Photonic Engineering Co-Op (2027)

Battelle; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Battelle is seeking a Photonic Engineering Intern/Co-Op for Spring and/or Summer 2027. This 100% onsite position is in Columbus, OH, within the Advanced Microsystems Solution group, focusing on photonics modeling, simulation, fabrication, and testing for novel technology applications.

The role supports design, modeling, simulation, and verification activities, requires hands-on analysis, and offers a housing stipend for students relocating.

Qualifications

• Must be currently pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Optical Sciences, or related fields.
• Must have at least two years of college coursework completed.
• 1+ years of industry, academic, or research experience in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design, simulation, layout, and testing.
• Coursework in engineering (integrated optics, photonics, quantum optics)
• Sound understanding of optical physics concepts.
• Experience in simulation of photonics devices, waveguides, or similar technology using software applications such as Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL, Tidy3D, or other photonic simulation tools.
• Experience in photonics layout tools such as KLayout, GDSFactory, Luceda, Cadence, Synopsys, etc.
• Proficiency in python scripting
• Knowledge of electromagnetics, semiconductor devices, and materials science.
• Experience within design, analysis, and/or manufacturing of photonic devices & optical components.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• A positive attitude and willingness to take on technical challenges.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be a sole US Citizen with ability to obtain & maintain government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support model development and simulation activities for investigating integrated optical circuit design for applications in sensing and quantum optics.
• Assist component selection and design for passive and active photonic devices and circuits including components like waveguides, couplers, splitters, resonators, phase shifters, and interferometers, as well as selection of suitable sources and detectors.
• Facilitate translation of design intent to layouts for photonic structures, and work with manufacturing teams to support device fabrication.
• Support development and operation of photonic device measurement systems, processing collected data to validate design hypotheses.
• Write reports of methods used and results obtained.

Skills

Python scripting

Photonic design

Optical simulation

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors/Masters/PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Optical Sciences, or related fields

Tools

Ansys Lumerical

COMSOL

Tidy3D

KLayout

GDSFactory

Luceda

Cadence

Synopsys

Job description

For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.

At Battelle, interns and co-ops make an impact through hands-on learning and exciting and challenging projects. Our interns are an integral part of the teams they support and will feel like they are a true, valued team member. We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

A brighter future is possible with you.

Job Summary

Battelle is seeking a Photonic Engineering Intern/Co-Op for Spring and/or Summer 2027. This position is 100% onsite located in Columbus, OH. Battelle's Advanced Microsystems Solution group, in our National Security Global Business, is currently seeking someone with knowledge of photonics and optics with a background in photonics modeling, simulation, fabrication, and device testing. This individual will support technical analyses, design, modeling, simulation, and testing capabilities for novel technology applications. Application deadline: October 23rd, 2026

Responsibilities

• Support model development and simulation activities for investigating integrated optical circuit design for applications in sensing and quantum optics.
• Assist component selection and design for passive and active photonic devices and circuits including components like waveguides, couplers, splitters, resonators, phase shifters, and interferometers, as well as selection of suitable sources and detectors.
• Facilitate translation of design intent to layouts for photonic structures, and work with manufacturing teams to support device fabrication.
• Support development and operation of photonic device measurement systems, processing collected data to validate design hypotheses.
• Write reports of methods used and results obtained.

Key Qualifications

• Must be currently pursuing a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Optical Sciences, or related fields.
• Must have at least two years of college coursework completed.
• 1+ years of industry, academic, or research experience in Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) design, simulation, layout, and testing.
• Coursework in engineering (integrated optics, photonics, quantum optics)
• Sound understanding of optical physics concepts.
• Experience in simulation of photonics devices, waveguides, or similar technology using software applications such as Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL, Tidy3D, or other photonic simulation tools.
• Experience in photonics layout tools such as KLayout, GDSFactory, Luceda, Cadence, Synopsys, etc.
• Proficiency in python scripting
• Knowledge of electromagnetics, semiconductor devices, and materials science.
• Experience within design, analysis, and/or manufacturing of photonic devices & optical components.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• A positive attitude and willingness to take on technical challenges.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be a sole US Citizen with ability to obtain & maintain government security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Python driven simulation flows, e.g. Ansys python lumapi, Tidy3D, MEEP, DEVSIM.
• Experience in design and construction of measurement & data acquisition systems related to standing up optics test stands, electrical probing, and microscopy.
• Experience developing requirements and testing procedures for characterization of photonic devices.
• Experience testing integrated photonic devices, e.g. fiber-to-chip coupling systems.
• Related work experience (paid or unpaid) is preferred

Compensation Data

The salary range for this role is $20.00 – $40.00 per hour, in addition to a $2,000 housing stipend for students relocating more than 50 miles from home and university. Internship pay is benchmarked against national averages taking into consideration a student's major and year in school.

Preparing You for Career Success

The Battelle intern and co-op program is a great way to increase experience both on a team and as an independent contributor. Ninety-eight percent of internship survey respondents said they felt better prepared to enter the workforce after their Battelle internship and 100% said they were treated with respect by their colleagues.

You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:

• Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
• Pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
• Partner with world–class experts in a collaborative environment
• Become the next generation of scientific leaders and business professionals

Are you ready to help solve the most important challenges of today and tomorrow?

If so, we are ready to support you with:

• Flexible work schedules: Most teams follow a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off
• Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
• Employee Resource Groups that help cultivate an inclusive and welcoming community
• Social and professional networking events with Battelle Senior Leadership and your colleagues
• Opportunities for philanthropic involvement to give back and make an impact in the community

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols

Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).

Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran–status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.

The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members.

No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.

For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers