Intern, Digital Twin of DWDM Transport Optical Networking

Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Develop and implement digital twin models of DWDM optical transport systems, including fiber propagation, optical amplification, ROADMs, and coherent transponders.
• Build simulation frameworks to model physical-layer impairments, including OSNR degradation, nonlinear effects, dispersion, and channel interactions.
• Investigate advanced modeling approaches for network performance prediction and optimization using system-level simulation and data-driven techniques.
• Analyze large-scale network scenarios to evaluate capacity, reach, and reliability under varying system configurations.
• Collaborate with optical system architects and research engineers to refine modeling methodologies and validate results against experimental or system data.
• Document research methodology, modeling framework, and results.
• Deliver a final technical report and presentation summarizing the digital twin architecture, simulation results, and research insights.

Education & Experience

• Education Level Required: PhD (required)
  • Current PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• • Research experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
• Optical communication systems
• Fiber-optic transmission modeling
• DWDM network design
• Photonic system simulation
• Machine learning for physical system modeling
• • Open to currently enrolled PhD students or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.

Skills & Other Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ for modeling and simulation.
• Familiarity with optical communication systems and fiber transmission physics.
• Experience with system simulation, numerical modeling, or machine learning techniques is highly desirable.

• Additional Information
• Internship Duration: 10 – 14 weeks.
• At Coherent, interns are valued members of our team and have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and technology development. Interns in the CTO organization work closely with leading experts in optical communications and photonics to explore innovative ideas that may shape future products and systems. In addition to hands-on project experience, the internship program includes opportunities to connect with fellow interns and colleagues across the organization through networking events, team-building activities, and technical seminars.

Working Conditions

This role will be based on-site in [Santa Clara, CA].
• Regular use of a computer and research simulation tools is required.
• Collaboration with cross-functional research and engineering teams.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
•  Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
•  

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome 

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].

ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

 

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.


The Office of the CTO at Coherent is seeking a highly motivated PhD-level intern to work on next-generation digital twin technologies for DWDM optical transport networks. This internship will focus on developing advanced models that replicate the physical-layer behavior and system-level performance of high-capacity optical networks. The intern will collaborate with senior researchers and system architects to explore innovative methods for network modeling, performance prediction, and design optimization.