INTERN: Laser & Optical Engineer

Location: Budd Lake, NJ, United States

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Work on Key Projects   Fiber Lasers with harmonics and Optical Metrology Projects - under direct supervisor of Metrology Team
• Will work in Lab, need some hands on experience with optical interferometers, oscilloscopes, photodetectors, pulse generators, monochromators, lasers (experience with high power laser experiences is a plus).
• Internship Duration: 10 – 14 weeks.
•       Individual will participate in final presentation of accomplishment during internship to entire site at all Employee Meeting
• 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.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Team-oriented but able to work independently when needed.
• Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and time management.
• Solid knowledge of Physical Optics, Gaussian beams, laser physics and nonlinear optics.
• Good knowledge of crystal optics.
• Optical design and tolerancing using ZEMAX or equivalent SW package for optical trancing. (SolidWorks experience is a plus) 
• Proficient in alignment of optical components
• Diverse experience with optical technologies and devices: polarization devices, nonlinear optics, objectives, light sources, fibers and cameras.

Education & Experience

Lasers & Optical Engineering department at Budd Lake NJ is looking for candidate that is currently pursuing a degree in laser or optical engineering or closely related areas of engineering and physics. 

Preference for a candidate pursuing a Master or a Ph.D degrees. Undergraduate students with specific expertise in key areas of laser/ optical design and optical systems will be considered.

This position is located on-site in Budd Lake NJ. It requires onsite presence to attend in-person work-related events, trainings and meetings and other job-related activities.

•  • Education Level Required: Bachelor's in PhD program preferred
•  • Majors: laser or optical engineering or closely related areas of engineering and physics
•  • Relevant coursework or extracurricular experience in Physics or Optics is a plus.
•  • Open to currently enrolled students or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.

To be successful in this job, you’ll need the following skills: 

• Be enthusiastic and use creativity when possible.
• Can learn and apply new information or skills.
• Ability to multitask is a plus.
• Ability to clearly express ideas.  
• Be openminded about brainstorming his/her own ideas or ideas of others.
• Stand for extended period of time in the lab, while wearing safety eye glasses.
• Demonstrate soft skills through friendly communication. Observe and respond to people and situations and interact with others inside and outside the department.
• Must be able to read and interpret technical data and documents.
• Strong customer focus and commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Result driven-demonstrate ownership of obtained results and accountability. Be able to admit mistakes and discuss improvement plan to avoid making mistakes. 
   

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in Budd Lake, NJ.
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.

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.


COHR US Intern Job Posting Template Lasers & Optical Engineering department is an important part of the Advanced Material division within Engineered Materials Business Group. We develop new optical instruments and light sources with unmatched parameters. We interact, provide feedback to several departments within our division as well as the whole organization, supporting several core company projects. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Lasers & Optical Engineering Intern to join our Lasers & Optical Engineering team for Summer 2026. In this role, you will gain hands-on experience in Laser Technology and Metrology, work alongside industry professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects that support our team and company objectives.