Intern, Optical Packaging - Optical Characterization & Automation

Ayar Labs • San Jose, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ayar Labs is seeking an intern for its Optical Packaging team, which develops fiber-to-chip interfaces, optical connectors, and assembly processes for its optical I/O chiplets. The intern will help build automated test stations to characterize these interfaces by writing Python software to control motorized stages and optical instruments, running alignment and coupling measurements on fiber arrays and packaged parts, and making measurements repeatable and easy to analyze. The results will inform future designs, assembly processes, and component specifications.

This is a hands-on laboratory role, with projects scoped to the intern’s background and interests. The intern will be mentored by the Optical Packaging team and work alongside test, characterization, and process engineers. The position is on-site at the San Jose office for a term from May to August 2027. Immigration support is not offered except for F-1, and relocation support is not available.

Requirements

• Experience with lab automation and instrument control in Python, such as VISA/SCPI, serial communication, or vendor SDKs.
• Experience with motorized stages and controllers, such as Thorlabs or Newport.
• Coursework or research in optics or photonics.
• Hands-on optical alignment experience.
• Data analysis in Python, such as Pandas, NumPy, or Matplotlib.
• Actively pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Optical/Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Physics.

Nice To Haves

• Fiber-array or fiber-optic handling experience.
• Experience with machine vision or camera-based alignment.
• Familiarity with version control such as Git.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain Python code to control motorized stages, laser sources, power meters, and cameras for automated optical measurements.
• Develop automated alignment routines, such as fiber-array scans and coupling optimization, and use them to characterize alignment tolerance.
• Set up and align optical test fixtures for fiber arrays, optical connectors, and packaged photonic interfaces.
• Run repeatability studies on test stations and help identify sources of drift or measurement error.
• Record measurement data with device identity and test conditions attached, and build scripts or dashboards to summarize results.
• Document setups and procedures, and present results to the Optical Packaging team at the end of the internship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed