2027 University of Oregon Optical Engineering Intern

MKS Instruments; 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

MKS Instruments is seeking an Intern to join the Advanced Technology Development group in Milpitas, CA. You will work under the supervision of the lead on laser testing, data automation, and device optimization, gaining hands-on experience in a structured lab environment.

The role emphasizes practical skills in laser physics, data processing, and documentation, with exposure to Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW and collaboration across electrical and systems engineers.

Qualifications

• Must be actively enrolled as a Master’s student in the Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program, Optics or Semiconductor paths.
• Strong fundamentals in hardware, laser physics, or optoelectronic devices; basic coding exposure (Python) for processing datasets.

Responsibilities

• Optical Testing & Laser Characterization: set up, calibrate, align 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 using Python, MATLAB or LabVIEW to interface with lab hardware.
• Failure Analysis & System Optimization: collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot root-cause anomalies and author SOPs, test plans, and evaluation reports.

Skills

Laser physics

Hardware fundamentals

Optelectronic devices

Python exposure

Education

Master’s student program (Optics or Semiconductor paths)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

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.

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

#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. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [e-mail].