Optical Engineering Internship - Summer 2026
About The Position
Seagate is seeking an Optical Engineering Intern to join the Laser and Light Delivery Characterization & Analytics Group (CAG). Our team develops advanced metrology systems and characterizes the lasers and photonic devices driving Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology-pioneering innovations in next-generation data storage. About the role - you will: Apply midwave infrared (MWIR) microscopy to characterize thermal behavior in HAMR recording heads, where lasers interact with integrated metallic and dielectric structures. Interpret challenging thermal images of mixed-material systems and correlate findings with optical and electrical performance. Use custom metrology tools to explore the electrical, optical, thermal, and reliability aspects of HAMR laser systems Design and execute experiments or develop novel measurement techniques to address performance and reliability questions. Collaborate with engineers and scientists to integrate experimental results with modeling and simulation insights.
Requirements
- Strong technical communication skills to present findings clearly and effectively.
- A curious, self-driven approach with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
- Familiarity with the design, fabrication, or characterization of lasers and photonic devices.
- Hands-on experience with testing and characterizing one or more optical systems, such as laser diodes, fiber optics, imaging systems, polarization optics, electrical/optical signal analyzers and similar.
- Enrolled in a PhD or MS program in physics, materials science, optics, electrical or mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline and must be enrolled in Fall 2026 classes.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with microscopy, infrared imaging or thermal microscopy techniques and/or the nuances of black-body imaging.
- Familiarity with thermal or optical modeling tools (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical, Zemax).
- Automating test setups and data acquisition using LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar software.
- Engineering data analysis and statistics (DOE, regression, time-series analysis).
Responsibilities
- Apply midwave infrared (MWIR) microscopy to characterize thermal behavior in HAMR recording heads, where lasers interact with integrated metallic and dielectric structures.
- Interpret challenging thermal images of mixed-material systems and correlate findings with optical and electrical performance.
- Use custom metrology tools to explore the electrical, optical, thermal, and reliability aspects of HAMR laser systems
- Design and execute experiments or develop novel measurement techniques to address performance and reliability questions.
- Collaborate with engineers and scientists to integrate experimental results with modeling and simulation insights.
Benefits
- Seagate offers comprehensive benefits to its eligible Interns, including, but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, and participation in the employee stock purchase plan.
- Seagate also offers Interns 12 paid holidays and a minimum of 48 hours of paid sick leave.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Industry
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
