Spring 2026 Zemax Optics Intern

Requisition #: 16650 

Ansys is now a part of Synopsys. Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS) accelerates technology innovation from silicon to systems. Catalyzing the era of pervasive intelligence, we deliver design solutions, from electronic design automation to silicon IP, to system design and multiphysics simulation and analysis. We partner closely with our customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow. Learn more at www.synopsys.com.

Ansys offers a complete portfolio of tools for optics simulation, including industry-leading optical design software Zemax OpticStudio and photonic simulation software Lumerical. As an intern, you will work in a highly collaborative and dynamic team environment, helping the Ansys Optics Team develop next-generation simulation software while gaining real-world experience in your field of study. This internship will focus on the intersection of optical design,  machine learning, and optimization.  This full-time position at the Ansys Waterloo office starts in January 2026 and concludes in April 2026. This internship is a full remote internship with an optional flex opportunity in Waterloo, ON.  

Responsibilities

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

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 programming 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.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Technical knowledge and experience with optical engineering, including optical modeling, design, fabrication, testing, and/or building of optical systems.
• Experience in optical system design and analysis using commercial ray tracing software.
• Familiarity with 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 understand and communicate project overviews as well as in-depth details.

Rewards and Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and financial benefits to cater to your needs. Our total rewards include both monetary and non-monetary offerings. Your recruiter will provide more details about the salary range and benefits during the hiring process.

At Ansys, part of Synopsys, we want talented people of every background to feel valued and supported to do their best work. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, military veteran status, or disability.