Engineering Intern

OpenLight Photonics

Santa Clara, CA and Goleta, CA (Hybrid options available for select roles)

OpenLight Photonics is seeking motivated and technically curious engineering interns to join our team for multiple internship opportunities in photonics, PIC engineering, reliability, and test engineering. These internships provide hands-on experience working with cutting-edge silicon photonics technology in a fast‑paced startup environment.

This is a paid internship expected from June - August of 2027.

Please submit your resume and indicate which internship position(s) you are applying for. Available Internship Positions:

1) Photonics Device Modeling Intern

Location: Hybrid – Santa Clara, CA or Goleta, CA

What You Will Do

• Assist with implementation and quality assurance of photonic device modeling tools and workflows

• Develop and optimize design models for photonic devices and integrated circuits

• Run simulations and analyze data to support device performance and design validation

• Collaborate with photonics and process engineering teams

Your Background Includes

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or a related field

• Experience with photonics simulation tools

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

2) PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit) Engineering Intern

Location: On-Site - Santa Clara, CA or Goleta, CA

What You Will Do

• Support the design, layout, and verification of photonic integrated circuits

• Assist with simulation, characterization, and optimization of PIC components

• Work closely with cross‑functional design and fabrication teams

• Document design results and participate in design reviews

Your Background Includes

• Enrolled in a degree program in Electrical Engineering, Applied Material Science, Applied Physics, or a related field

• Interest in silicon photonics or integrated circuit design

• Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational, interpersonal and presentation skills.

3) Photonics Test Engineering Intern

Location: Onsite - Santa Clara, CA or Goleta, CA

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

• Currently pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related field

• Basic software coding experience, ideally in python

• Basic experience operating lab equipment

• Self-starting and independent but able to collaborate with team member

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General Internship Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate engineering or science program

• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast‑moving R&D environment

• Strong communication and documentation skills

• Availability to work onsite as required by the role

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. If you are excited about solving challenging problems, advancing cutting-edge technology, and working with a highly collaborative team, we would love to hear from you.