New

Optical Engineering Intern - Defense (Summer 2026)

nLIGHT, Inc.
United States, Washington, Camas
Jan 28, 2026
Description Who We Are At nLIGHT, we are constantly on the cutting-edge of laser technology in a massively growing market. We are a leading provider of high-power semiconductors and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, and aerospace & defense applications, to name a few. Our lasers are changing not only the way things are made, but also changing the things that can be made. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT is a publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR). About the Internship nLIGHT is currently recruiting for an Engineering student to intern with us for the summer of 2026. This internship is a 10 to 12-week program that offers challenging assignments, projects, and career development opportunities to enhance your professional growth. You will also earn a competitive wage based on your discipline and academic class status. About the Team The Directed Energy team develops cutting-edge laser and opto-mechanical/electrical systems for the defense market.We work as a multidisciplinary team with the focus on supporting production and new product introductions of complex laser systems. What You Can Expect to Learn Optical fiber splicing and laser amplifier assembly Test process design, setup, and validation including connecting data gathered to models Safe operation and theory behind high power laser amplifiers What You Can Expect to Do Assist in set up and qualification of test benches for novel opto-mechanical/electronic devices Assembly of systems including mechanical assembly and fiber splicing Perform component level and full system level optical tests for high power lasers Organize, analyze, and present data to the broader team Who You Are You bring lab experience with lasers and optical measurements (power, polarization, beam quality, etc.) You possess a basic understanding of laser theory, either in fiber or free space You have experience with Excel as well as advanced data analysis tools such as MATLAB or Python You have excellent written and verbal communication skills You take initiative and have an eagerness to learn Minimum Job Requirements You must be working toward a degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields You must have completed (at a minimum) your sophomore year in college You must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above to be considered Intern Social Events Our interns can expect adventures in the PNW, board game nights at local breweries/coffee shops, Happy Hour networking events with Senior Leadership, and much more! To Apply A completed online application is required. You must include a resume and current transcript. Ensure that your graduation date and GPA are listed on your resume. Failure to attach a resume and transcript will eliminate you from the selection process. Compensation and Benefits Pay depends on level of education completed: $26 - 28/hr Benefits Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits including Prescription and Orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status). Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster:Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or[emailprotected]. E-Verify Participation: nLIGHT participates in the E-Verify program. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information, please review the following notices: E-Verify Participation Poster Right to Work Poster