Summer 2025 Internship - Thorlabs

Thorlabs Imaging Systems based in Sterling, VA is seeking Summer 2025 Interns to join our team. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into our business, contribute to real-world projects, and engage with a global organization. We anticipate offering several internships, primarily in Engineering, with potential openings in other business areas as well. The interns hired for this position should expect to learn facets of engineering and manufacturing and will leave this position with invaluable skills and industry knowledge. This internship program is highly regarded in our field and successful participation will be a great addition to your resume. The position requires full-time availability from mid-May to August and offers an opportunity to gain valuable skills and industry insights over the summer.

Requirements

Application deadline: December 30th

Salary range $20.00 - $25.00 per hour based on qualifications and experience level.

Purpose of the Position

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, optical, software design and/or testing background. Interested individuals will have a technical background and hands on experience in such fields as fiber optics, microscopy, mechanical or optical design, laser optics, polarization and telecommunication.

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, 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 processes
• Must maintain a safe and clean working environment through compliance with Thorlabs 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.

 *The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

 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.  

 Qualifications:

Optical / Mechanical

• Course work in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related areas
• Technical knowledge in the field of Photonics or Microscopy with hands on lab experience
• Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Python

Software

• Course work in software programming (C++, C#, Python, Matlab)
• Technical knowledge in the field of Microscopy
• Experience with Visual Studio, DevOps or other development platforms

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.