Optical Engineering Intern: Imaging Systems

Arete Associates; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Arete Associates invites an Optical Engineering Intern to join our Tucson, AZ team on-site. You will support the development of visible and infrared imaging systems, tools, and hardware, under staff guidance across the product lifecycle—from defining requirements to testing and integration.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, exposure to engineering cycles, and collaboration with engineers. Undergraduate or graduate students in optical engineering are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelors/Master’s/PhD degree program in Optical Engineering.
• Exposure to the engineering development cycle through school projects or other internships.
• A passion for physics, optics and technology with a strong desire to learn and grow.
• Strong hands on and lab skills, comfortable with optical equipment (cameras, lenses, mirrors, lasers, etc).
• Experience using common lab equipment (oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Define system requirements and prototyping for optical projects.
• Debug, test, and integrate components into larger operational systems.
• Collaborate with engineers across disciplines to support product lifecycle.

Skills

Lab skills

Optical engineering

Education

Bachelors/Master’s/PhD in Optical Engineering

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Zemax

Job description

Arete Associates invites an Optical Engineering Intern to join our Tucson, AZ team on-site. You will support the development of visible and infrared imaging systems, tools, and hardware, under staff guidance across the product lifecycle—from defining requirements to testing and integration.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, exposure to engineering cycles, and collaboration with engineers. Undergraduate or graduate students in optical engineering are encouraged to apply.