Intern, Photonics

Job Description

Job Title: Intern, Photonics. Location: Palo Alto, California, United States

Responsibilities:

• Assist with characterization and analysis of active photonic devices, circuits, and systems based on barium titanate (BTO) phase shifters
• Perform electro-optic testing using lasers, grating couplers, polarization synthesizers, and power meters
• Support electrical characterization activities including I-V and C-V testing;
• Contribute to design, simulation, and testing of silicon photonic components and circuits
• Assist with test automation and experimental analysis workflows
• Collaborate with engineering and research teams in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications:

• Current graduate student in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or related field
• Knowledge of photonic components and photonic circuit systems
• Experience with electro-optic testing and laboratory measurement equipment
• Familiarity with electrical characterization techniques;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple technical tasks in a research environment

Preferred:

• Knowledge of high-speed active photonic components and electro-optic phase shifters
• Experience with high-speed electrical or electro-optic testing equipment
• Hands-on experience with silicon photonic component or circuit simulation tools such as Lumerical
• Experience with Python for automation and testing workflows
• Familiarity with high-speed photodiodes, VNAs, and function generators

Benefits and Compensation:

• Internship duration of at least 4 months
• Housing or commuter stipend based on permanent residency location
• Hourly compensation based on education level:
  • Bachelor’s in progress: $27.50/hour
  • Bachelor’s degree: $31.00/hour
  • Master’s first year: $36.00/hour
  • Master’s degree: $40.00/hour
  • PhD in progress: $44.00/hour
  • PhD near completion: $47.00/hour
• Opportunity to work on utility-scale quantum computing systems and photonic technologies

Other Information:

• Applicants must be available for a minimum of 4 months
• Include the word “purple” in the submitted cover letter
• Equal opportunity employer
• Company only communicates through official email addresses and never requests banking information during hiring processes