Intern – Silicon Integrated Photonics

Location: Santa Clara, CA, United States

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

•    Contribute to simulation, assemble and characterize cutting-edge integrated optoelectronic devices for high-speed optic fiber links 
•     Perform electro-optical design and simulation of integrated optoelectronic components with CAD tools such as Cadence, Lumerical FDTD, etc.
• Assemble high speed optical-electrical test bench and test integrated devices at 100+Gbps rate 
• 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: Bachelor or as a Rising Senior (completed 3 years by start)
• Majors: Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics
• Relevant coursework or extracurricular experience in semiconductor physics, EM theory, high speed circuits, hands-on design and fabrication of integrated optical or 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.
• Familiar and experience with electrical and optical metrology equipment such as high-speed scope, optical meter, laser sources, optical/RF spectrum analyzers, testing integrated electrical and optical circuits
• Knowledge and use of MATLAB, Python, and hands-on design and fabrication of integrated 2D/3D optical or optoelectronic devices is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Team-oriented but able to work independently when needed.

Other 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 Patrick-Henry facility, Santa Clara, CA
• 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

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!

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