Optics Intern

Overview 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. Were 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.

Were 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 isnt aligned and characterized correctly nothing downstream works.

Youll 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 youll own a problem we havent solved yet. Once the system is transported to the test site alignment may shift. Youll design the procedure that brings it back.

This internship supports our program under a Department of War (DoW) energy investment program. Youll work alongside our optics and hardware engineers and your alignment data will feed directly into hardware decisions we make.

• Align the beacon laser within its emitter and verify pointing outside the emitter aperture

• Characterize laser output - power beam profile divergence and pointing stability - and document the results

• Co-align the beacon laser with the observational telescope and verify boresight

• Design a repeatable field alignment procedure that corrects misalignment introduced during transport and installation at the DoW site

• Write that procedure so a non-optics operator can execute it then validate it hands-on before delivery

• Maintain clean alignment and characterization records and feed findings back to the engineering team

• Currently enrolled in a bachelors or masters program in optics optical engineering physics or a closely related field

• Coursework or lab experience with optical alignment: mounts mirrors lenses and beam paths

• Willingness to complete laser safety training and follow protocol without exception

• Careful documentation habits - alignment work is only useful if its repeatable by someone else

• Able to commit approximately 10 hours per week from September 2026 through March 2027 on-site in Northern Virginia

• Hands-on use of beam profilers power meters autocollimators or shear plates

• Telescope operation or astronomical instrumentation experience

• Zemax OpticStudio Quadoa Code V or comparable optical design and analysis software

• Experience writing test or alignment procedures that other people have actually followed

• Demonstrated interest in defense space or energy applications

This 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.

Youll 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.

This 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.

Overview 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

Research 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 dont check every box.

Required Experience:

Intern