Summer 2026 Engineering Internship

Thorlabs is recruiting for Summer 2026 interns which will have the opportunity to learn more about our business work on real world projects and interact within a global company. We are planning to have several interns this position is for an engineering-based internship with our Imaging Systems group located in Sterling VA. Housing and relocation expenses are at the responsibility of the applicant and will not be covered by the company. This position requires full-time availability from mid-May to August and offers an opportunity to gain valuable skills and industry insights over the summer.

Application deadline: December 19th or until positions filled

Salary range $18.00 - $25.00 per hour depending upon the degree and level

Purpose of the Position

This opportunity is to join a rapidly growing well-known company in an exciting industry. The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial self-motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced creative environment. This position is for an entry to mid-level individual who has a mechanical and/or optical design background. Interested individuals will have a technical background and hands-on experience in such fields as fiber optics mechanical design laser optics polarization and telecommunications.

Other positions may include an entry to mid-level position for software development and/or software testing. This individual will have the technical background and hands on experience in such fields as Bio-Engineering Computer Science or Electrical Engineering.

Essential Job Functions include the following but are not limited to:

• Work under the direction of a mentor to learn job skills and manage projects
• Complete projects in such areas as Research & Development Product Development Software Development and Process Improvement
• Create presentations summarizing work completed and present to a panel of technical staff
• Learn technical skills and software programs in the field of Photonics
• Hands on experience with Manufacturing or Software Development processes
• Must maintain a safe and clean working environment through compliance with procedures policies and regulations.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
• Adhering to Company policies procedures and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

Requirements:

• Course work in Mechanical Engineering Electrical Engineering Industrial Engineering Robotics BioEngineering Computer Engineering Software Programming (C C# Python MatLab) Engineering Optical Science Physics Material Sciences Chemistry etc.
• Technical knowledge in Solidworks Powerpoint Excel Python and Software Development Environment.
• Hands-on lab experience (chemistry and/or optical preferred)
• Hands-on lab experience (Microscopes and other Lab equipment preferred)

Physical Activities:

Work may be active could stand or sit for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 20 pounds. Employees must grasp manipulate or assemble parts and components that are often very small. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate however may be noisy at times. Must be able to wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment such as but not limited to masks glasses gloves and specialty garments. The required PPE and training allow for the safe handling and processing of chemicals like adhesives lubricants and solvents and safe operation of job-related equipment and tools.

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Internship positions will not be eligible for benefits.

Required Experience:

Intern