Optical Engineering Internship - Summer 2026

About our group:

Seagate is seeking an Optical Engineering Intern to join the Laser and Light Delivery Characterization & Analytics Group (CAG). Our team develops advanced metrology systems and characterizes the lasers and photonic devices driving Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology—pioneering innovations in next-generation data storage.

About the role - you will:

• Apply midwave infrared (MWIR) microscopy to characterize thermal behavior in HAMR recording heads, where lasers interact with integrated metallic and dielectric structures.
• Interpret challenging thermal images of mixed-material systems and correlate findings with optical and electrical performance.
• Use custom metrology tools to explore the electrical, optical, thermal, and reliability aspects of HAMR laser systems
• Design and execute experiments or develop novel measurement techniques to address performance and reliability questions.
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists to integrate experimental results with modeling and simulation insights.

About you:

• Strong technical communication skills to present findings clearly and effectively.
• A curious, self-driven approach with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Your experience includes:

• Familiarity with the design, fabrication, or characterization of lasers and photonic devices.
• Hands-on experience with testing and characterizing one or more optical systems, such as laser diodes, fiber optics, imaging systems, polarization optics, electrical/optical signal analyzers and similar.

Preferred Skills (a plus):

• Experience with microscopy, infrared imaging or thermal microscopy techniques and/or the nuances of black-body imaging.
• Familiarity with thermal or optical modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical, Zemax).
• Automating test setups and data acquisition using LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar software.
• Engineering data analysis and statistics (DOE, regression, time-series analysis).

Education:

• Enrolled in a PhD or MS program in physics, materials science, optics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline and must be enrolled in Fall 2026 classes.

Location:

Our Normandale campus spans two suburbs, Edina and Bloomington, and serves as the Recording Head development and manufacturing arm of Seagate. Located in the heart of a bustling community, Seagate offers an on-site café, or if you prefer, you can drive to one of many restaurants just minutes away. Need to grab a gift over lunch time? Shopping is abundant in the area. If working out is your thing, the on-site fully equipped fitness center hosts wellness programs, outdoor activities, tournaments and group workouts. Looking for something more laid back? Reset in one of our meditation rooms, or simply take a walk around our indoor walking path. On-site cultural festivals, celebrations and community volunteer opportunities also abound. #internship

The estimated base wage range for this position is $22-$43/hr. The individual base wage is based on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible Interns, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and participation in the employee stock purchase plan.  Seagate also offers Interns 12 paid holidays and a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave.  The benefits for this position are based on a 24 to 40-hour-per-week schedule for a full calendar year and may differ depending on work location and tenure with the Company

Location: Normandale, United States
Travel: None