Spring 2026 Zemax Optics Intern

Job Title: Spring 2026 Zemax Optics Intern (MS/PHD)

We Are: Drive technology innovations that shape the way we live and connect. Our technology drives the Era of Pervasive Intelligence, where smart tech and AI are seamlessly woven into daily life. From self-driving cars and health-monitoring smartwatches to renewable energy systems that efficiently distribute clean power, Synopsys creates high-performance silicon chips that help build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world.

Internship Experience: At Synopsys, interns dive into real-world projects, gaining hands-on experience while collaborating with our passionate teams worldwide—and having fun in the process! You'll have the freedom to share your ideas, unleash your creativity, and explore your interests. This is your opportunity to bring your solutions to life and work with cutting-edge technology that shapes not only the future of innovation but also your own career path. Join us and start shaping your future today!

Mission Statement: Our mission is to fuel today’s innovations and spark tomorrow’s creativity. Together, we embrace a growth mindset, empower one another, and collaborate to achieve our shared goals. Every day, we live by our values of Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, and Passion, fostering an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive—both at work and beyond.

Key Program Facts:

• Program Length: 4 months
• Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
• Working Model: Hybrid (2-3 days/week in-office)
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time (40 hours/week)
• Start Date: Spring 2026 (January to April 2026)

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Create and test numerical models to improve existing software functionality and add new capabilities.
• Develop and apply machine learning models to analyze and predict optical phenomena based on simulation datasets.
• Collaborate with team members to integrate machine learning techniques with traditional computational physics methods (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations, geometric ray tracing).
• Analyze and enhance software functionality using Zemax OpticStudio Application Programming Interface (ZOS-API) with C++/C#, Python, or MATLAB.
• Identify and propose improvements to the performance and functionality of Zemax OpticStudio through active software use.

What You’ll Need:

• Pursuing a Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field, with a focus on optics and machine learning.
• Passion for optics and optical design research and development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Programming experience with C++, Python, or similar languages.
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Jax.
• Experience using Zemax OpticStudio or similar optical design software.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

Nice To Have:

• Technical knowledge and experience in optical engineering, including modeling, design, fabrication, testing, and/or building of optical systems.
• Experience in optical system design and analysis using commercial ray tracing software.
• Familiarity with advanced machine learning techniques such as deep learning, hyperparameter tuning, and differentiable programming.
• Experience simulating nanophotonic devices with FDTD, FDFD, RCWA, or other full-wave solvers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate both project overviews and detailed technical concepts.

Salary Information:

The base salary range across Canada for this role is between $30.00-$38.00 CAD per hour. The actual compensation offered will be based on a number of job-related factors, including location, skills, experience, and education. Your recruiter can share more specific details upon request.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Synopsys is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, regardless of age, color, family or medical leave, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, race and ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local laws. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please reach out to us.