Intern, Laser Control & Validation Engineering

Ayar Labs • San Jose, CA

21h • Onsite

About The Position

Ayar Labs is seeking a graduate-level intern to support the development, characterization, and laboratory validation of advanced laser and optical control systems. The intern will work with a cross-functional engineering team to evaluate control algorithms, characterize electro-optical and thermal system behavior, and validate system performance through laboratory measurements.

The role involves hands-on experimental work with laser and optical hardware, electronic instrumentation, temperature-control systems, and automated test equipment. Work may include designing and executing characterization experiments, collecting and analyzing measurement data, evaluating static and dynamic system response, validating control algorithms against system requirements, and developing Python-based tools for test automation, data analysis, and visualization. The ideal candidate can connect theoretical models with real-world laboratory measurements.

Requirements

• Strong fundamentals in control systems, including feedback control, PID controllers, system dynamics, stability, and transient response.
• Hands-on laboratory testing and characterization experience, including use of oscilloscopes, power supplies, DAQs, temperature controllers, and other electronic or optical instrumentation.
• Experience with Python and/or MATLAB for data acquisition, analysis, visualization, modeling, and test automation.
• Ability to analyze experimental data, identify trends and anomalies, and compare measured performance against models and requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently execute laboratory experiments.
• Good technical documentation and communication skills, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Actively pursuing or completing a Master's or PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related technical field.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of lasers, optics/photonics, electro-optical systems, or semiconductor devices.
• Familiarity with thermal control/TEC systems, sensors, actuator characterization, noise measurements, and dynamic response measurements.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, characterization, and laboratory validation of laser and optical control systems.
• Evaluate control algorithms and characterize electro-optical and thermal system behavior.
• Validate system performance through laboratory measurements.
• Design and execute characterization experiments.
• Collect and analyze measurement data, including evaluating static and dynamic system response.
• Validate control algorithms against system requirements.
• Develop Python-based tools for test automation, data analysis, and visualization.
• Troubleshoot and independently execute laboratory experiments.
• Document technical work and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern