Optics & Photonics Internship: Defense R&D

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks students pursuing a BS or MS in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering to apply optics and photonics to defense-focused research projects.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance technologies in high-energy laser systems, beam control, atmospheric sensing, optical communications, and sensors, while upholding integrity and collaborative values in a mission-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a BS or MS in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Interest in applying optics and photonics to defense-focused applications.
• Proficient written and oral communication; able to collaborate across teams.
• Experience with Python, Matlab, or C/C++.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Eligible for Interim Secret clearance and able to obtain Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with scientists and engineers on innovative defense-related optics projects.
• Contribute to development of high-energy laser systems, beam control, and atmospheric sensing.
• Support optical communications, sensors, spectroscopy, and optical materials research.

Skills

Python

Matlab

C/C++

Education

BS or MS in Optics/Physics/EE

Tools

Solidworks

Creo

Zemax

FRED

Job description

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks students pursuing a BS or MS in Optics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering to apply optics and photonics to defense-focused research projects.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to advance technologies in high-energy laser systems, beam control, atmospheric sensing, optical communications, and sensors, while upholding integrity and collaborative values in a mission-driven environment.