Intern - Electro Optic Modulator R&D (Laboratory Focus)

Location: Saxonburg, PA, United States

Responsibilities

• Become familiar with ongoing electro‑optic modulator R&D activities, lab workflows, and testing methodologies, and collaboratively identify areas where the intern can contribute meaningfully.
• Research relevant techniques and technologies (optical modulation, characterization methods, RF interfaces, materials) and propose solutions or improvements for assigned project tasks.
• Assist in the development of Proof-of-Concept (POC) devices, fixtures, or experimental setups for electrooptic modulators.
• Prepare appropriate documentation upfront, including experiment plans, safety considerations, and expected outcomes.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation such as lasers, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, RF sources, photodetectors, and alignment stages.
• Assemble, package, and test optical and electro‑optic components following documented procedures and engineering guidance.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize experimental data clearly and concisely.
• Present findings to the team and support transition of promising results to next phase development or production groups.

Requirements

• Engineering or science major, preferably Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or Materials Science
• Interest in electro‑optics, integrated photonics, or high‑speed electronics
  Experience with basic circuit analysis or electronics lab work a plus
• Familiarity with optical components such as fibers, lenses, and lasers is highly desirable
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or similar for data analysis or automation is a major plus
• Experience with RF test equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, AWGs) is a strong plus
• Ability to work carefully in a lab environment with attention to detail and safety
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Citizen or permanent resident

Benefits

• Practical hands-on experience in emerging electrooptic and photonic technologies
• Close collaboration and mentorship with experienced optical and electrical engineers
• Training in laboratory best practices, data acquisition, and experimental design
• Exposure to small project planning, documentation, and execution
• Opportunity to meaningfully contribute to real R&D initiatives with engineering impact

 

Safety Requirements

 

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

Quality and 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.

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 IR Saxonburg Photonics R&D team is seeking a motivated intern with interests in electrooptics, photonics, and laboratory experimentation to support research and development of next-generation electrooptic modulators. This role is ideal for a student eager to gain hands-on experience in a lab environment while contributing to real device development efforts involving optical testing, high speed electronics, material characterization, and prototype assembly. Interns will gain exposure to state-of-the-art test equipment, practical R&D workflows, and collaborative engineering processes that enable the advancement of high-performance photonic technologies. Candidates will work alongside experienced engineers and scientists in small, interdisciplinary teams and will be encouraged to ask questions, explore new methods, and grow their technical skills. The ideal intern will be curious, detail-oriented, and enthusiastic about experimental work in a fast-paced R&D environment.