Photonic Systems R&D Test Internship

OpenLight Photonics Inc.; Goleta (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ISOs

401k matching

Unlimited vacation

Spot bonuses

Insurance

Job summary

OpenLight Photonics Inc. is seeking a motivated graduate student for a paid internship in Goleta, CA, to evaluate photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in a lab setting. You will build test stations, operate precision instruments, and write Python scripts to automate tests from June through August 2027.

You will collect data, generate reports, and present conclusions to senior engineers, contributing to a fast-moving team focused on AI-enabled photonics and cloud-scale connectivity.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Basic software coding experience
• Basic experience operating lab equipment
• Self-starting and independent but able to collaborate with team members

Responsibilities

• Build and modify system level photonic test stations including PIC evaluation boards, optical spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and other high-end test equipment
• Write Python code to execute and automate test programs
• Collect and analyze data, create test reports, and provide clear conclusions

Skills

Python

Collaboration

Self-motivation

Education

Graduate degree candidate in Electrical Engineering or Photonics

Tools

Oscilloscope

Optical Spectrum Analyzer

PIC evaluation boards

Job description

The Role

Work closely with senior Photonic Systems Engineers to evaluate photonic integrated circuit (PIC) hardware in the test lab gathering system-level data that supports customer adoption of our Silicon Photonics platform. This is a paid internship expected from June through August 2027.

What You Will Do

• Build and modify system level photonic test stations including PIC evaluation boards, optical spectrum
• analyzers, oscilloscopes, and other high-end test equipment
• Write Python code to execute and automate test programs
• Collect and analyze data, create test reports, and provide clear conclusions

Your Background Includes

• Pursuing a graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field.
• Basic software coding experience
• Basic experience operating lab equipment
• Self-starting and independent but able to collaborate with team members

About OpenLight

OpenLight is growing as customer adoption and industry momentum continue to accelerate. The rapid growth of AI and cloud infrastructure is driving unprecedented demand for faster, more energy-efficient optical connectivity. We are addressing this challenge through a platform approach that simplifies the development of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and accelerates industry adoption.

As part of our team, you will contribute to technologies that enable AI and hyperscale data centers, high-speed optical communications, advanced sensing applications, next-generation photonic integration, and more. Our team is collaborative and fast-moving, and you will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions across technology, operations, and business growth.

OpenLight continues with a hybrid schedule, with a standard of three days/week in office; you select the days you're in, based on what's best for your work priorities.

OpenLight's salary for technical roles is dependent on the skills and experience of the individual, their primary work location, and other parameters; annual salary will generally be somewhere between $140,000-$240,000. In addition to cash compensation, OpenLight offers incentive stock options (ISOs), generous insurance support, 401k matching, unlimited vacation, spot bonuses, and a positive work environment.