Optical Engineering Internship

Safran Group; Bedford (NH); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Defense & Space, Inc.'s Optronics unit in Bedford, NH is seeking an Optical Engineering Intern to support the design, analysis and testing of optical systems, including cameras, laser systems and imaging modules.

Working directly with experienced optical engineers, you will gain hands-on experience with Zemax and FRED, perform lab measurements, and contribute to subsystem integration in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in optical engineering, physics, or a related field.
• Interest in optical system design, imaging, photonics, or related technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident status.

Responsibilities

• Assist with optical system modeling and simulation.
• Support range analysis using optical performance models.
• Participate in optical architecture trade studies and prepare analyses.
• Conduct hands-on testing of optical components and camera modules.
• Perform laboratory measurements of camera performance and laser properties.
• Learn to operate optical instrumentation in a lab.
• Support lens design tasks including tolerancing.
• Gain experience with Zemax and FRED.
• Prepare test reports and technical presentations.
• Assist engineers during field testing as needed.
• Collaborate with other disciplines on prototype assemblies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Optical system design

Imaging

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree pursuit in optical engineering, physics, or related field

Tools

Zemax

FRED

MATLAB

Python

Job description

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Safran DSI Business Unit: Optronics ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high‑paced, high‑energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Optical Engineering Intern will support the design, analysis, and testing of optical systems including cameras, laser systems, imaging modules, and sub‑components. Working directly with experienced optical engineers, interns gain practical experience in optical modeling, lab testing, and optical subsystem integration. This role is ideal for students interested in optical system design, photonics, laser technologies, and applied physics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with optical system modeling and simulation using engineering tools and custom math models.
• Support range analysis activities related to detection, recognition, and identification of targets using optical performance models.
• Participate in optical architectural trade studies and contribute to engineering presentations or analyses.
• Conduct hands‑on testing of optical components and prototype systems (camera modules, laser range finders, optical sensors).
• Assist in laboratory measurements of camera performance, laser properties, and sub‑component optical characteristics.
• Learn and operate optical instrumentation in a well‑equipped engineering lab.
• Support lens design tasks including requirement validation, optical element selection, and tolerance analysis.
• Gain exposure to industry‑standard optical design tools such as Zemax and FRED.
• Prepare engineering documentation such as test reports, analysis summaries, and technical presentations.
• Assist engineers during field testing activities when required.
• Demonstrate hands‑on experience including prototype assembly, lab setups, and engineering evaluations in collaboration with other disciplines.
• Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Actively working toward a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in optical engineering, physics, or related engineering field.
• Strong interest in optical system design, imaging, photonics, or related technologies.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher recommended.
• Experience or coursework related to optical laboratory methods, photonics, lasers, or imaging preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced engineering environment.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Experience with optical modeling or simulation tools such as Zemax, FRED, MATLAB, or Python.
• Familiarity with optical modeling tools and basic programming skills is helpful.
• Familiarity with engineering lab equipment and optical test methodologies.
• Experience working in an ITAR environment

EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).

Nearest Major Market: Manchester
Nearest Secondary Market: Nashua