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NRCA Optical Scientist Graduate-Level Intern (Summer 2027)

Nikon Precision

Oro Valley, AZ · FlexibleInternship / Temporary / Contract$25–30/hrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today

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At a glance

Compensation
$25–30/hr
Location
Oro Valley, AZFlexible
Role Type
Internship
Schedule
Internship / Temporary / Contract
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Master's degree

Job overview

Nikon Research Corporation of America seeks a highly motivated optical scientist intern to develop solutions for optical design, metrology, and digital manufacturing challenges. The 10‑week internship offers flexible scheduling in a lab environment, allowing the intern to work under senior scientists, design and test equipment, present results, and potentially develop analysis software.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Geometrical OpticsPhysical OpticsOptical Design SoftwareCommunicationAnalytical ThinkingLinear Systems TheoryExperimental Optical SystemsLab Safety

Qualifications

Master's in Optical SciencesPhD in Optical SciencesUS Citizenship or Permanent Resident or ITAR EligibilityMust Be 18+

Full job description

Description

Nikon Research Corporation of America

Company Summary:

Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA) with locations in Belmont, California and Tucson, Arizona, is Nikon's advanced research and development subsidiary focused on inventing technologies that will drive Nikon's future products and businesses. We combine the creativity and agility of a startup with the resources and stability of a global technology leader. Our mission is to explore new concepts, develop innovative technologies, and create the intellectual property and technical foundations that enable Nikon's long-term growth and leadership.

The Center for Precision Optical Systems develops advanced optical, photonic, and metrology technologies that support Nikon's future opportunities. Our team designs, builds, and validates prototype optical systems for applications including precision measurement, industrial metrology, machine vision, semiconductor lithography,, and next-generation optical instrumentation. Interns work alongside experienced scientists and engineers on challenging real-world projects that can contribute directly to Nikon's future products and technologies.

Position Title: Optical Scientist Intern

Location: Tucson, AZ

Position Type: Intern, temporary contract (10 weeks)

Salary Range: $25-30 per hour, depending on experience

Schedule: Flexible

Environment: Lab environment

Travel: None

Position Overview:

NRCA is seeking a highly motivated and creative optical scientist intern to work on the development of solutions to various optical design challenges in a wide variety of areas such as optical design, optical metrology, and digital manufacturing.

Description of responsibilities:

  • Under guidance from senior scientists or engineers, this representative will work on projects that develop and deliver innovative solutions to a variety of challenging problems or assignments.

  • Responsible for completing individual tasks or assignments that are task or project focused.

  • Designing, fabricating or testing mechanical parts or equipment.

  • Prepare and deliver presentations on completed projects

  • May be responsible for developing new software for analysis (Software Engineering specialty)

  • Other duties as required.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Good understanding of geometrical and physical optics

  • Pursuing MS or PhD in Optics

  • Experience using optical design and modeling software such as FRED, ASAP, LightTools, CODEV, Zemax, RSoft, etc.

  • Good communication skills, particularly in the area of preparing and delivering presentations on a weekly to daily basis

If you have most or all of the following, please apply:

  • Strong analytical background, highly creative, and able to propose innovative solutions to difficult problems, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a small team.

  • Background in geometrical optical design and at least a basic knowledge of linear systems theory as it applies to optical systems (Fourier optics).

  • Some experience in modeling optical systems using commercial and custom software.

  • Background that includes designing and building experimental optical systems.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work safely in a lab or cleanroom environment

Other Job Requirements:

  • Export Control/ ITAR: Due to export control and International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR) requirements, in order to be eligible for NPI employment, you must be a S. citizen, have a permanent resident status in the U.S. (a “green card”), or a foreign national with eligibility as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15).

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Nikon Research Corporation of America is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Privacy Notice and Consent:

Under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”) and other applicable privacy regulations, Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA) is required to disclose whenever personal information is collected from you in certain contexts, such as to provide or receive a product or service. If you have a visual disability, you may be able to use a screen reader or other tools to review the contents of this notice. More information about NRCAs Privacy Policy is available at: https://www.nikonprecision.com/privacy/. For CA Residents, please carefully review NRCAs Supplemental CCPA Privacy Policy available at: https://www.nikonprecision.com/privacy/caresidentsonly/.

By clicking “apply,” you authorize and give your consent for NRCA to use the personal information you provided for future communications related to the recruitment and hiring process, both for current and future job openings (“Purpose”). You further certify that you are over 18 years of age. NRCA may be required to provide your contact information to third parties in order to perform the above Purpose. However, NRCA does not sell, rent, or lease your personal information to third parties.

Qualifications

Education

Required

  • Masters or better in Optical Sciences

Preferred

  • PHD or better in Optical Sciences

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

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