Photonics Heterogeneous Integration & Optical Interconnects Co op in Rochester, New York at NY CREATES

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status

Position Title: Photonics Heterogeneous Integration & Optical Interconnects Co op

Location: Rochester, NY Category: Engineering Job Type: Internship Posted On: Tue Aug 11 2026 Job Description:

Position Summary, Photonics Heterogeneous Integration & optical Interconnects Co-op

This co-op will assist in the design, assembly, and test of the next generation of AIM Photonics TAP's heterogeneously integrated materials and optical interconnects, interfacing AIM's photonic integrated circuits to other optical components such as thin-film lithium niobate, lasers, and fiber optic cable. The student will assist in the design, fabrication, integration, and characterization of waveguides, photonic devices, micro-optics, and free space beams, including assisting with setup of deployment of needed equipment and processes. They will help create and update standard operating procedures and work instructions, support process qualifications, and assist with internal test vehicles and customer builds.

This is an opportunity for the student to obtain hands-on experience with cutting-edge photonics design, test, and packaging in a foundry environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate thin films and micro-optical elements into existing photonic integrated circuits using a variety of semiconductor assembly and metrology equipment including photolithography, chemistry benches, thin-film bonders, atomic force microscope, IR microscope, ellipsometer, etc.
• Test assembled chips with photonics test equipment such as electrical and optical probe stations, optomechanical systems, optical backscatter reflectometer, among others.
• Assist with the deployment of new equipment as needed.
• Assist with the development of thin film coupons, thin film devices, and micro-optics for PIC integration as needed, using internal test vehicles.
• Create and revise standard operating procedures and work instructions based on experience with the assembly equipment.
• Gain familiarity with the foundry model and assist with component development and design guides for the TAP assembly design kit.
• Assist with customer builds as needed.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications, Photonics Heterogeneous Integration & optical Interconnects Co-op

• Currently enrolled as a full-time student in a relevant undergraduate or graduate engineering program (microelectronics, mechanical, or materials) and has completed at least three years of their program if undergraduate.
• Must be available for at least 6 months of continuous, full-time employment.
• Basic understanding of photonics or optoelectronics concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

This position is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications, Photonics Heterogeneous Integration & optical Interconnects Co-op

• Previous experience with photonic integrated circuits or optoelectronics
• Previous experience with optical modeling software
• Previous experience working with an optics table and free space optics

Don't meet every requirement? At NY Creates we are dedicated to building a welcoming team. If you are excited about working for NY Creates but your experience doesn't exactly align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway, you might still be a perfect fit for this or another role.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Competitive Pay and PTO
• Flexible Heath Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
• Basic / Optional Life Insurance
• Post-Retirement Health Insurance
• Employer contribution of 7% of earnings to a Basic Retirement plan after meeting one year of service.
• Optional employee contributed retirement account.

Location: 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203

Salary Range: $25.00 per hour

*Posted salary rates are determined upon experience and education

Additional Information:

NOTE: Some positions require access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, or restricted programs where U.S. Government authorization may be required.

For positions requiring such access, offers of employment are contingent upon the employer being able to obtain the necessary authorization, including, if required, an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or other government agencies. The decision to pursue an export license application is at The Research Foundation for SUNY's sole discretion. Proof of status may be required prior to employment in connection with necessary authorizations.

Employment is with the Research Foundation for SUNY. The Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply please call Human Resources at 518-437-8686.