Optical Communications & Computing Research Intern - 2027

NEC Labs•Princeton, NJ

About The Position

The Optical Communication and Computing department is seeking interns for summer 2027 to apply cutting-edge AI and fundamental physics to real-world problems in high-capacity networks and low-power photonic processing. This work contributes to solutions in AI infrastructure, satellite constellations, defense communication and sensing, transoceanic cable monitoring, and smart cities. Past projects have included an ultrafast photonic-assist AI classifier, a network digital twin, earthquake localization over submarine cable, transfer learning in EDFA gain models, and streamlined GPU computing. Internships usually last three months, with flexible exact dates. NEC Laboratories America is the US-based research center for NEC Corporation’s global network of corporate research laboratories, with locations in Princeton, New Jersey, and San Jose, California. Since its founding in 1988, NEC Labs America has pursued research and innovative solutions in collaboration with industry, academia, and governments. Its research areas include Data Science & Systems Research, Integrated Systems, Machine Learning, Media Analytics, Optical Communications & Computing, and Optical Sensing & Solutions. NEC Laboratories America is committed to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. The anticipated compensation range is $6,600 to $8,600 per month, depending on the selected candidate’s relevant experience and area of expertise. Interns receive paid company holidays and, if applicable, travel and housing allowance. The workplace offers a collaborative, friendly, growth-oriented atmosphere, with team events, onsite ping pong, gym facilities, basketball courts, complimentary snacks and beverages, and monthly tea-time events.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled in a PhD or MSc program in electrical and computer engineering, computer science, optical engineering, applied mathematics, or a related technical field.
Have expertise in one or more of the following: free-space optical communication, integrated photonic system design, agents, physical AI, deep learning, or CUDA programming.
Have experience contributing to research communities or efforts, including publishing papers in conferences or journals.
Have excellent programming skills in Python or similar languages.
Have strong communication and collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with PyTorch, JAX, or LLM frameworks.

Responsibilities

Apply AI and fundamental physics to real-world problems in high-capacity networks and low-power photonic processing.
Contribute to research addressing applications such as AI infrastructure, satellite constellations, defense communication and sensing, transoceanic cable monitoring, and smart cities.