Intern - Electro Optic Modulator R&D (Laboratory Focus)

Coherent • Saxonburg, PA

37d • Onsite

About The Position

Description Responsibilities Become familiar with ongoing electro‑optic modulator R&D activities, lab workflows, and testing methodologies, and collaboratively identify areas where the intern can contribute meaningfully. Research relevant techniques and technologies (optical modulation, characterization methods, RF interfaces, materials) and propose solutions or improvements for assigned project tasks. Assist in the development of Proof-of-Concept (POC) devices, fixtures, or experimental setups for electrooptic modulators. Prepare appropriate documentation upfront, including experiment plans, safety considerations, and expected outcomes. Set up, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation such as lasers, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, RF sources, photodetectors, and alignment stages. Assemble, package, and test optical and electro‑optic components following documented procedures and engineering guidance. Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data clearly and concisely. Present findings to the team and support transition of promising results to next phase development or production groups. Requirements Engineering or science major, preferably Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or Materials Science Interest in electro‑optics, integrated photonics, or high‑speed electronics Experience with basic circuit analysis or electronics lab work a plus Familiarity with optical components such as fibers, lenses, and lasers is highly desirable Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar for data analysis or automation is a major plus Experience with RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, AWGs) is a strong plus Ability to work carefully in a lab environment with attention to detail and safety Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Citizen or permanent resident Benefits Practical hands-on experience in emerging electrooptic and photonic technologies Close collaboration and mentorship with experienced optical and electrical engineers Training in laboratory best practices, data acquisition, and experimental design Exposure to small project planning, documentation, and execution Opportunity to meaningfully contribute to real R&D initiatives with engineering impact Safety Requirements All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards. Quality and Environmental Responsibilities Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System. Culture Commitment Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.: I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected] .

Requirements

• Engineering or science major, preferably Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or Materials Science
• Interest in electro‑optics, integrated photonics, or high‑speed electronics
• Ability to work carefully in a lab environment with attention to detail and safety
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Citizen or permanent resident

Nice To Haves

• Experience with basic circuit analysis or electronics lab work a plus
• Familiarity with optical components such as fibers, lenses, and lasers is highly desirable
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar for data analysis or automation is a major plus
• Experience with RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, AWGs) is a strong plus

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with ongoing electro‑optic modulator R&D activities, lab workflows, and testing methodologies, and collaboratively identify areas where the intern can contribute meaningfully.
• Research relevant techniques and technologies (optical modulation, characterization methods, RF interfaces, materials) and propose solutions or improvements for assigned project tasks.
• Assist in the development of Proof-of-Concept (POC) devices, fixtures, or experimental setups for electrooptic modulators.
• Prepare appropriate documentation upfront, including experiment plans, safety considerations, and expected outcomes.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation such as lasers, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, RF sources, photodetectors, and alignment stages.
• Assemble, package, and test optical and electro‑optic components following documented procedures and engineering guidance.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data clearly and concisely.
• Present findings to the team and support transition of promising results to next phase development or production groups.

Benefits

• Practical hands-on experience in emerging electrooptic and photonic technologies
• Close collaboration and mentorship with experienced optical and electrical engineers
• Training in laboratory best practices, data acquisition, and experimental design
• Exposure to small project planning, documentation, and execution
• Opportunity to meaningfully contribute to real R&D initiatives with engineering impact

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed