Title: Optics Intern Location: Ashburn, Virginia, United States Department: Optical Systems Employment Type: FullTime
Job Description: About Overview EnergyOverview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to building a new layer of energy infrastructure: satellites in geosynchronous orbit that redirect solar energy to terrestrial solar projects via passively safe near-infrared light. We're in the earliest phase, where the ground beacon our satellites will point to is aligned, characterized, and field-corrected end-to-end by a small, dedicated team. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.About the RoleWe're looking for an Optics Intern to help with the design and building of our ground beacon from the optical bench to a field test site. The beacon is the pointing reference the satellite system will depend on. If it isn't aligned and characterized correctly, nothing downstream works.You'll work hands-on with the emitter and the observational telescope: aligning the laser, characterizing its output, and co-aligning the beacon with the telescope. Then you'll own a problem we haven't solved yet. Once the system is transported to the test site, alignment may shift. You'll design the procedure that brings it back.This internship supports our program under a Department of War (DoW) energy investment program. You'll work alongside our optics and hardware engineers, and your alignment data will feed directly into hardware decisions we make.What You'll DoAlign the beacon laser within its emitter and verify pointing outside the emitter apertureCharacterize laser output - power, beam profile, divergence, and pointing stability - and document the resultsCo-align the beacon laser with the observational telescope and verify boresightDesign a repeatable field alignment procedure that corrects misalignment introduced during transport and installation at the DoW siteWrite that procedure so a non-optics operator can execute it, then validate it hands-on before deliveryMaintain clean alignment and characterization records, and feed findings back to the engineering teamWhat We're Looking For From YouCurrently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program in optics, optical engineering, physics, or a closely related fieldCoursework or lab experience with optical alignment: mounts, mirrors, lenses, and beam pathsWillingness to complete laser safety training and follow protocol without exceptionCareful documentation habits - alignment work is only useful if it's repeatable by someone elseAble to commit approximately 10 hours per week from September 2026 through March 2027, on-site in Northern VirginiaWe Have a Strong Preference ForHands-on use of beam profilers, power meters, autocollimators, or shear platesTelescope operation or astronomical instrumentation experienceZemax OpticStudio, Quadoa, Code V, or comparable optical design and analysis softwareExperience writing test or alignment procedures that other people have actually followedDemonstrated interest in defense, space, or energy applicationsInternship DetailsThis is a paid, part-time internship running September 2026 through March 2027 at approximately 10 hours per week, based on-site at our Northern Virginia headquarters. Hourly rate: $30-$40.You'll be mentored directly by the engineers running the program, and your work is a funded DoW deliverable, not a side project. Interns are not eligible for the full-time benefits package.ITAR RequirementsThis position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Equal Opportunity EmployerOverview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification. If you believe you can succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply - even if you don't check every box.
About Overview Energy
Overview Energy operates in the space research and technology sector. The company develops satellites designed to capture sunlight in orbit and transmit it to the power grid on Earth. It maintains a focus on providing a continuous solar energy resource. Founded in 2022, the organization is based in Ashburn, Virginia, and employs between 11 and 50 people.
How to get in at Overview Energy
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