NRCA Optical Scientist Graduate-Level Intern (Summer 2027)

Ultipro; Oro Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

NRCA is seeking a highly motivated Optical Scientist intern to work on optical design and metrology challenges in a fast-paced environment in Tucson, AZ. The internship runs for 10 weeks, with flexible scheduling and on-site work.

You will collaborate with senior scientists, contribute to prototype development, and present findings. Strong optics background and familiarity with design software are required, plus ITAR/export compliance awareness.

Qualifications

• Pursuing MS or PhD in Optics.
• Experience using optical design software (FRED, ASAP, LightTools, CODEV, Zemax, RSoft).
• Strong communication skills and ability to present results.

Responsibilities

• Work on projects addressing optical design challenges across areas such as optical design, metrology, and digital manufacturing.
• Complete individual tasks or assignments within projects.
• Design, fabricate or test mechanical parts or equipment.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on completed projects.
• Possibly develop new software for analysis as part of software engineering tasks.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Geometrical optics

Physical optics

Communication skills

Education

Masters in Optical Sciences

PhD in Optical Sciences

Tools

FRED

ASAP

LightTools

CODEV

Zemax

RSoft

Job description

NRCA Optical Scientist Graduate-Level Intern (Summer 2027)

Job Category: Scientist

Requisition Number: NRCAO001457

• Posted : September 29, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Tucson, Arizona
Oro Valley, AZ 85755, USA

Description

Nikon Research Corporation of America

Company Summary:

Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA) with locations in Belmont, California and Tucson, Arizona, is Nikon's advanced research and development subsidiary focused on inventing technologies that will drive Nikon's future products and businesses. We combine the creativity and agility of a startup with the resources and stability of a global technology leader. Our mission is to explore new concepts, develop innovative technologies, and create the intellectual property and technical foundations that enable Nikon's long-term growth and leadership.

The Center for Precision Optical Systems develops advanced optical, photonic, and metrology technologies that support Nikon's future opportunities. Our team designs, builds, and validates prototype optical systems for applications including precision measurement, industrial metrology, machine vision, semiconductor lithography,, and next-generation optical instrumentation. Interns work alongside experienced scientists and engineers on challenging real-world projects that can contribute directly to Nikon's future products and technologies.

Position Title: Optical Scientist Intern

Location: Tucson, AZ

Position Type: Intern, temporary contract (10 weeks)

Salary Range: $25-30 per hour, depending on experience

Schedule: Flexible

Travel: None

Position Overview:

NRCA is seeking a highly motivated and creative optical scientist intern to work on the development of solutions to various optical design challenges in a wide variety of areas such as optical design, optical metrology, and digital manufacturing.

Description of responsibilities:

• Under guidance from senior scientists or engineers, this representative will work on projects that develop and deliver innovative solutions to a variety of challenging problems or assignments.
• Responsible for completing individual tasks or assignments that are task or project focused.
• Designing, fabricating or testing mechanical parts or equipment.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on completed projects
• May be responsible for developing new software for analysis (Software Engineering specialty)
• Other duties as required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Good understanding of geometrical and physical optics
• Pursuing MS or PhD in Optics
• Experience using optical design and modeling software such as FRED, ASAP, LightTools, CODEV, Zemax, RSoft, etc.
• Good communication skills, particularly in the area of preparing and delivering presentations on a weekly to daily basis

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work safely in a lab or cleanroom environment

Other Job Requirements:

• Export Control/ ITAR: Due to export control and International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements, in order to be eligible for NPI employment, you must be a S. citizen, have a permanent resident status in the U.S. (a “green card”), or a foreign national with eligibility as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15).

Nikon Research Corporation of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Privacy Notice and Consent:

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”) and other applicable privacy regulations, Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA) is required to disclose whenever personal information is collected from you in certain contexts, such as to provide or receive a product or service. If you have a visual disability, you may be able to use a screen reader or other tools to review the contents of this notice. More information about NRCAs Privacy Policy is available at: https://www.nikonprecision.com/privacy/. For CA Residents, please carefully review NRCAs Supplemental CCPA Privacy Policy available at: https://www.nikonprecision.com/privacy/caresidentsonly/.

Education

Required

Masters or better in Optical Sciences or related field.

Preferred

PHD or better in Optical Sciences.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.