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INTERN - Advanced Optics Intern - Summer 2026 (Huntsville, AL)

Feb. 23, 2026

Contact the hiring manager directly with questions at zachary.coppens@cfd-research.com 
Apply here: INTERN - Advanced Optics Intern - Summer 2026 (Huntsville, AL) | CFD Research Corporation | LinkedIn

 

About CFD Research: Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services. CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Advanced Optics Intern - Huntsville, AL (Summer 2026) 

CFD Research is looking to fill our intern class for the Summer of 2026. The program runs 8-10 weeks over the summer and has flexible start and finish dates based on candidate's availability (typically mid-May to August). 

About the Team:

CFD Research’s Advanced Optics group is developing next-generation imaging and sensing technologies enabled by metasurface and diffractive optics. Our team specializes in developing advanced optical concepts from research into field-ready systems for defense, space, and commercial applications. We are seeking a highly motivated Optical Engineering Intern to support ongoing research and development efforts during Summer 2026. This role provides the opportunity to work alongside leading experts in nanostructured optical materials while gaining hands-on engineering experience spanning optical system design to prototype testing.

What You’ll Do

  • Support the design and modeling of advanced optical systems incorporating metasurface, diffractive, and/or refractive elements
  • Participate in laboratory assembly, alignment, and experimental validation of optical hardware
  • Collect, process, and analyze experimental data to evaluate system behavior
  • Document technical results and present findings to the team

What You’ll Gain

  • Exposure to applied optical R&D in a fast-moving engineering environment
  • Hands-on experience with imaging and sensing hardware
  • Expert knowledge and insights on metamaterials and their applications in optics
  • Mentorship from experienced optical engineers and scientists

Qualifications

  • Student must be pursuing a degree (Graduate or Undergraduate) in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
  • Good analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Solid verbal and written communication skills
  • Understanding of basic optics concepts
  • Familiarity with a programming language (MATLAB/Python/C++) preferred
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen and be eligible to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • Internship requires students to be available to work onsite in Huntsville, AL

 

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories