veteran status and all categories protected by law.

#LI‑DNI Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business. MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At MKS, it's all about courage, big ideas, and a serious passion for innovation. Winning here is about exploring possibilities, taking action, and solving our customers’ toughest challenges. It's not just a job – it's what you make of it. While you shape your role and make it unique, we invest in you with on‑the‑job and formal training, as well as educational assistance. Curiosity is key at MKS - ask questions, own your path. Our success comes from celebrating the unique skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experience of employees from over 100 countries. The goal is to make sure that everyone feels that they belong. Diversity isn't just a nice‑to‑have; making sure everyone feels included is a big deal for us.

MKS instruments product overview