GRIP Optics Internships | Georgia Tech Research Institute

The Georgia Research Internship Program (GRIP) at GTRI offers dynamic, hands-on experiences in cutting-edge optics research. Our interns work side-by-side with world-class engineers and scientists to push the boundaries of what’s possible in imaging, data processing, optical instrumentation, and measurement technologies. If you’re eager to apply your classroom knowledge to real-world projects and develop the skills to excel in the optics industry, this is your opportunity.

Please check the website for full project details, application instructions, and a FAQ.

https://grip.gtri.gatech.edu/ 

Internship Details:

• Students apply to 3 projects and are interviewed by project mentors. A ranked choice matchmaking algorithm makes the final selection.
• Preferred timeline is May 27, 2025 through August 1, 2025 but this is flexible to accommodate individual needs'.
• 40 hours per week; $20+ per hour.
• Graduate students now being accepted. All undergraduate majors considered. Rising 3rd and 4th year, preferred.
• Most of our positions conduct research for the US federal government and by contract are required to be US Citizens.

Deadline:
Applications must be received by Monday, January 10th

Project Details:

Each summer we host about 75 students to work on 25 projects which are open to applications.  You are welcome and encouraged to apply to any of the 25 GRIP projects that interest you. Listed below are 3 of the projects in our Electro-Optical Systems Lab specifically seeking optical engineering students. Students for these particular projects will share a space with several other summer interns to facilitate networking and shared experiences within our lab.

• Speed of Light Optical Computing Systems
  
  • This GRIP seeks to open novel potential at GTRI by using optical computing practices - using purely optics to perform high level computations such as encryption - to enable next gen optical comms. Students have these tasks:
    

1. 1. 1. Create a novel simulator and optimizer to design optical encoders/decoders that learn new ways to encrypt FSOC information during transmission (such as in a highly abstracted and pseudo-randomized phase keying).
      2. Investigate how to best integrate off-the-shelf linear and nonlinear optics to create systems that balance size, weight, power and efficiency of the end platform.
      3. Design a novel prototyping tabletop platform that will enable the rapid prototyping of optical computers in a controlled environment. Stretch goals will perform fundamental studies on how introducing factors such as optical turbulence, noise and simulated eavesdropper attacks affect this optimization and reoptimize performance to mitigate these factors.

• Optical System Engineering for Event-Based LiDAR
  
  • Prototype a remote sensing system for terrain mapping or drone tracking by integrating an event-based camera with a novel rangefinding technology as an alternative to traditional lidar.
  • Students will develop skills in optical engineering, computational imaging, signal processing, software development, and hardware prototyping through hands-on experience.
  • Expected deliverables include a demonstration of tracking or mapping capabilities, technical documentation, developed software algorithms, and a final poster presentation.
• Robotic Goniometer System for Characterizing Directional Spectral Reflectance of Spacecraft Materials
  • Developing a robotic system to characterize the reflectance of materials for scientific applications and machine learning applications.
  • In this internship, students will develop the initial prototype for GTRI's automated robotic spectral goniometer. This goniometer system will consist of a solar-simulator to illuminate samples, a spectroradiometer to measure multi-spectral reflectance, and rotation stages to orient samples along the full hemisphere of reflectance.
  • Students will perform initial design of numerous hardware and software components, including: a system to house all components, a motor controller system to angularly rotate the sample relative to the sensor, automation software to coherently rotate all components during a measurement sequence, and an automated system to record reflectance measurements.

Why Join Us?

Take classroom concepts into the lab and tackle complex engineering challenges for Real World Experience.

Gain Mentorship from our leading researchers who will guide you through your project and provide feedback and career insights.

Develop valuable skills—like data analysis, problem-solving, and collaborative communication— for Professional Growth that will set you apart.

Be part of a team that puts Innovation at the Forefront to actively create our futures.