2026 Winter Internship

Optimax Systems•Ontario, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Starting January 2026, up to 40 hrs/week. Optimax has lenses throughout the Universe! We build the optics behind the latest breakthrough technologies in aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics, leveraging our optics manufacturing technology for programs that benefit humankind and projects that defend our freedom. In other words, WE DO COOL THINGS! Our unique corporate culture of teamwork, innovation, and agility provides a dynamic work environment. We are looking for individuals committed to lifelong learning and creating value through hard work. Interns typically support one or more teams, witnessing before participating in actual operations, with assignments shaped to immerse them in the work and the experience. Interns have opportunities for additional network building activities/events within the Optimax community and with fellow interns. Intern applicants are considered for all intern positions, which can vary widely in focus. Demand by major varies by year, influenced by the work being performed at the time along with the number and focus of intern sponsor requests. Certain majors are always requested, while other majors may only occasionally be requested. Interns have worked on methodology improvement projects, design for manufacture studies, trend identification, determining cause and corrective actions for non-conformances, measurement system development, iterating work instructions, creating or improving tool designs, robotics test and build, mechanical builds, component or integrated system tests, laser power experiments, data analysis, supplier management, and more.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Optics, Engineering, Materials Science, Mathematics, Physics, Precision Machining, or a related technical discipline.
Accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness.
Enthusiasm for learning new things with a positive attitude.
Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
Analytical troubleshooting – determine root cause and select a best fix.
Ability to build proper problem statements.
Initiative to seek out new skills and techniques.
Written and verbal communication skills - able to adjust communication to audience.
Ability to work in multiple functions while maintaining the flow of information.
At least 18 years of age by start date of internship assignment.
Must be authorized to work in the United States; F-1 Visas are not currently sponsored by Optimax.
Must be a “U.S. Person” as defined by applicable regulations or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. “U.S. Person” includes a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Nice To Haves

Prior coursework or practical experience in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Metrology is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Support one or more teams, witnessing before participating in actual operations.
Engage in assignments shaped to immerse them in the work and the experience.
Participate in additional network building activities/events within the Optimax community and with fellow interns.
Work on methodology improvement projects.
Conduct design for manufacture studies.
Perform trend identification.
Determine cause and corrective actions for non-conformances.
Develop measurement systems.
Iterate work instructions.
Create or improve tool designs.
Engage in robotics test and build.
Perform mechanical builds.
Conduct component or integrated system tests.
Execute laser power experiments.
Perform data analysis.
Participate in supplier management.