About the role#
The Optical Packaging team creates the fiber-to-chip interfaces, optical connectors, and assembly processes that move light into and out of our optical I/O chiplets. We are looking for an intern to help build the automated test stations used to characterize these interfaces. You will work in a hands-on lab environment alongside test, characterization, and process engineers to improve our measurement accuracy and efficiency.
What you'll do#
- Write and maintain Python code to control motorized stages, laser sources, power meters, and cameras for automated optical measurements.
- Develop automated alignment routines, such as fiber-array scans and coupling optimization, to characterize alignment tolerance.
- Set up and align optical test fixtures for fiber arrays, optical connectors, and packaged photonic interfaces.
- Run repeatability studies on test stations to identify sources of drift or measurement error.
- Record measurement data with device identity and test conditions, and build scripts or dashboards to summarize results.
- Document your setups and procedures, and present your findings to the Optical Packaging team at the end of your internship.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a bachelor, master, or PhD program in Optical or Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
- Experience with lab automation and instrument control in Python, such as VISA/SCPI, serial communication, or vendor SDKs.
- Familiarity with motorized stages and controllers, such as Thorlabs or Newport.
- Coursework or research experience in optics or photonics.
- Hands-on experience with optical alignment.
- Proficiency in data analysis using Python libraries like Pandas, NumPy, or Matplotlib.
- Preferred: Experience with machine vision or camera-based alignment.
- Preferred: Familiarity with Git for version control.
Location & details#
- Location: San Jose, California.
- Term: Summer 2027 (May to August).
- Modality: This is an on-site position.
- Compensation: $50 - $60 per hour, depending on education level.
- Status: This is a paid, full-time internship. We do not provide immigration or relocation support for this role.
About Ayar Labs
Ayar Labs develops optical I/O technology for AI infrastructure. Founded in 2015 and based in San Jose, California, the company employs between 51 and 200 people. Its hardware solutions aim to improve data movement efficiency for AI training and inference. The company operates as a privately held entity within the computer hardware manufacturing sector.
How to get in at Ayar Labs
Securing an internship at Ayar Labs requires a proactive approach to their hiring cycle. Because early applicants are often reviewed before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable, you should use Intern Insider to receive an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published. This ensures you apply among the first. Reaching out to the right people is equally important for your visibility. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles, allowing you to contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. This direct outreach often improves your response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue.
