R&D Intern, Optical Communications Development - Summer 2027

Corning•City of Corning, NY

2d•$42,510 - $82,810

About The Position

The R&D Intern will support the development of optical fiber connectivity design, fabrication, and measurement technologies. The intern will investigate the optical physics underlying experiments, collaborate with technicians and scientists to interpret data, and recommend changes to experiments, measurements, and test plans to help optimize device and system performance. The role encourages innovation in achieving desired physical and optical attributes. The intern will conduct experiments and data analysis, compare results with published literature, and prepare and present a final report. Work includes carrying out a development plan, learning techniques as needed, assisting with experiment design and measurement, preparing test specimens, operating and troubleshooting test equipment, developing non-standard methods, and documenting project work. The internship is for 10 weeks during Summer 2027 (May–August 2027).

Requirements

Pursuing an MS or PhD in Optics, Optical Physics, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a similar discipline.
Data analysis skills.
Ability to develop hypotheses and experimental plans.
Ability to gather and analyze experimental and theoretical results to determine validity.
Ability to organize and report findings.
Thorough understanding of optical characteristics of fiber optic systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information effectively.
Experience working in a research lab and building relationships and interacting effectively with a team.
Must be available for 10 weeks during Summer 2027 (May–August 2027).
Must have a graduation date of December 2027 or later.
Must be interested in working for Corning after graduation if offered a full-time opportunity.
Must be willing to work at the posted job location.

Nice To Haves

Relevant job experience.
Precision opto-mechanical design tolerancing and analysis.
Laboratory experience in fiber optic processes such as splicing.
Experience applying database organization, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to analysis of large data sets and images.

Responsibilities

Perform literature searches and set up and execute a development plan.
Learn techniques and methods as needed to support project objectives.
Assist in designing experiments, communicate observations, perform measurements, and collect and summarize data.
Work with scientists to plan and conduct experiments that advance project objectives.
Prepare test specimens and operate test equipment.
Assist with non-standard experimentation and methods development.
Troubleshoot and maintain equipment.
Document all aspects of the work and use the documentation for the end-of-summer presentation.
Analyze optical physics and experimental outputs with technicians and scientists.
Recommend modifications to experiments, measurements, and test plans to help optimize device and system performance.
Compare results with published literature and prepare and present a final report.