About the role#
We are looking for a graduate student to join our Optical Packaging team for the summer of 2027. You will work on validating optical interfaces by analyzing test data to inform engineering decisions. This role involves both hands-on lab measurements and statistical analysis. You will work alongside our test, characterization, and process engineers to identify factors that drive coupling loss in our fiber-to-chip interfaces.
What you'll do#
- Perform optical measurements, including insertion loss and return loss, on fiber arrays, connectors, and packaged photonic interfaces using our lab test stations.
- Correlate data across components, wafers, and package levels to locate where coupling loss occurs.
- Compare optical performance across various builds and supplier lots.
- Write reproducible Python scripts and create plots that the team can reuse as new data becomes available.
- Document your methods and share your final results with the Optical Packaging team.
What you'll need#
- You are currently pursuing a Master's or PhD in Optical/Photonics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Applied Physics.
- Coursework or research experience in photonics, optics, fiber optics, or fiber-to-chip coupling.
- Hands-on lab experience with optical insertion-loss or fiber-optic measurements.
- Familiarity with optical test equipment like laser sources, power meters, and optical switches.
- Proficiency in Python for data analysis and statistics.
- Ability to clean, merge, and analyze large datasets while tracking results back to specific devices and test conditions.
- Experience with design of experiments, variance analysis (ANOVA), or measurement system analysis is a plus.
- Familiarity with SQL or other structured data sources is a plus.
Location & details#
- This is a paid, full-time internship based on-site in San Jose, California.
- The term runs from May to August 2027.
- We are unable to provide immigration or relocation support for this position.
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.
