Frontend Software Engineer Co-op

Description

Position Summary:

The Frontend Software Engineer Co-op will contribute to the design and development of the user interface for Vuzix’ custom Waveguide Manufacturing Execution System (MES). Vuzix is one of the few organizations in the world capable of mass-producing waveguide-based optical systems, and this role supports the creation of advanced software tools that enable production, quality monitoring, research, and innovation across our manufacturing operations.

Working closely with the Staff Software Engineer and members of the broader engineering and research teams, the student will help develop data-driven visualization and workflow tools that improve insight into waveguide manufacturing performance. The role will involve building user-facing features, organizing and presenting complex manufacturing data, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure information is accessible, accurate, and meaningful for users across the organization — including engineering, operations, and leadership.

The systems developed in this role will be actively used in production environments, providing high visibility and real-time impact. This position offers the opportunity to gain significant experience in frontend development, data visualization, and manufacturing systems engineering, supported by mentorship and structured technical guidance.

This position will also support the functions of the R&D - Software Department to meet the requirements of the relevant ISO 9001:2015 standards based on the quality objectives established by Top Management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop user-facing features using Vue.js.
• Work with REST and/or GraphQL APIs to retrieve, manage, and display data.
• Design and implement clean, accessible, and responsive UI components.
• Debug, test, and continuously improve existing frontend code.
• Participate in code reviews, team stand-ups, and collaborative planning.
• Work closely with research teams, backend engineers, and product managers.
• Write readable, maintainable, and well-documented code that follows best practices.
• Meets required ISO 9001:2015 standards and necessary training based on the relevant Quality Objectives.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience building and shipping production-ready software.
• Direct exposure to a live manufacturing system used daily by engineers and operators.
• Mentorship and guidance from senior developers.
• Experience working in a professional Agile engineering environment.
• A deeper understanding of data-driven manufacturing and optical technology.

Requirements

Minimal Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a BS or MS program in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• Proficiency in JavaScript (ES6+).
• Proficiency in HTML and CSS.
• Exposure to a modern frontend framework (Vue.js preferred; React/Angular also acceptable).
• Self-motivated and eager to learn about new tools, technologies, and concepts.
• Willingness to embrace Test-Driven Development (TDD) practices.
• Comfortable working in an Agile development environment.
• Foundational understanding of software architecture and design principles.
• Proficiency with Git or other version-control systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with:
• Vue 3 and the Composition API
• TypeScript
• Pinia (or Vuex)
• Vue Router
• Tailwind CSS, SCSS, or other CSS frameworks
• Unit testing tools (e.g., Jest, Vitest, Cypress)
• Docker
• Working with Python and Django backends.
• Basic understanding of accessibility and responsive design principles.
• Understanding of imaging or optic concepts.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Written Communication – Read and interpret written information effectively, write clearly and concisely, adapt writing style for different audiences.
• Verbal Communication – Give focused attention to what others are saying, take time to understand what and respond when appropriate without interrupting, speak clearly and effectively express ideas and opinions, adapt and react professionally in both positive and negative situations.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Balance team and individual responsibilities, consider others’ views objectively and with openness to changing your own, give and encourage feedback, contribute to a positive team dynamic, prioritize team success over personal interests, work effectively across departments toward company goals.
• Professionalism – Interact with others in a considerate manner, follow through on commitments, react well under pressure and preserve confidentiality, control emotions, and accept responsibility, maintain focus on solutions and treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. 
• Motivation & Initiative – Demonstrate persistence and ability to adapt to changes in daily workflow and overcome obstacles, ask for and offer help when needed, work independently when required, volunteer readily and look for ways to improve and create successful outcomes, positively contribute to overall work environment. 
• Respect & Integrity – Treat people with respect, work ethically and with honesty and integrity, inspire the trust of others, demonstrate appreciation and sensitivity for cultural differences, help promote inclusion and understanding of the value of diversity, embrace differences and support a harassment-free environment

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Travel: Negligible.

Physical Demands: Frequently required to sit, speak, hear, see, and perform repetitive motion (data entry). Occasionally required to lift or carry (10 lb. minimum). Reasonable accommodations will be made available if applicable.