Intern, Laser Application Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated hands on fast learning contributor to join our Laser Applications team for Summer of 2026. In this role you will gain hand-on experience in the use of lasers for materials processing applications learn where and how lasers enable a wide range of products and functions you use every day and interact with industry professionals and real-world end user customers who implement lasers in a wide range of manufacturing applications.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Investigation of laser-material interactions to understand and develop process parameters to achieve various types of laser-based manufacturing
• Setting up laser materials processing stations or changing and re-aligning optics in existing stations
• Programming motion stages and laser scanners as well as laser output parameters to set up applications trials
• Design of Experiment to explore complex multi-variable processing parameter spaces
• Analysis of results by microscopy mechanical and electrical testing
• Documenting experiments completed and organizing learnings to present to a broader team
• Interactions with customers and coworkers to discuss application results

Education & Experience

• Education Level Required: Bachelors / Masters / PhD Candidate
• Majors: Optics and Photonics Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Materials Science Physics Engineering/Applied Physics Chemistry or similar relevant fields
• Relevant coursework or extracurricular experience in lasers and optics is a plus.
• Open to currently enrolled students or those who have graduated within one year of the internship start date.

Skills & Other Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Team-oriented but able to work independently when needed.
• Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail and time management.
• Imaginative & open can come up with and consider new or unique solutions and approaches to problems; open to considering and trying others new or unique ideas or solutions.
• Working knowledge of tooling fixturing mechanical alignment mechanical design software and mechanical machining techniques is a plus
• Experience operating lasers especially with galvanometer scanners for materials processing is a plus
• Experience in light material interactions glass science or glass chemistry is a plus
• Experience designing and aligning optics and optical beam paths is a plus

Additional Information

• Internship Duration: 10 14 weeks.
• At Coherent interns are valued members of our team and have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions from day addition to hands-on project experience our internship program includes opportunities to connect with fellow interns and colleagues across the organization through virtual and in-person networking events team-building activities and more. Interns are expected to actively participate in these events as part of their professional development and to fully immerse themselves in our collaborative and innovative culture.

Working Conditions

• This role will be based on-site in Santa Clara CA
• Regular use of a computer and other office equipment is necessary.
• Exposure to light dust noise from equipment and a general laboratory environment
• Required to wear personal protective equipment such as laser safety goggles dust masks protective gloves as needed
• Potential for need to work with chemicals used for etching cleaning or otherwise preparing samples

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods while working on a computer or in meetings.
• Use of hands and fingers for typing writing and handling documents.
• Occasional lifting of objects or materials up to 20 pounds for administrative tasks.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Add more if necessary

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to companys values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex gender identity sexual orientation race color religion national origin disability protected Veteran status age or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact us at

ABOUT US

Coherent is a global leader in lasers engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial optical communications military life sciences semiconductor equipment and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. Its an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability longevity and growth. Come Join Us!

Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance in writing for a specific opening.