NRCA Optical Scientist Graduate-Level Intern

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.

Optical Scientist Graduate-Level Intern

Tucson, AZ

Intern, temporary contract (≈10 weeks)

$25–30 per hour, depending on experience

Flexible

Lab environment

None

NRCA is seeking a highly motivated and creative optical scientist Graduate-level 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.

• 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.

• Good understanding of geometrical and physical optics.
• Pursuing MS or PhD in Optics.
• Experience using optical design and modeling software such as FRED, ASAP, Light Tools, CODEV, Zemax, RSoft, etc.
• Good communication skills, particularly in the area of preparing and delivering presentations on a weekly to daily basis.

• 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.

• Ability to work safely in a lab or cleanroom environment.

• 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).

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.

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