Optical Engineering Intern

We are seeking an Optical Engineering intern to lead the optical validation of our automated mating system for optical connectors used for Silicon Photonic (SiPh) and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) devices. While the mechanical team builds the motion system, your role is to define, measure, and optimize the optical coupling efficiency and signal integrity during the automated test cycle.

You will be the bridge between the physical connector and the light path, ensuring that automated mating achieves the performance required for next-generation data center interconnects.

Primary Responsibilities

• Optical Characterization: Quantify Insertion Loss (IL), Return Loss (RL), and Polarization Dependent Loss (PDL) across the automated mating cycle.
• Coupling Optimization: Develop and refine "Active Alignment" algorithms—determining how the system should "search" for the peak optical signal once a coarse mate is achieved.
• Fiber End-Face Analysis: Use automated interferometers and digital scopes to characterize the impact of "mating dust" and surface scratches on optical performance.
• Beam Profiling: Analyze the mode-field diameter (MFD) and beam divergence at the connector interface to determine sensitivity to Z-gap and angular tilt.
• Signal Stability Testing: Monitor optical power stability over time to identify "micro-fretting" or mechanical drift caused by the automation hardware.
• Failure Mapping: Create a "Failure Catalog" documenting the mechanical and optical thresholds where the system performance degrades (e.g., insertion loss spikes or physical material wear).

• Critical Skills & Requirements

  • Fiber Optics Fundamentals:Deep understanding of single-mode fiber (SMF) theory, including evanescent fields, NA (Numerical Aperture), and dB/dBm calculations.
  • Optical Lab Tooling:Proficiency with Power Meters, Light Sources, VOAs (Variable Optical Attenuators), and OSAs (Optical Spectrum Analyzers).
  • Software/Scripting:Experience using Python or LabVIEW to control optical instruments via GPIB/TCP-IP (SCPI commands).
  • Data Visualization:Ability to plot "Coupling Maps" (heat maps) to visualize how spatial misalignment translates to optical loss.
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills; ability to work effectively within a software engineering team.
  • Analytical thinking and a structured approach to problem solving.
  • Knowledge of semiconductor testing is a plus but not required.

• Education:Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with an Optics focus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical simulation tools like Zemax, Lumerical, or RSoft.
• Familiarity with different connector types (MPO, SN-MT, LC/PC) and fiber polishing standards.
• Basic understanding of Silicon Photonics (SiPh) grating couplers and edge couplers.

What You Will Gain

You will work at the leading edge of optical interconnect technology. You will gain hands-on experience in how high-speed data is physically routed in a CPO environment and learn how to translate theoretical optical design into a robust, high-volume automated testing process.