Intern, Photonics Engineer

Harris Geospatial Solutions; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) match

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies invites applications for an Intern, Photonics Engineer in Carlsbad, CA. You will collaborate with seasoned engineers to develop the hardware and software behind precision optical systems and photonic devices, performing hands-on development, integration, and test.

The role emphasizes building test scripts, instrumented measurements, and cross-disciplinary teamwork under seasoned supervision. Eligible students pursuing engineering or physics degrees should apply.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering or physics field.
• Experience with programming, digital systems, electronics, or related areas.
• Familiarity with lab instrumentation and data acquisition is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support integration, test, and troubleshooting of photonic hardware and precision optical systems.
• Build or improve scripts and tools for test automation and data collection.
• Assist with laboratory setup, measurement, and documentation of results.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and photonics engineers to validate mature designs.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Lab instrumentation

Embedded systems

Data acquisition

FPGAs

Hardware/software integration

Photonics interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer/Electrical CS or Physics

Tools

PCB design

FPGAs

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Intern, Photonics Engineer

Job Code: 44161

Job Location: Carlsbad, CA

Job Schedule: 9/80:Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked, and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

Build the hardware and software behind precision optical systems and photonic devices. As a Computer Engineering Intern, you will work alongside experienced engineers on hands-on development, integration, and test.

Essential Functions:

• Support integration, test, and troubleshooting of photonic hardware and precision optical systems.
• Build or improve scripts and tools for test automation, data collection, and analysis.
• Assist with laboratory setup, measurement, and documentation of technical results.
• Work with hardware, software, and photonics engineers to integrate and validate mature designs under the guidance of experienced team members.

Qualifications:

• To be eligible, candidate's must be pursuing a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field.

Preferred Skills:

• Coursework, research, design-team, makerspace, internship, or substantial project experience in programming, digital systems, electronics, computer architecture, or related areas.
• Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar programming experience.
• Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, embedded systems, data acquisition, PCB-level design, FPGAs, or hardware/software integration.
• Interest in photonics, sensors, or precision hardware.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and the Greater D.C. area, Denver, or NYC areas is $29.00/hour - $53.50/hour. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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