About the role#
As a Coherent Optical Systems Intern, you will focus on receiver synchronization for wireless optical communication links. You will work across the lab bench and physical-layer simulation to evaluate how lasers, modulators, and analog electronics perform against system requirements. This role involves surveying available components, designing experiments to test them, and working toward stable closed-loop operation.
What you'll do#
- Screen commercially available lasers, modulators, and front-end electronics against system requirements.
- Measure component characteristics such as tuning response, wavelength stability, linewidth, bandwidth, and noise.
- Design and analyze feedback loops that track carrier phase and frequency.
- Validate control loops using transient, frequency-domain, and stability analysis.
- Extend end-to-end physical-layer simulation models and reconcile them against lab measurements.
- Assemble benchtop experiments to test components and achieve stable closed-loop operation.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optics, Communications, or a related field.
- Strong foundation in digital communications and signal processing, including modulation, detection, and spectral analysis.
- Hands-on lab experience with lasers, modulators, and high-speed test equipment like scopes, spectrum analyzers, and power meters.
- Experience with scientific Python, specifically NumPy and SciPy.
- Familiarity with control theory applied to hardware, including measuring open-loop responses and diagnosing oscillations or drift.
- Ability to commit to a 6-12 month internship.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship located in Sunnyvale, California.
- The role is hybrid, requiring at least 3 days per week in the office.
About Taara
Taara builds telecommunications infrastructure that uses beams of light to provide high-speed connectivity. The company originated at the Google moonshot factory known as X. It maintains a focus on optical wireless and free-space optical communications. Based in Sunnyvale, California, the firm employs 85 people and was founded in 2025.
How to get in at Taara
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