Intern - Integrated Ceramic Photonics

Location: Budd Lake, NJ, United States

Job Summary

The Advanced Photonics Group within CTO Office in Coherent Corp. advances the state of the art in highly integrated ceramic optical circuits for optical communications systems and their underlying subsystems. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Integrated Ceramic Photonics Summer Intern to join our CTO team for Summer 2026. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in implementing advanced integrated ceramic photonics devices for high speed optical data links, work alongside industry professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that support our team and company objectives.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

•    Contribute to design, simulation, assemble and characterize cutting-edge integrated ceramic photonic devices to perform optical isolation, amplification, etc. for high-speed optic fiber links 
•     Perform design, simulation, fabrication and testing of integrated ceramic optoelectronic components with CAD tools such as Cadence, Lumerical FDTD, etc.
• Assemble optical test bench and characterize integrated ceramic photonic devices 
• Perform data collection and compilation with Python/ML, MATLAB, ChatGPT tools 
• Work closely with mentor and team members on daily basis and participate weekly reviews
• Deliver weekly progress report, a final report with final presentation. 

Education & Experience

• Education Level Required: PhD (completed 2+ years by start)
• Majors: Material Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics
• Relevant coursework or extracurricular experience in semiconductor physics, EM theory, fundamental optics, hands-on design and fabrication of ceramic optics or integrated optoelectronic devices is a plus.
• Open to currently enrolled students or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and time management.
• Hands-on experience and executed research projects of implementing thin film ceramic and garnet optoelectronics devices 
• Hands-on experience with electrical and optical metrology equipment to characterize ceramic and garnet optical components, familiar with integration processes and fabrication tools such as sputter and deposition systems with advance silicon and InP platform is a plus
• Knowledge and use of CAD tools of MATLAB, Python, Lumerical, FDTD.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Team-oriented but able to work independently when needed.

Additional Information 

• Internship Duration: 10 – 14 weeks.
• At Coherent, interns are valued members of our team and have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions from day one. In addition to hands-on project experience, our internship program includes opportunities to connect with fellow interns and colleagues across the organization through virtual and in-person networking events, team-building activities and more. Interns are expected to actively participate in these events as part of their professional development and to fully immerse themselves in our collaborative and innovative culture.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in the facility at Budd Lake, NJ
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
• Safety training on Laboratory Equipment

 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.
• Observe and strictly practice safety rules the laboratories

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 Advanced Photonics Group within CTO Office in Coherent Corp. advances the state of the art in highly integrated ceramic optical circuits for optical communications systems and their underlying subsystems. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Integrated Ceramic Photonics Summer Intern to join our CTO team for Summer 2026. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in implementing advanced integrated ceramic photonics devices for high speed optical data links, work alongside industry professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that support our team and company objectives.