Applied Optics/Physics Intern

Applied Optimization; Fairborn (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Applied Optimization in Fairborn, OH seeks an undergraduate/graduate intern for optics/physics work. You will assist with theoretical prediction, numerical modeling, and high-quality data collection and analysis of atmospheric and astronomy data using ground-based telescope equipment.

Hours are part-time year-round, minimum 16 hours/week, with on-site attendance required and potential travel for customer support. The role emphasizes meticulous data handling and reporting within a small team.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in physics/astronomy/optics/engineering physics with a strong academic record.
• Knowledge of beam propagation in atmospheric turbulence and related modeling.
• Familiarity with signal and image processing techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Ability to communicate in written and oral form and follow instructions.
• Organizational, debugging, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt within a small team and support evolving customer requirements.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites for technical support.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Support theoretical development and mathematical modeling and simulation.
• Perform Fourier transform calculations for linear systems.
• Assist in deriving circular and vortex beams for optical propagation in turbulence.
• Support optical engineering modifications of telescope equipment.
• Conduct optical bench experiments to meet customer requirements.
• Assist in data collection, reduction, and analysis using ground-based telescope equipment.
• Maintain accurate notebooks and provide weekly progress reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Beam propagation

Signal processing

Image processing

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Team adaptability

Travel willingness

Problem-solving

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate student in physics/astronomy/optics/engineering physics

GPA 3.5 or higher (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

C++

Python

ZEMAX

MS Office

Job description

Applied Optimization (AO) Job Description

Job Title: Applied Optics/Physics Intern Reports to: Principal Scientist

FLSA Status: Part-Time (Non-Exempt) Department: Space Science

Position Objective

• Applied Optimization is an engineering R&D firm working on day and night observations of the sky in the visible and infrared, along with archiving, reporting, and analyzing the collected data.
• Provide direct hands-on responsibility for theoretical prediction, numerical modeling, high quality data acquisition, reporting, analysis, and interpretation. Support
• Meticulous, detail-oriented individual who brings consistent quality and reliability to the collection and analysis of atmospheric and astronomy data.

Essential Functions

• Support theoretical development and mathematical modeling and simulation
• Perform Fourier transform calculations for linear system
• Support the analytical derivation of circular and vortex beams for optical propagation in atmospheric turbulence
• Support optical engineering modifications of new generation telescope equipment.
• Perform optical bench experiments to support customer requirements
• Support the collection, reduction, and analysis of astronomy and atmospheric data using ground-based telescope equipment
• Ensure accuracy and follow documentation procedures for all work; maintain notebook of daily activities and provide weekly report of work
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program related to the field of physics, astronomy, optics, or engineering physics with a superior academic record
• Knowledge in beam propagation in atmospheric turbulent media
• Knowledge of signal and image processing
• Attention to detail and effective time and schedule management skills
• Ability to execute instructions and communication in written, oral, and diagram form
• Effective organizing, planning, debugging, and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and effective time and schedule management skills
• Ability to adapt within a small team to support evolving customer requirements
• Ability to travel to customer sites for technical support
• Basic computer and software skills including but not necessarily limited to Microsoft Office products (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point)

Preferred Qualifications

• College sophomore or junior with cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.5 or higher
• Aptitude for software development using MATLAB, C++, or Python is highly desirable
• Knowledge or experience in navigating astronomical coordinate systems of the night sky
• Knowledge of Atmospheric physics
• Knowledge of optics software such as ZEMAX.

Citizenship/Security Clearance Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder
• May be required to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Security Clearance

Employment Structure

• In-office attendance is required; remote work is not available at this time

About Our Internships

• Hours: The internship is a part-time, year-round position that requires a minimum of sixteen hours per week of work. The hours are flexible and they can change from one semester to another based on the student’s class schedule. The weekly hours can be adjusted to balance for the examinations, tests and project submissions.

About Us: Applied Optimization is a growing organization located in Fairborn, OH. We are an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive salary that is commensurate with qualifications and a comprehensive benefits package. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Find out more about us at www.appliedo.com.