Optical Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

CACI International Inc; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 56,000 - 111,000; Part time

Job summary

CACI International Inc. in Danbury, CT is seeking an Optical Engineering Intern for Summer 2027 to tackle meaningful optical challenges alongside senior engineers.

You will contribute to the full development cycle, from initial ideas to system testing, with hands-on modeling, data analysis, and use of Zemax, 4D, and MetroPro in a collaborative, on-site internship.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master’s in Optical Engineering or a closely related field
• Solid fundamentals in geometrical optics and Fourier optics
• Experience or coursework in optical system modeling
• Familiarity with interferometry and related analytical tools
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
• Able to pass a pre-employment drug screening

Responsibilities

• Support the development of large reflective remote sensing systems
• Contribute to optical system modeling and design tasks
• Analyze interferometric data using tools like 4D or MetroPro
• Create and review error budgets for SFE/WFE performance
• Model optical characteristics such as PSD or Encircled Energy

Skills

Geometrical optics

Fourier optics

Optical system modeling

Interferometry tools

Education

Master's degree in Optical Engineering

Tools

Zemax

4D

MetroPro

Job description

Job Details

Job Title: Optical Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Job Category: Intern/Co-op

Time Type: Part time

Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None

Employee Type: Part-Time On-Call

Percentage of Travel Required: None

Type of Travel: None

The Opportunity

Join a team of innovative optical engineers who tackle complex, meaningful technical challenges every day.

As an Optical Engineering Intern, you'll partner with both optical specialists and cross-functional teams to solve real technical problems while building hands-on and analytical experience with advanced optical and opto-electronic systems. You'll contribute to the full development cycle—from early design ideas to final system testing—using industry-standard tools and methods.

The internship will be fully on-site at our Danbury, CT location.

Responsibilities

You will work on a select set of meaningful projects tailored to your interests and strengths, supporting the development of large reflective remote sensing systems. Your responsibilities may include optical system modeling, design tasks, interferometric data analysis, and other hands-on optical engineering work. Projects could involve reflective optical system design in Zemax, analyzing interferometric data using tools like 4D or MetroPro, creating and reviewing error budgets for SFE/WFE performance, and modeling optical characteristics such as PSD or Encircled Energy.

Qualifications

Required:

• Currently pursuing a Master's degree in Optical Engineering or a closely related field
• If your degree is not in Optical Engineering, you must demonstrate working knowledge of fundamentals
• Understanding of geometrical optics and Fourier optics
• Experience or coursework in optical system modeling
• Familiarity with interferometry and related analytical tools
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening

Desired

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred, but not required
• Previous internship/co-op or other work experience

What You Can Expect

A culture of integrity.

At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do. As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation.

An environment of trust.

CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day. You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality.

A focus on continuous growth.

Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits.

The Proposed Salary Range For This Position Is

$55,600 - $111,100

CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.