Intern - Photonics

Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with evaluation of emerging optoelectronic technologies relevant to Coherent’s product portfolio, including VCSEL arrays, edge-emitting semiconductor lasers, and silicon photonics. 

• Support characterization and analysis of optoelectronic devices, including measurements such as L–I–V characterization, spectral analysis, RF measurements, and device efficiency evaluation. 

• Assist with modeling, simulation, and data analysis related to optical and electronic device performance. 

• Collaborate with R&D, device engineering, and product teams to evaluate technology opportunities and innovation directions. 

Education & Experience

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a related field. 

• Academic coursework or research experience in optoelectronics, semiconductor lasers, photonics, or optical systems. 

• Fundamental understanding of semiconductor device physics and optical systems. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Skills & Other Requirements

• Experience with semiconductor laser or VCSEL device physics. 
• Familiarity with photonic integrated circuits (PICs) or silicon photonics platforms. 
• Experience with optical characterization techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, beam profiling, optical power measurement, RF measurements). 
• Familiarity with simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, COMSOL, Lumerical, or similar photonics modeling tools. 
• Prior laboratory research experience in photonics or semiconductor devices. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

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 Santa Clara, CA.
• 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.


Coherent is seeking a motivated Optoelectronics Summer Intern to join the CTO Office. This role provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of advanced photonics research, semiconductor device technology, and strategic innovation. The intern will support technology exploration and evaluation across Coherent’s core optoelectronic platforms, including VCSELs, semiconductor lasers, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), silicon photonics, and advanced laser systems. Working alongside senior technologists and engineering teams, the intern will help analyze emerging technologies and support device characterization and modeling activities. This position offers exposure to both hands-on technical work and high-level technology planning in a global leader in photonics.