Optical Scientist Intern

Nikon Research Corporation of America

Company Summary: 

Nikon Research Corporation of America (NRCA) located in Belmont, CA and Tucson, AZ is a 70-person R&D subsidiary of Nikon, Japan.  Members of our Precision Mechatronics group design and build prototype systems to support Nikon’s Next Generation Project Division efforts to invent new products that will power Nikon’s future. Examples of the products we work on are metal 3D printers, precision measurement and robotics, industrial metrology tools, optical measurement equipment, and semiconductor lithography machines (wafer steppers). The engineering is challenging and fun, because with micron- and nanometer-level accuracy everything (e.g., mechanical stiffness, thermal expansion, actuator linearity, sensor accuracy, acoustic vibration, structural resonance) matters.  The work environment is great because we have the informality and flexibility of a small company, but the stability and resources of a big parent in Japan.

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
• 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 U.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/.

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