2027 Photonics Technologies Graduate Intern
About The Position
The Photonics Technology Department is hiring a graduate intern to work in radio frequency (RF) photonics, photonic integrated circuits, quantum photonics, and/or fabrication techniques. The department conducts research and development of photonics capabilities for space systems and works to ensure that systems reliably deliver mission success in the space environment. The intern will join an interdisciplinary team conducting laboratory and theoretical research on advanced photonic technologies, including quantum and microwave photonics. The role involves scientific, engineering, and computational work, device characterization, system simulations, developing analysis techniques, and presenting results. The position is full-time and on-site at the company’s facility in El Segundo, California. Training and mentorship will be provided.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program pursuing a Master's or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, or a related discipline.
- Available to work full-time for a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a Master's or Ph.D. program full-time after completing the internship.
- Undergraduate degree completed by the internship start date.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Proficiency in scientific programming, such as Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or a similar analytical language.
- Prior experience working in a research or prototyping lab or performing numerical simulations.
- Completed coursework covering basic electrical engineering and/or physics principles.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance issued by the U.S. government; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
- Organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
Nice To Haves
- GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Active security clearance.
- Completed coursework in advanced physics and/or electrical engineering, such as RF communications, nanophotonics, photonic integrated circuits, nonlinear optics, or quantum-related subjects.
- Experience with specialty photonics simulation packages such as Lumerical, HFSS, or Comsol.
- Experience performing independent research and/or development projects.
- Ability to incorporate Claude Code into daily workflow.
Responsibilities
- Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on advanced photonic technologies such as quantum and microwave photonics.
- Apply standard and novel techniques and procedures to scientific, engineering, and computational tasks related to quantum technologies and RF photonics, including laboratory characterization of devices and system simulations.
- Develop novel techniques for analyzing advanced photonic systems.
- Present results to management and colleagues.
- Interact with and learn from senior staff.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
- 401(k) plan with company-paid benefits of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
- Relocation assistance.
- Professional growth and development programs.
- Education assistance programs.
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
